Apple will let more independent repair shops fix iPhones

That’s one small step for Apple, one giant leap for right-to-repair advocates.

Apple announced Thursday that it would allow independent repair shops to access Apple parts, tools, manuals, and other components necessary to fix the most common iPhone problems. 

This is a reversal for Apple, which until today required customers to go to Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers (like Best Buy) for iPhone repairs. That stance has been criticized by right-to-repair advocates, who think people should be able to fix and keep their property running however they damn please.

Businesses who want access to the iPhone repair tools will have to apply to the program through Apple. That requires submitting business verification documents and other details. Additionally, repairs can only be repaired by technicians who get certified by Apple: part of the application involves a technician passing a test. 

Though the certified independent stores will have access to Apple’s repair tools and manuals, they’ll technically only be allowed to work on phones that are out of warranty. 

The program doesn’t burst open the floodgates, but it’s a step towards loosening Apple’s grip on the repair industry.