iPhone users could soon have more options to get their phone fixed after Apple announced a new repair program for out-of-warranty devices.
The Apple Independent Repair Provider program will give independent repairers access to official Apple parts, tools, manuals, and diagnostics equipment.
Apple’s chief operating officer Jeff Williams said the program will give independent repairers the same resources as those in the Apple Authorised Service Provider network.
“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,” Mr Williams said.
There are currently over 5,000 Apple Authorised Service Providers around the world, including in every Best Buy store in the US.
This network will now be complemented by independent repairers.
There is no cost to join the program but to qualify the businesses must have an Apple-certified technician.
The certification process is also free of charge.
The Independent Repair Provider program will initially launch in the US but Apple said it plans to expand to other countries.
A local Apple representative wasn’t able to comment on a date for a local launch.
