What you need to know
- Apple announced a new Self Service Repair program last week, but the program won't actually be run by Apple.
- According to a new report, the handling of parts will be a job for an unnamed third party.
When Apple announced its new Self Service Repair program last week it said that people would be able to buy new parts and tools directly from Apple. Now, according to a new report, it seems Apple won't actually be the one handling all of that. Instead, an unnamed third-party outfit will be the one charged with sending out new parts and accepting returns of faulty ones.
That comes after MacRumors got hold of an internal memo that says all of the repair manuals for associated devices will be available via its Apple Support website — but it's the parts that are going to come from a third-party outfit.
Apple's memo also said that its online parts store will be operated by an unspecified third party. While no official reason was provided, it would certainly be logistically easier for Apple to outsource shipping and receiving of parts to and from customers. A similar system is already in place for Apple Authorized Service Providers.
Realistically, this all means very little so long as this unnamed company can keep up with the demand that may or may not be caused by Apple's announcement. It still isn't really clear just how popular the Self Service Repair program will be and we likely won't know for sure until it's been up and running for a while. The program will initially focus on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 devices when it begins next year.
