Apple opened its online store for self-repair on Wednesday, as the “right to repair” movement put pressure on U.S. regulators to demand more control over their products.
The new program, announced in November, will provide more than 200 parts and tools that customers can use to repair the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and third-generation iPhone SE. According to Apple, customers will be able to use the new tool to repair features like the display, battery and camera. These parts cost the same and the same as those available to Apple Authorized Repair Providers.
Apple said the program will also include manuals, parts and tools for repairing certain Macs later this year.
It launched in the US first, but will expand to other countries starting in Europe later this year.
If customers don’t want to buy tools outright, they can rent a week’s worth of tools for $49 with free shipping. In some cases, customers can also earn points for returning replacement parts for recycling.
Despite opening up the program, Apple said in its blog post that for “the vast majority of customers who have no experience repairing electronic devices,” visiting a certified technician with genuine Apple parts remains “the safest and most reliable way to go.” maintenance method”. “
Right-to-repair advocates argue that manufacturers like Apple should offer a wider range of repair parts and manuals so customers aren’t locked into a select group of authorized repair shops. Apple has previously warned about possible safety or performance issues with third-party parts or unauthorized repairs.
Now, under the direction of the Biden administration, federal regulators are evaluating the right to repair and whether new rules should be created to protect customers. In an executive order, the president directed the FTC to consider creating rules to prevent “unfair and anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repairs or self-repair of items.” In July, the agency voted unanimously to tighten enforcement of maintenance restrictions.
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WATCH: Apple’s new repair policy is a good step in ‘right to repair’ — but it’s just one small step