It sounds like an April fool’s joke but Apple is moving a bit towards the right to free repair.
On this new website Apple introduces the Independent Repair Provider Program that will initially only apply in the USA and only for iPhones. Existing businesses may apply and a technician must complete an online course at Apple. However, Apple decides who is allowed to participate and who is not.
Free workshops are allowed to apply, Apple chooses.
In return, the free service workshop gets access to original spare parts and suitable repair information. Apple talks about displays and batteries. It is not yet clear whether safety-relevant items such as a home button can also be exchanged without losing the Touch ID function. Nor is it clear whether the program will be rolled out worldwide or whether other devices will be included as iPhone.
The bottom line, however, is that this is a sensible step towards sustainability. It should be clear that Apple does not do this out of pure charity. Nevertheless, the integration of external independent workshops is a praiseworthy approach.
