By Umar Fiddausi Adenike
Apple has long been opposed to a person’s right to repair their devices. As a company focused on protecting the user experience — and its margins.Apple has done everything from disabling Face ID to putting scary warning messages in settings when repaired with non-genuine displays and batteries.
However, after mounting pressure, Apple eventually unveiled its self service repair program in 2022.
Apple announced its first self-service repair program which is now available in Europe.
The program, dubbed Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair, gives consumers the ability to test products for optimal parts functionality and identify parts that may need repair without assistance from Apple or an independent repair provider.
Apple first launched in the U.S. in December 2023, the tool now supports 42 Apple products and is available in 32 European countries, including the U.K., France and Germany, according to a release. This program support Apple product which includes an iPhone, Mac book and Studio Display models in 33 countries and 24 languages. Apple said it also plans to expand the service to Canada in 2025.
Apple first launches the self-service program in 2022, offering customers access to manuals, legitimate Apple parts and tools used by Apple to allow them to repair their own devices. This program started in response to pressure from “right to repair” advocates who argue that consumers should not be locked into a select set of authorized repair shops. In February, the company expended its program to include Mac models powered by the latest M3 chip.
The company said “the self-service repair tool is part of an ongoing effort to extend the lifespan of its products”.While Apple is committed to providing safe and affordable repair options, designing and building long-lasting products remains the top priority,” Apple said in the announcement. “The best type of repair for customers and the planet is one that is never needed.”
Customers can begin an Apple Diagnostics session on a second product to check the status and performance on a device that may need repair, according to a release. After following a series of onscreen prompts, they will learn whether their product needs repairing and which parts may need to be replaced.
App main focus is to ensure that the Apple’s self-service repair program gives consumers the ability to test products.