October 2019 • Macworld 11NEWSThat’s a big change. Previously, Apple kept
its tools under lock and key, but under the new
programme, it’s promising “the same genuine parts,
tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics”
as an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The
programme is limited to out‑of‑warranty iPhone
repairs at launch.
That means repair shops big and small will be
able to take advantage of the new programme
without going through Apple’s rigorous
certification to become an Authorized Service
Provider. However, there are still limitations on
who can join the new programme. Most notably,
businesses need to have an Apple‑certified
technician who can perform the repairs, which
requires a passing grade on both the Apple
Service Fundamentals Exam and ACiT 2019 iOS
Service Certification Exam. Additionally, shops
must be located in a commercially zoned area, so
people won’t be able to run Apple‑backed repair
shops out of their garage.
Otherwise, there is no cost to join the
independent repair programme. While it is limited
to the US at launch, Apple said it has been working
with 20 independent repair businesses in Europe
and Asia as well as North America over the past
year as a pilot.October 2019 • Macworld 11NEWSThat’s a big change. Previously, Apple kept
its tools under lock and key, but under the new
programme, it’s promising “the same genuine parts,
tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics”
asanAppleAuthorizedServiceProvider.The
programmeislimitedtoout‑of‑warranty iPhone
repairs at launch.
That means repair shops big and small will be
able to take advantage of the new programme
without going through Apple’s rigorous
certification to become an Authorized Service
Provider. However, there are still limitations on
whocanjointhenewprogramme.Mostnotably,
businessesneedtohaveanApple‑certified
technician who can perform the repairs, which
requires a passing grade on both the Apple
Service Fundamentals Exam and ACiT 2019 iOS
Service Certification Exam. Additionally, shops
mustbelocatedina commerciallyzonedarea,so
peoplewon’tbeabletorunApple‑backed repair
shops out of their garage.
Otherwise, there is no cost to join the
independent repair programme. While it is limited
to the US at launch, Apple said it has been working
with 20 independent repair businesses in Europe
and Asia as well as North America over the past
year as a pilot.