Apple is starting its self-service repair program in France, as well as in seven other European countries.
This is the first expansion outside the United States of this service since Apple launched it in April 2022. The apple brand offers its customers repair manuals, genuine parts and tools to repair their own iPhone. Please note that this service does not apply to the brand’s latest models, the iPhone 14.
“Customers who wish to perform their own repairs will be able to perform many of the most common repairs for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, as well as Apple silicon-based Mac notebooks,” notes Apple in a press release.
Self-service repair service won’t be for everyone
Apple parts, tools, and manuals can be obtained from the third-party Self Service Repair Store. It is open to customers from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The self-service repair service will not be suitable for everyone, as it is aimed at people with experience in repairing electronic devices. But at least this category of customers has the opportunity to carry out repairs on their own with genuine Apple parts.
Also, replacing a battery without destroying other parts can be tricky without specialized equipment. This is one of the findings of iFixit repairers, who however rank the iPhone 14 as the most repairable iPhone in years.
The iPhone 12 battery pack costs €75
The iPhone 12 battery pack, for example, costs €75 and includes the battery, screw kit, screen adhesives and security screws. After the repairs are completed, the customer should contact Apple’s Parts Supply Service operator to initiate a system configuration.
But, to have the battery of an iPhone 12 replaced by Apple, it takes 70 €. Customers therefore have more choices, but in this case, they do not save money by DIY. With AppleCare+, and if the battery contains less than 80% of its original capacity, the replacement is free.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, points out that Apple designs its products to be “durable and rarely require maintenance or repair.”
“8 out of 10 Apple customers are within 30 minutes of an authorized service provider”
“But when a repair is needed, we want customers to have many options for a safe, reliable and secure repair. That’s why we’re excited to launch the Self-Service Repair Service in Europe, giving our customers direct access to genuine Apple parts, tools and manuals. »
Apple notes that the Self Service Repair Store is part of its efforts to “further expand access to repairs and increase product repairability over time.” Beyond giving customers direct access, it’s also about bringing independent, Apple-authorized service providers closer to customers.
Apple says it has nearly doubled the number of service centers with access to genuine Apple parts, tools and training, including 4,000 independent service providers. It also has a global network of 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers, which includes 100,000 technicians.
“As a result, eight out of ten Apple customers are within 30 minutes of an authorized service provider across Europe,” Apple notes.
Source: ZDNet.com