Apple will allow users to fix their own iPhones

Apple will begin allowing its users to fix their own devices, an unexpected concession from the tech giant, known for its very closed ecosystem in terms of hardware and software, was announced on Wednesday.

The online store, dubbed “Self Service Repair”, will purchase more than 200 replacement parts and tools useful for the most common problems with the latest iPhone models (12 and 13), such as defective batteries or screens, according to a statement.

The apple brand has long restricted repairs to technicians in its official stores – at the “bar genius” counter – and to some authorized dealers, but waiting times and prices are generally high.

This characteristic of Apple and the accusations of planned obsolescence often generate criticism about the durability of their devices.

“We never thought we’d see this,” reacted on Twitter to iFixit, a ‘site’ that presents itself as a guide to fixing electronic devices.

What Apple is offering “is not perfect, but we’re happy to finally admit what we’ve always known: everyone smart enough to repair an iPhone,” he added.

The new service will be launched in the United States in early 2022, before reaching other countries, and will soon include, in addition to smartphones, computers equipped with the M1 chip manufactured by Apple.

“Customers join more than 5,000 authorized suppliers and 2,800 independent repairers who have access to replacement parts, tools and manuals,” wrote the tech giant.

Apple’s chief operating officer Jeff Williams recalled that “in the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service points with access to parts.”

This decision comes at a time when Apple is criticized by companies and authorities, for too closely controlling its physical and intangible ecosystem. Compatibility issues with devices from other brands, for example, strongly encourage consumers to stay on the apple brand.

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