Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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Apple to Allow Independent Repair Shops to Service Out-of-Warranty iPhones With Genuine Parts
Apple today announced it is launching a new Independent Repair Provider Program that will provide independent repair businesses with the same Apple genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals, and diagnostics as Apple Authorized Service Providers, starting in the United States.
The program will only allow independent repair shops to offer out-of-warranty service for iPhones, such as display and battery replacements, with no mention of in-warranty repairs or other devices at this time. Apple has set up a new page on its website where businesses can learn more and apply.
To qualify, repair shops must be an established business with verification documents available for review by Apple, must be in a commercially zoned area, and must have an Apple-certified technician on staff to perform the out-of-warranty iPhone repairs when using genuine parts. There is no cost to join the program.
Apple also says that meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, and it reserves the right to reject any application without comment, so we'll have to see how flexible the company chooses to be.
Apple COO Jeff Williams:
While limited to out-of-warranty iPhone repairs for now, this can certainly be viewed as a step in the right direction for Right to Repair advocates.
The program will only allow independent repair shops to offer out-of-warranty service for iPhones, such as display and battery replacements, with no mention of in-warranty repairs or other devices at this time. Apple has set up a new page on its website where businesses can learn more and apply.
To qualify, repair shops must be an established business with verification documents available for review by Apple, must be in a commercially zoned area, and must have an Apple-certified technician on staff to perform the out-of-warranty iPhone repairs when using genuine parts. There is no cost to join the program.
Apple also says that meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, and it reserves the right to reject any application without comment, so we'll have to see how flexible the company chooses to be.
Apple COO Jeff Williams:
To better meet our customers' needs, we're making it easier for independent providers across the US to tap into the same resources as our Apple Authorized Service Provider network. When a repair is needed, a customer should have confidence the repair is done right. We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested.Over the past year, Apple says it launched a pilot with 20 independent repair businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia who are currently offering genuine parts for repairs. Apple plans to expand the program to other countries over time.
While limited to out-of-warranty iPhone repairs for now, this can certainly be viewed as a step in the right direction for Right to Repair advocates.
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Top Rated Comments
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3 weeks ago
10/10 louis rossmann won't be accepted LOL, too much beef between him and apple
3 weeks ago
*slow clap*
We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...
We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...
3 weeks ago
This is the work of the devil! Only Apple employees should be allowed to repair Apple devices, even if it costs ten times more! They shouldn’t be giving their secret documents to random hobos in the street!
3 weeks ago
Sounds no different than going to a regular authorised repair location, Louis for example won't be able to replace caps and what not on a board, they will still want one to replace the entire mainboard. It might sound like a good thing, that it allows more access to more folks, but it doesn't seem any different. Guess gotta wait to see how it pans out.
3 weeks ago
*slow clap*
We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...
Yeah funny how Apple only does things once faced with strong legal action...
I also wonder if they will only supply parts once people have gone though Apple certified training, which will cost a lot and force the repair shops to increase prices anyway?
Still a step in the right direction..
You’re going to have to look harder for something to complain about.
PS and maybe read the article before rushing to comment—the certification is free.
3 weeks ago
You’d think Apple would have stronger convictions about their original decisions and statements.
What about sending OEM parts to businesses with an apple-certified technician contradicts their original decisions and statements?
3 weeks ago
Does this mean they can replace batteries and it'll register correctly on the device?
3 weeks ago
10/10 louis rossmann won't be accepted LOL, too much beef between him and apple
I was just thinking the same thing! Waiting for his video on YouTube now!
3 weeks ago
The argument that Apple is doing whatever they can to get you to buy a new phone every year really doesn't seem to hold up when they create a free program businesses can join that makes getting an out-of-warranty repair much easier.
3 weeks ago
You’d think Apple would have stronger convictions about their original decisions and statements.
What did Apple have to lose? Apple doesn't have the staff to actually repair the number of devices that require service. Their stores are crowded as it is with customers needing service on new devices.
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