Apple Expands Self-Service Repair Program, Adds iPhone 15 and More Products
A Shift in Apple’s Policy
When it launched last April, Self Service Repair marked a significant shift for Apple. The company’s longtime policy of deferring to in-house "Geniuses" had softened, as the right-to-repair momentum had been building among users and legislators alike.
The program, which includes online instructions, parts, and rentable tools, arrived with support for the iPhone 12, 13, and third-gen SE. Over the following year, Apple added the iPhone 14 and select M1 and M2 Macs into the mix.
Expansion of Self-Service Repair Program
Apple today announced the addition of the iPhone 15 to the mix, along with the M2 versions of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. The service now includes a total of 35 products.
International Expansion
After its U.S. launch, Self Service Repair has also steadily added additional countries into the mix. Two-dozen European countries were recently added, including Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland, bringing the grand total up to 33.
New Diagnostics Tool
Today’s announcement also finds Apple releasing a new diagnostics tool. "Intended for users with the knowledge and expertise to repair Apple devices," it notes, "Apple Diagnostics troubleshooting sessions will give customers the same ability as Apple Authorized Service Providers and Independent Repair Providers to test devices for optimal part functionality and performance, as well as identify which parts may need repair."
Limitations of Self-Service Repair
For the time being, repairs are limited to the iPhone and Mac lines. Apple hasn’t disclosed any plans to extend the offering to additional offerings, though smaller products like AirPods and the Apple Watch present an added level of difficulty for novice repairers.
The company has, however, begun discussing efforts to make its devices easier to repair, including a bit of stage time at September’s iPhone launch.
Competition in Right-to-Repair Movement
Apple is not alone in these expanding efforts. Both Google and Samsung have introduced similar programs, while companies like Framework have made user-repairability the central feature of their offerings.
Impact on the Industry
The right-to-repair movement has been gaining momentum, with users demanding more control over their devices. Apple’s expansion of Self-Service Repair is a significant step in this direction. However, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in reducing electronic waste and empowering consumers.
Conclusion
Apple’s shift towards self-service repair is a significant development in the tech industry. As the company continues to expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new program. With more devices available for repair, Apple is taking a step towards increased transparency and user control over their devices.
What’s Next?
As the right-to-repair movement gains momentum, we can expect other companies to follow suit. Google and Samsung have already introduced similar programs, and it will be interesting to see how they evolve in the coming years.
With the expansion of Self-Service Repair, Apple is taking a significant step towards empowering users. As the company continues to innovate, it will be fascinating to see how these efforts impact the industry as a whole.
FAQs
- Q: What products are currently supported by Self-Service Repair?
A: The service now includes 35 products, including iPhone 15 and select M1 and M2 Macs. - Q: Are there any plans to extend the offering to additional offerings?
A: Apple hasn’t disclosed any plans to extend the program beyond the iPhone and Mac lines. - Q: What is the new diagnostics tool, and how will it work?
A: The diagnostic tool will allow users to test devices for optimal part functionality and performance, as well as identify which parts may need repair.
Timeline of Self-Service Repair Expansion
- April 2023: Self Service Repair program launches with support for iPhone 12, 13, and third-gen SE.
- September 2024: Apple adds iPhone 14 and select M1 and M2 Macs to the mix.
- Present day: Apple announces addition of iPhone 15 and more products.
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