Apple is taking a big step toward the “right to repair” by selling iPhone parts and tools directly to consumers.
The company announced its “Self Service Repair” initiative, allowing users to access Apple parts and tools directly. Starting in 2022, customers can buy various components for the iPhone 12 and 13, followed by Macs and M1 Chips. Each order will come with DIY instructions so users can make the repairs themselves.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, in a press statement. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
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Apple said the program would allow “individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices” while encouraging most people to go to professionals for repairs.
Apple has historically resisted the right-to-repair movement, making it increasingly difficult to fix its devices. In many cases, attempts to access the internal parts of an iPhone or iPad left the device irreversibly damaged.
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In May, the Federal Trade Commission issued a report that found many mobile devices were intentionally designed to make repairs difficult and encouraged legislators to pass right-to-repair laws.
President Joe Biden issued an order in July calling for the FTC to draft new rules that would stop manufacturers from limiting a customer’s ability to repair their own devices.
