Apple’s Self-Repair Program: Empowering Users and Promoting Sustainability

Apple has recently announced a major change in its iPhone repair policy, making it more accessible to users by offering select used parts for certain models. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and user empowerment. The new program allows competent users or independent third parties to carry out the repairs, while Apple will verify the authenticity of parts and maintain a record of hardware history for each device.

In addition to biometric sensors for Face ID and Touch ID, among the initial components available are batteries, displays, and cameras. Apple will now store a comprehensive repair history for each device, indicating whether new or second-hand parts were used. To streamline the repair process, serial numbers will no longer be required when ordering parts except for motherboard replacements.

The self-repair program was initially launched in the United States in 2022 and has since expanded to several other countries globally. As of April 11, the program now supports 40 Apple products in 33 countries and territories. This change in policy comes at a time when regulators in key markets have voiced concerns over device manufacturers’ repair practices and the mounting issue of e-waste. Other manufacturers like Samsung and Google have also introduced similar repair initiatives as part of a broader trend towards extending the lifespan of devices and promoting more sustainable and consumer-centric practices.