Apple promises to supply more repair shops with iPhone spare parts
Apple announces an independent repair program that provides independent repair shops with spare parts and repair tools for the iPhone. Broken iPhones that are no longer under warranty could be repaired more easily.
Apple promises that repair shops small and large will receive virtually the same status under the program as Apple Authorized Service Providers. They get the same spare parts, tools, training materials and diagnostic tools from the manufacturer to repair iPhones, at the same prices.
The independent repair program currently only applies to smartphones and Apple will only start with it in the US, but the plan is to expand it to more countries. The launch follows a test with twenty independent repairers worldwide, including Europe.
Participation in the program is free, but companies that want to be eligible must meet a number of requirements. For example, they cannot be home repair shops, parts suppliers or distributors and they must employ a certified Apple technician. Those employees have to pass an exam to obtain such a certificate.
It only concerns the repair of iPhones that are no longer under warranty. Devices under warranty should be repaired by users at a Genius Bar at the Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider or AASP. Such an AASP is an Apple-authorized service provider that repairs Apple products and receives support from Apple. In total, there are five thousand such AASPs worldwide.
Apple has been criticized for the obstacles the company poses for third parties to repair its products. For example, the company in the past sued a Norwegian repairer because that company imported and used refurbished screens from a third party. Apple spoke of infringement of its trademark right because the Apple logo was on parts and was scratched through. Apple lost that case.