Starting next week, those who have Apple devices can worry less about how and where to get them repaired. Apple’s Independent Repair Provider program will soon be available in India and it offers repair providers access to genuine parts, tools, repair manuals, and diagnostics for out-of-warranty repairs.
What it means for you?
The Independent Repair Provider program gives small repair businesses access to the same Apple-genuine parts, training, and resources as Apple authorised service providers. In other words, as long as the third-party repair shop is a part of the program, they will have ‘Apple-level’ repair capabilities. Users will not have to go only to authorised Apple repair centres across the country.
Do note that this meant for out-of-warranty repairs only. If your Apple product is under warranty, then it’s highly advisable that you visit the authorised Apple service centres. This particular program is mainly meant for common out-of-warranty problems like screen replacements or cracked backs on iPhones or iPads.
What it means for repair providers?
All participating repair providers in the program have access to free training from Apple and the same genuine parts, tools, repair manuals, and diagnostics as Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and Apple Store locations.
There is no cost to join Apple’s Independent Repair Provider program. To qualify, repair providers need to commit to have an Apple-certified technician to perform the repairs. Apple claims that the process for certification is simple and free of charge. 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.
Repair providers in India can join the program beginning later this week. Apple has expanded the program — launched first in 2019 in US and Canada — in 200 countries, which includes India.
