Apple today announced a press release announced a new program that will benefit independent repair shops. They will have access to original parts, tools, instructions and much more.
Specifically, the "Independent Repair Provider Program" is about Apple granting independent repair shops permission to repair iPhone devices outside of the warranty period. Cupertino wants to support this by providing original parts, repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and more. The program allows independent repair shops to offer out-of-warranty services for iPhones – such as display and battery replacements. In connection with the announcement, Apple has issued a Area provided on their own website. All information can be viewed there and applications can be submitted.
It is not quite that simple
To qualify, these repair shops must be a registered company and submit valid documents to Apple for verification. In addition, these shops must have at least one Apple-certified technician who can then carry out such repairs on iPhone devices outside of the warranty period. Apple emphasizes that there is no cost to participate in this project and underlines that meeting the requirements is no guarantee of acceptance into the new program. Apple COO Jeff Williams commented on this as follows:
"To better meet our customers' needs, we're making it easier for independent providers in the U.S. to access the same resources as our Apple Authorized Service Provider network. When a repair is needed, a customer should have confidence that the repair will be done right. We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one performed by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested."
In recent years, there have been repeated disputes between Apple and "right to repair" advocates. Although the new program only applies outside of the warranty period, it's a step in the right direction. Once the program is launched in the US, Apple will expand it to other countries. Prime Video | Watch movies & series now on Amazon
