Apple has announced that from next year, customers will be able to order iPhone parts and repair instructions so they can fix their own cell phones.
The new Self Service Repair Scheme marks a monumental shift in the tech giant's attitude to home repairs, which they have historically prevented and claimed to be dangerous for the device and user.
But from next year, they'll be taking the first step towards helping customers do just this by releasing over 200 parts and tools.
"Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022,” the iPhone manufacturers said in a press release.
They also explained that parts and instructions will be "available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips."
The initial focus will be on providing parts and instructions to fix screens, batteries, and cameras, but this will expand next year.
Customers will be able to order replacement parts and tools from a new Self Service Repair Online Store, also set to be launched by Apple in 2022. There will also be the chance to earn credit towards your purchase by returning used parts for recycling.
"Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed," said Apple's chief operating officer Jeff Williams in the press release.
“In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
The announcement is something of a U-turn for Apple, which has long sought to retain a repair monopoly on their products. In 2019 their Vice President of Corporate Law told congress that at-home repairs could result in injury. They also initially disabled Face ID on iPhone 13s with independently repaired screens.
Very few phone manufacturers sell parts and tools for at-home repairs. While it may seem like good news, Apple's announcement has been met with cynicism by many on social media.
"Can’t wait for ppl to do their own repairs then the settings app and Face ID not work," commented one person.
"Apple is going to push this hard and cheap so repair stores close down, then pull the program so you have to go back to the Genius Bar," tweeted another.
