From 2022, you can repair your own iPhone 12 or your iPhone 13, but also your Mac M1 computer.Apple announces the arrival of a self-service repair service, to respond to requests for a right to repair for individuals.But beware, the initiative is not necessarily intended for everyone.

Does your iPhone need repair?From 2022, you will no longer necessarily need to go to an Apple store or to a specialized repairer, approved or not.You can do the intervention yourself, if you wish.Indeed, the American company has just announced, this November 17, the upcoming arrival of a self-service repair service.

First, only two products will be eligible: the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13, as well as their various variations.But during 2022, it will also be possible to repair on the range of Mac computers equipped with the M1 chip.In the longer term, other products should join this program, starting with future iPhone and Mac which will enrich the catalog of the company.

A exploded view of an iPhone, by Ifixit.So, do you feel able to practice an intervention?// Source: Ifixit

This self-service repair service will be done in successive stages: concerning its deployment itself, it is first in the United States that it will open its doors at the beginning of next year.Other countries will follow later, especially in Europe.Thus, French customers can, if they wish, also embark on the hacking of the iPhone to replace a defective or broken component.

"The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly repaired modules, such as the iPhone screen, battery and camera.The possibility of performing other repairs will be available later in the year, "said Apple.The details of the other interventions to which those who are not afraid to tamper in their iPhone may not be given.

In this context, Apple will also sell more than 200 pieces and tools to carry out these interventions.Repair guides will also be provided by the company so as to support the public and guide it throughout manipulation.Apple insists, of course, of course: "In order for a customer to be safe, it is important that he first consults the manual".

How will it all go on the side of the particular?

If he is eager to replace an element of his iPhone or Mac, these are the main steps that await him:

Apple plans to ensure the availability of parts, tools and manuals at least the time of the marketing duration of the products concerned, which must give the public the guarantee that he can make components replacements for at least five toseven years.This is to be compared to iOS updates, to which are entitled to devices released many years ago.However, Apple could in some cases extend accessibility to its kits, depending on the state of its supply chains.

Apple's iPhone 13 Mini

Source: Numerama/Louise Audry

A warning, however: if Apple will authorize the repair outside its network of shops and its partners, this does not mean that everyone should do so, because a failure could have harmful consequences on the warranty of the product product.It will indeed be difficult to plead an original problem with your iPhone if you guess the trace of a screwdriver that has crossed all its printed circuit.

Self-service repair is intended for those "having the knowledge and experience necessary to repair electronic devices", comments the company.You are free to go beyond, but you must have in mind that additional degradations caused by a hazardous manipulation will possibly play against you-this may cause additional costs in the event of a return to after-sales service.

Apple says to expect that this initiative mainly concerns a minority."For the vast majority of customers, going to a professional repairer with certified technicians who use Apple original parts is the safest and most reliable way to obtain repair".Given what certain products of the apple brand can cost, we imagine that many will prefer to abstain.

Moreover, the IFIXIT service, which specializes in the disassembly of products, had already looked at AiPhone 13 and the iMac and considered that these two devices were not among those which are the simplest to repair, thiswho accentuates the impression that it will not be within everyone's reach.The fact remains that in France, this should allow Apple to earn a few points in the repairability index.

Apple ensures its rear in the face of the right to repair

For a company that has often been criticized as for a very closed and very owner ecosystem, but whose after-sales service is able to make repairs to moderate amounts, the establishment of this self-service is a surprising initiative, but welcome.However, it must be seen in a broader framework, as Apple must take into account certain fundamental movements that may have significant legal implications.

There are indeed significant requests in Europe and the United States about a right to repair, with a view to legalizing the possibility for individuals to repair their electronic products themselves, without having the obligation to go throughservices (especially paid) provided by manufacturers of these devices.Apple has not always been favorable to this right.

iPhone 13 Pro

Source: Louise Audry for Numerama

However, the wind is turning across the Atlantic.

In July, the American president made arrangements to promote competition in the economy and, in the package of measures are instructions to the Federal Commerce Commission (FTC) to write rules aimed at prohibiting manufacturers of'prevent repairs carried out by third parties, whether individuals or independent providers.In doing so, the implementation of this self-service repair service is also a way for Apple to ensure its rear.

The advance that Apple takes on the subject, where he was late, will not go unnoticed: will competition play the imitation card?If this happens, the democratization of a new repair model for technological objects is acted.

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