Apple expands self-service repair to MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M1

Earlier this year, Apple launched its self-service repair program for the iPhone 12 and 13 models. This program allows users to purchase certified genuine parts for these devices, access to the same repair manuals used by Apple repair technicians and to purchase or rent official tools needed to perform repairs. Now Apple has announced that it is expanding the program to include its laptops with M1-series processors starting tomorrow, August 23.

“Self-Service Repair for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro offers more than a dozen different repair types for each model, including screen, top case with battery and trackpad, and more are coming soon," Apple said in a statement. "Customers experienced in the intricacies of electronics repair will be able to perform repairs on these Mac laptops, with access to many of the same parts and tools available at Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers."

Apple says users will be able to visit selfservicerepair.com to purchase parts for repair, including screen, battery, motherboard, speakers, Touch ID, trackpad, keys, and more. The current self-service repair expansion includes 2020 M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, as well as 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.

Eventually, Apple plans to expand self-service repair to all new devices, including desktop computers like the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and 24-inch iMac, as well as Macs from the M2 series. Apple has not announced a timeline for these devices.

Apple's self-service repair program has been somewhat controversial, which is rather odd for something intended to expand access to repairs for customers. Some people (especially tech critics) criticized Apple's efforts as too heavy-handed.

The main complaint seems to be that Apple sends out cumbersome toolkits (at a loss) so users have what they need to do a repair properly. In the case of the iPhone, one reviewer said he expected Apple to send a bag of screwdrivers, only to receive a 70-pound box of intricate tools instead.

Of course, that's the trade-off. It's not that Apple makes its devices too hard to repair, it's that it makes devices that aren't necessarily meant to be repaired by the user, because that's the easiest way to fix them. make it as thin and light as the MacBook Air or the iPhone, for example. .

I think part of the disconnect is that self-service repair really isn't for everyone. That seems out of place for a company that makes products for billions of people. Repairing your own device is a decidedly niche service for a very small number of people.

And it's not like Apple is making the parts available and telling customers they're on their own now. Apple isn't giving up on device repair. For years, the fact that you could walk into any Apple Store with a broken iPhone or Mac and have someone at the Genius Bar tell you what's wrong and get it fixed has been the one of the reasons why people love their iPhones. It's just a better experience than having to troubleshoot on your own. It's probably cheaper too.

Of course, if you don't live near an Apple Store, the company also claims to have doubled the number of third-party and independent repair professionals. Or, if you have experience with your own devices, you can now get the same tools, parts, and manuals that Apple's own employees use if they were working on them.

Like the iPhone, Apple will lease...