Apple self-repair service comes to UK

Apple is rolling out its self-repair service in the UK and seven other European countries on Tuesday.

iPhone 12 and 13 users and some Macbook owners can repair their own devices by purchasing parts and tools and by watching online tutorials.

However, the tech giant warned that if the repair goes wrong, an existing warranty will be void.

Apple launched the service in November 2021 following pressure from activists in the US.

Members of the Right to Repair movement were frustrated with Apple’s tight control over the process, which they said hurt independent shops and made it more expensive for users to fix bugs.

However, the US service has been criticized for being too difficult for the average consumer to use. Tech journalist Brian Chen described his own attempt to fix an iPhone 12 as a disaster in The New York Times.

“I shattered my iPhone screen in a split second with an irreversible error,” he wrote in his article.

Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said customers should have “many options for a safe, reliable, and secure repair.” But the company claims that only those “satisfied” with performing their own repairs should attempt it.

For example, it takes 16 tools and a combination of 61 steps to remove and then replace the screen on an iPhone 13, which has an 81-page repair guide.

Repair options include replacing batteries, screens, and phone cases.

Apple has responded to criticism of its repair costs in the past, saying in 2019 that it lost money on device repair services.

For both financial and environmental reasons, there is increasing pressure on technology companies to extend the lifespan of hardware.

Since 2021 manufacturers of appliances such as washing machines and televisions have been obliged to offer spare parts in the UK.

The UK’s ‘Right to Repair’ legislation is in line with regulations across the European Union which aim to reduce energy consumption and extend the life of products.

You can follow Zoe Kleinman on Twitter @zk.