Apple launches new repair programme, letting people get their broken iPhones fixed more easily

Apple has launched a new repair programme for iPhones, allowing people to have their broken phones fixed more easily.

The scheme – called the independent repair programme – allows big or small companies to sign up and have access to the same tools and parts that are used to fix phones at the Apple Store.

For 32 years, the company has run a scheme for Apple Authorized Service Providers, or AASPs, and there are now more than 5,000 of those businesses worldwide. But joining up has been expensive and complicated.

Now it says the new scheme will allow more people to sign up, allowing the third-party shops that currently offer out-of-warranty iPhone repairs to do so in a way that is encouraged by Apple.

Shops that sign up will get the same parts, tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostic tools as those AASPs, and will still have the option to use third-party parts if they wish. But they will do so without having to pay, which the company hopes will encourage many more people to sign up.

The scheme will initially roll out in the US, where shops can now apply, and has already been tested out in 20 trials in that country and elsewhere, including in the UK. Apple hopes to roll it out to other regions soon.

Both big and small companies took part in the trial, and the same is expected to happen as it rolls out more wideley.

“To better meet our customers’ needs, we’re making it easier for independent providers across the US to tap into the same resources as our Apple Authorized Service Provider network,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, in a statement.

“When a repair is needed, a customer should have confidence the repair is done right. We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested.”

The new programme comes amid questions about the "right to repair" technology products made by companies like Apple. Activists argue that technology companies do not do enough to let people fix their own devices, but the new scheme will not offer any way for normal iPhone owners to do repairs on their own.

Instead, Apple aims to make it easier for customers to have their out-of-warranty iPhone repairs done by verified people, which could allow phones to live on for longer.

Companies will not pay to join the new independent repair program, and they will be able to buy the parts and tools used to fix the phone at the same cost as AASPs. Anyone who tries to join it will need to have a member of staff go through a 40-hour Apple training programme, which is also free, giving them certification.

They will also have to commit to return the parts that are fixed to Apple. The company will then attempt to recycle them – and, if that isn't possible, will send them through the intensive process that allows Apple to pull out the re-usable materials from old parts.

Apple will continue the run the AASP programme, and expects those companies that are currently a part of it to stay. Shops that are part of that older scheme will still get access to extra benefits, including the ability to do repairs that are part of a warranty, in addition to those that are outside of it.