Long-term advocates of the "right to repair" movement have long lambasted Apple for the iron grip it maintains around its products. Glued on screens, propreitary screws, and lack of access to replacement parts make DIY repairs of an iPhone virtually impossible While those componests are here to stay, Apple has made it a tad easier for tech-savvy users, who now can fix their own iPhones, thanks the company's new Self Service Repair program.
A dedicated page on Apple's website details the process in its entirety. Users can familiarize themselves with the process using the 150-odd repair manuals on the website, which cover everything from iPhones to AirTags, although only parts for iPhones are available currently. Next, one can order the necessary parts such as a battery, screen, Taptic Engine and even a SIM card tray. Parts such as the display require recaliberation, which Apple says it can do via call/chat.
While the ability to repair their own iPhones would come as a boon to many, one doesn't really save a lot of money in the process. The part costs, for the most part, are only marginally lower than what an Apple authorized repair center would charge. One can also save a few bucks by retuning the defective part to Apple once the repair is complete, but that's about it.
Currently, the Self Service Repair is only available in the United States. It is slated to come to Europe later in the year. Along with replacement parts, Apple also lets users rent parts required for the repair. While one can buy entire toolkits from the likes of iFixit that will do the job, the option to rent is better for those who won't be using the tools more than once.