After extended scrutiny on its iPhone repair program which is currently restricted to only authorised service centres, Apple has taken steps to introduce a new repair program, offering customers additional options for the most common out-of-warranty iPhone repairs. The iPhone maker will now provide more independent repair businesses for small or large outlets with the same genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics as its Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs).

There has been calls from the public to make iPhone repair especially those out of warranty at more places for convenience and affordable. The phones which cost RM5000 above only has 1 year warranty after which customers will have pay for any repairs incurred, however original parts and testing equipment’s are only available at authorised Apple centres. For those who seek alternative repair shops are likely to opt for non-original parts with most enduring problems at later stage.

The new program will seek to alleviate the backlog and costly repairs, when more independent repair shops set to mushroom under the new program. To qualify, businesses need have an Apple-certified technician who can apply via online over Apple’s website. Once qualified the businesses will receive Apple-genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics at the same cost as the authorised centres.

Apple has launched 20 pilot independent repair businesses in North America, Europe and Asia currently offering genuine parts for repairs and will now extend them permanently to other parts of the world.