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Ten Facts About Apple New Self Service Repair Program

December 14, 2021 *

Earlier this month, Apple announced Self Service Repair. The service will provide parts, tools, and manuals to consumers, and it's big news. With that, there's plenty to take in. Here are ten key facts about the program that you need to know.

Fact #1: iPhone Owners Can Now Repair Their Own Phones

It's a day that many thought would never come. However, it has, and now iPhone owners can freely repair their own handsets as they wish, starting in early 2022. As a result, eligible customers with faulty or otherwise broken iPhones will be able to order genuine parts and tools straight from the manufacturer to carry out their own repairs.

Fact #2: Only iPhone 12 and 13 Owners

Unfortunately, Self Service Repair only extends to the latest iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models. So Apple customers with older handsets won't benefit. Instead, Apple users with models iPhone 11 and earlier will need to rely on other means of repair, including visiting Apple's Genius Bars.

Fact #3: Apple Self Service Repair Customers Need to Be Tech-Savvy

Apple has made it clear that Self Service Repair is strictly for more tech-savvy customers. The manufacturer takes no responsibility for what happens when individual consumers look to carry out their own repairs, even with genuine Apple parts and tools. For example, if a consumer attempts to self-repair the phone and damages it during the process, Apple will not replace the device.

Accordingly, the service caters purely to those confident that they know what they're doing. Those who aren’t confident in their abilities should stick to traditional repairs.

Fact #4: Self Service Repair for Mac Is Coming Soon

Apple announced that Self Service Repair support for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models is only the first in a series of repair options. Next, they will release provisions for Mac owners. However, we’re not sure when Apple will release the option for at-home Mac repairs. For now, Apple has simply pointed toward dates early next year for iPhones and Macs alike.

Fact #5: Repair Options Only for M1-Powered Macs

Apple has placed similar restrictions for which Macs qualify for the program. Only those with the latest M1 processors will be eligible. Like the owners of iPhone 11s and earlier, Apple customers with older Macs running on Intel chips won't benefit from the Self Service Repair program.

Fact #6: Outsider Access Is Not Strictly New

Outsider access to official Apple parts, tools, and manuals is nothing new. Right now, over 7,800 Apple Authorized Service Providers and Independent Repair Providers can already freely order from the manufacturer's coveted spare parts catalog. Yet, with Self Service Repair, it's the first time that strictly end-users have been allowed to do the same.

To begin with, individual customers will have limited access to the display, battery, and camera parts. However, in due course, Apple looks likely to expand this to the full complement of parts, tools, and manuals currently available to existing authorized professionals.

Fact #7: International Provisions Will Launch Later in 2022

Self Service Repair will launch early next year exclusively to U.S. residents. After that, however, Apple plans to expand. Apple has plans to roll out the program to overseas customers by the end of 2022, though.

Fact #8: Official Repair Manuals Will Be Central to Apple Self Service Repair

Apple will provide official Repair Manuals to guide consumers. These official Repair Manuals are not to be confused with the manufacturer's standard Manuals. From there, Self Service Repair customers will head to the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store to order the necessary items. Apple Wallets at the ready!

Fact #9: Other Options Will Remain Available

Thankfully, there are still other options available. Not all customers will feel comfortable fixing their own devices, regardless of whether they have the Repair Manual’s help.

Customers will still have access to repairs through their extended warranty. For example, customers with AppleCare+, Apple customers have access to two repair claims every 12 months. However, because AppleCare+ limits the number of claims customers can make, some customers may feel confined.

A better option is to purchase your extended iPhone warranty from Upsie. Upsie a subscription warranty that costs just $9.99 per month. In addition, Upsie’s warranties provide coverage for accidental damage, early wear, and manufacturing defects. With Upsie, customers even have access to the Genius Bar for fast, local repairs.

Fact #10: Credit Offered for Returned Used Parts

Finally, Apple has said that it'll grant store credit to Self Service Repair customers willing to return their faulty parts for recycling. Apple hasn’t revealed yet how much each part will cost. However, credit granted for returned parts should go some way toward helping to cover the repair costs.