Apple expands independent repair programme globally

Apple, the American multinational technology company is expanding its independent repair programme and will soon be available in more than 200 countries including India, where its products are sold.

The program was originally launched in the US in 2019 and later expanded to Europe and Canada with more than 1,500 Independent Repair Provider locations currently serving customers across these countries.

"Apple continues to offer convenient repair options for customers through its global network of over 5,000 AASPs that help millions of people with both in and out of warranty service for all Apple products," the company said.

The programme intends to enable the repair providers of all sizes access to genuine Apple parts, tools, repair manuals and diagnostics to offer safe and reliable repairs for Apple products by a repair team, said the company in a statement on Monday.

There is no cost for joining the programme and all the participating repair providers in the programme will be trained for free by Apple. In order to qualify, repair providers need to commit to having an Apple-certified technician to perform the repairs.

"Qualifying repair providers can purchase genuine Apple parts and tools at the same price as AASPs and receive free access to training, repair manuals, and diagnostics," Apple explained.

Apple Company across its repair options and partners is also working to ensure customers' health, safety and access to repair services during COVID-19. This has included offering additional options for mail-in repair for customers and supporting its existing network of providers servicing customers in ways that meet health and safety guidelines.