Apple has added new locations in the U.S., Europe, and Canada to its out-of-warranty Independent Repair Provider Program for iPhones.
The program launched in the United States last fall. Today it is expanding out of the U.S. for the first time. It’s also announcing that a total of more than 700 registered independent repair providers are now available across America.
“We are thrilled to expand our independent repair program to more locations across the US and to businesses across Europe and Canada,” said Apple COO Jeff Williams. “When a customer needs a repair, we want them to have a range of options that not only suits their needs but also guarantees safety and quality so their iPhone can be used for as long as possible.”
All businesses in Apple’s Independent Repair Provider Program have access to free training from Apple. They can also get hold of the same authentic parts, tools, repair manuals, and diagnostic systems as Apple Authorized Service Providers and Apple Stores. You can check whether a company is part of the program by searching for it here. You can find additional information about participating outlets here.
The Independent Repair Provider Program is free for companies to join the program. However, businesses need to have an Apple-certified technician on hand to perform the repairs. Apple last year told Congress that it makes no profit from its repair program.
Apple’s iPhone repair program
Apple’s Independent Repair Provider Program was a welcome move on Apple’s part upon its introduction. For one thing, it makes it easier for users to get out-of-warranty iPhones properly repaired.
It’s also a nice example of Apple extending an olive branch to independent repair shops. In recent times, Apple has seemingly waged war with independent repairers through the introduction of things like software locks on iPhones to try and crack down on unauthorized battery replacements. This way, Apple gets to support independent repair shops, while also exercising control over the quality of those repairs.
Are you a third-party repair shop that has experience of Apple’s Independent Repair Provider Program? If so, let us know your thoughts about working with Apple in the comments below.
