Apple's Parts Store for Do-It-Yourself Repairs Will Be Operated By a Third Party

Last week, Apple announced a new self-service repair program that will provide customers with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and manuals for completing their own repairs of select devices, starting with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups and later Macs with M1 chips. Apple said the program will be available starting early next year in the United States and expand to additional countries throughout 2022.

apple self service repair text
In an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, Apple provided a few more details about the program, including that repair manuals will be made available on the Apple Support website, confirming the location of where customers will be able to review this information prior to ordering parts for a self-service repair.

Apple's memo also said that its online parts store will be operated by an unspecified third party. While no official reason was provided, it would certainly be logistically easier for Apple to outsource shipping and receiving of parts to and from customers. A similar system is already in place for Apple Authorized Service Providers.

When announcing the program last week, Apple said self-service repairs are intended for "individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices," adding that the initial phase of the program will focus on common repairs, such as replacing an iPhone's display, battery, or camera.

Apple's self-service repair program announcement has received praise from supporters of the "Right to Repair" movement, but there are still some question marks. In its memo, Apple said more details will be shared as the program's launch approaches.

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Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
44 months ago
Apple should partner with ifixit. They always have the infrastructure in place to sell parts and tools and are a trusted member of the DIY repair world.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
44 months ago
Why not partner up with iFixit?

Who knows how much these little parts are going to costs.

iFixit already sells the tools and stuff. Why waste the time, Apple?

https://www.ifixit.com/Store/iPhone?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2050708251&gclid=CjwKCAiAnO2MBhApEiwA8q0HYTXgsSnWj3msis7M5octaOJc4YWP0-kwEZd7DecsFUTkkn-MeN-6RRoCH2gQAvD_BwE



Attachment Image
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheOldChevy Avatar
44 months ago

Forget the manual. We want repair videos, please. Step by step.
I may be a bit old fashion, but I by far prefer a good manual to most repair videos.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TriBruin Avatar
44 months ago

Ahh yes, the box of "SAND", crucial for all iPhone repairs.

Hopefully that's supposed to be sandpaper or something.
Nope, when working with Li-Ion batteries, the potential for a "thermal event" (i.e. fire) is a possibility. You need to pour sand on the battery to stop the event. Water does not work.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
44 months ago
Forget the manual. We want repair videos, please. Step by step.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rpmurray Avatar
44 months ago

Apple's memo also said that its online parts store will be operated by an unspecified third party.
I guess this is to give Apple deniability and someone to throw under the bus once we find out what the onerous terms are.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)