Independent Apple repair shops will now be able to repair more than just iPhones with authorized parts. Apple announced today that it is expanding its independent repair program to cover Macs, which means stores will receive training and genuine Apple parts to repair Macs. It is not clear what kind of repair shops can run on Macs or what parts they can buy.
“When a device needs repair, we want people to have access to a safe and reliable solution – this latest extension fits in with the thousands of repair locations we’ve added over the past year,” said Jeff Williams, Apple chief executive, in a statement to Reuters. “We look forward to bringing that easy and reliable repair experience to our Mac users.”
Apple launched last August its independent repair program, which offers free training along with the option to purchase authentic parts, albeit under a limited contract. Prior to this program, stores had to become “Authorized Service Providers” to purchase parts. It recently expanded the program to 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada. It said 140 companies with more than 700 locations have already signed up to participate.
Apple also says it is continuing to expand its program for authorized service providers. There are 5,000 AASPs worldwide, according to Apple, and the third the number of available locations in the U.S. last year, compared to three years ago, when Best Buy joined the program.
This is all a relatively big change in attitude given Apple’s legal attack on repairs legislation in multiple states. Apple itself seems to find its messaging confusing, based on emails delivered to Congress for its anti-trust hearing last month. Now, doubling the company on its repair capabilities, while still maintaining certain device repairs for its own stores and authorized providers.
