NEWSThat’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
ServiceProvider.The programmeis limitedto 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,businessesneed 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 commerciallyzonedarea, so peoplewon’tbe 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.