Apple announces new iPhone and Mac self-repair program

Apple Announce On Wednesday, it will start letting people repair their products. This announcement marks a change in Apple’s repair policy and a big step forward for the right to repair movement. At the same time, the new plan shows that Apple still wants these self-service repairs to proceed in its own way.

The iPhone manufacturer’s new method is relatively simple. Apple will soon provide repair manuals for certain devices, and after reviewing these manuals, customers will be able to order the tools and components needed for these repairs from a new section of the Apple website. At the beginning of the program, Apple will sell more than 200 different parts or tools to repair its iPhone 12 and 13 series. Apple says the plan will eventually include Macs Computer with M1 chip.

Wednesday’s announcement was a major shift for Apple. Historically, the company usually only provided repair tools and replacement parts to its 5,000 Apple authorized service providers and another 2,800 independent repair shops. Apple certified technician. Apple has long Faced with criticism from advocates of the right to repair, they hope that manufacturers provide customers with the ability to repair their own equipment, because this policy and The practice of designing hard-to-upgrade hardware Or contain some components Only Apple can access.

Dozens of states Legislation on the right to maintenance has been proposed In recent years, Apple has been fighting for these bills.For example, the company Successfully convinced California lawmakers In 2019, if a customer accidentally damages the lithium-ion battery in the iPhone while trying to repair the iPhone, it may cause a fire. Apple also recommends the security and privacy of its devices compromise go through Unauthorized repair.

Despite Apple’s best efforts, this maintenance rights movement has recently won the support of the White House. In July, President Joe Biden passed a Executive order This includes instructing the Federal Trade Commission to formulate new maintenance rights regulations. Later that month, the agency also announced that it would strengthen itsUnlawful“Restrict maintenance, then A survey Documents the different strategies used by technology manufacturers to make products more difficult to repair.Apple’s decision is Same day as key deadline Related to the right to repair resolution submitted by the activist Apple shareholder Come back in september, The connection first reported by The Verge.

The Green Century — the sustainability-focused mutual fund that led this effort — has now revoked its resolution, which will push Apple studies the environmental impact of its strict maintenance policy.

“We feel this is a big enough step forward,” Annalisa Tarizzo, a shareholder advocate for Green Century, told Recode. “We hope to continue to engage with the companies we invest in on this topic because we believe it is very important and investors face real risks related to this issue.”

Tarizzo added that the new guidelines of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may have affected Apple’s timing. About two weeks ago, the agency withdrew the Trump-era regulations. It is easier for companies to dismiss socially conscious shareholder resolutionsWednesday was also the deadline for Green Century to defend its proposal to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which Apple had asked the agency to block.

Therefore, Apple’s concessions to some of the maintenance rights activists’ requirements appear to be to preemptively enact any new regulations through its new maintenance program. But the company’s progress has some limitations. This does not fully encourage all users to start using their iPhone and MacBook.exist Press release When announcing self-service repairs, Apple stated that the program is aimed at “personal technicians with knowledge and experience in repairing electronic devices,” and “the vast majority of customers” should visit authorized repair shops. At the same time, customers who decide to repair their equipment under the new plan still need to purchase parts directly from Apple, which also determines the price of these parts.

Elizabeth Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at iFixit Wednesday’s blog post. “If there is now an’official’ method that can be replaced when you need Battery, camera, or exhibit, Apple has no incentive to help those who use third-party parts, or even those who are rescued from other iPhones. By controlling the parts market, Apple can also determine when a device becomes obsolete. ”

This is not the first time Apple has adjusted its strategy to stay ahead of potential regulations or legal actions.In a proposed settlement with a class action lawsuit representing software developers this summer, Apple said it would let the company Tell iPhone and iPad users about payment methods for subscriptions and other purchases Outside of the App Store ecosystem. In September, the company also Adjusted the rules for in-app purchases The company is caught in a controversial lawsuit with Epic Games. None of these app-related updates involve Apple changing its policy of charging large amounts of fees to third parties operating in the Apple ecosystem, and Apple’s own apps can be used for free.

Apple seems to have taken a similar approach to its new repair system. But even if the company’s new plan has a lot of warnings, the move is still a huge victory for customers who don’t want to send the device to Apple or look for an authorized repair shop. Soon, they will be able to replace the iPhone screen or battery in the comfort of their homes.

Update, November 17th 4:20 Eastern Time: This article has been updated to report that Green Century Capital Management revoked its right to repair shareholder proposals after Apple’s announcement.