Apple will expand its Self-Service Repair and Independent Repair Provider programs in the United States, making required parts, tools, and documentation for product repairs available to repair shops and consumers around the nation.
The news comes from a White House announcement (shared by Reuters) as part of an event focused on right-to-repair policies. The White House is pushing a nationwide right-to-repair law, which Apple is supporting.
Apple in August sent a letter supporting right-to-repair legislation that was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The new law requires companies to provide customers with the tools to diagnose and repair consumer electronics and appliances.
The Cupertino firm had previously fought against Right to Repair legislation in the state. However, Apple threw its weight behind this California bill, as it requires service and repair facilities that are not authorized repair providers to disclose whether they’re using replacement parts that are not from the device manufacturer, which would prevent Apple repair stores from using non-Apple parts without making that explicitly clear. As legitimate repair parts must come from Apple, the repair law in California is to Apple’s benefit.
The law doesn’t require manufacturers to make available tools, parts, and documentation for any component that would disable or override antitheft security measures, which includes Apple features like Touch ID and Face ID.
Apple in April 2022 launched a Self Service Repair program for iPhones and Macs, providing repair kits, repair manuals, and components to customers. Apple also offers repair programs for independent repair shops, including the Apple Authorized Service Provider option and the Independent Repair Provider program.
