Apple's Self Service Repair program finally launches

Apple is finally letting people fix their own iPhones. The tech giant announced Wednesday that its Self Service Repair program is now available to customers in the U.S., making it the biggest company to offer DIY repair services.

Apple customers can now find more than 200 individual parts and tools in the online Self Service Repair Store to fix iPhone 12 and 13 models, as well as the third-generation iPhone SE, including the ability to fix or swap out the display, battery and camera. Apple plans to add manuals, parts and tools to repair Macs later this year, and will also open the program to customers in Europe.

Apple said in its announcement that the program is "enabling customers who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices to complete repairs," and is discouraging repair novices from taking part in the program.

"For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair," Apple said in its announcement.

Apple tools and parts available in the program are the exact same, and cost the same, as those available to the company's network of authorized repair providers. Some repairs will give customers a credit for returning a replaced part to be recycled. Apple is also offering tool rental kits for $49 for those who only want to do single repairs. Rentals last a week and ship for free, Apple said.

Apple first announced the Self Service Repair program in November, but didn't reveal a launch date at that time. Samsung also recently announced self-repair services for customers, with a program launching with iFixit this summer that will allow users to replace display assemblies, back glass and charging ports on its most popular Galaxy smartphone models.

With Apple opening its program, the two largest smartphone sellers in the U.S. — with Apple taking up 56% of the market and Samsung taking 22% — are now letting buyers fix their own devices, a sign that these companies are trying to get ahead of both state and federal legislation sparked by the growing right to repair movement.