Tips for fixing your own products under Apple’s new self-repair program

Apple last week announced a Self-Service Repair program to provide customers to start fixing their products on their own with genuine Apple parts and tools. And Apple will provide the how-to manuals as well. The program will start early next year.

This is exciting news for consumers. Here are some tips if you’re interested in doing repairs yourself:

• Look over the product’s repair manual to evaluate whether you want to fix it yourself, and to make sure you order the correct parts. 
• Apple’s online self-service store will start with more than 200 parts and tools for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, starting with batteries, displays and cameras. The product line will expand to newer Mac computers. If the part you need isn’t offered initially, and the repair isn’t urgent, be patient. The part might become available in the near future. 
• You’ll still need to compare prices. Apple hasn’t yet announced what prices will be on batteries, screens and other common repair items. The newly-available Apple parts might or not be competitive with the aftermarket screens or batteries that are already available.
• If you’re not handy, consider buying the parts from Apple and taking them to someone more qualified to do the repair.
• As with anything new and potentially popular, watch out for imposter websites.
• Don’t forget to return your used part to be recycled. You’ll get money back. And it’s good for the planet.