Apple Will Supply iPhone Parts To Independent Repair Providers

Qualified providers will now have access to out-of-warranty parts for iPhone repairs, the company says.

Apple said Thursday that qualified independent repair businesses will now be able to get access to out-of-warranty iPhone parts.

Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple characterized the new independent repair provider program as a supplement to its network of Authorized Service Providers.

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The independent repair provider program "complements Apple’s continued investment in its growing global network of over 5,000 AASPs," the company said in a news release.

Authorized Service Providers, Apple noted, receive access to both in-warranty parts and out-of-warranty parts for all Apple products. The Apple announcement only mentions making out-of-warranty parts available to non-authorized service providers, and only mentions providing parts for the iPhone.

“To better meet our customers’ needs, we’re making it easier for independent providers across the U.S. to tap into the same resources as our Apple Authorized Service Provider network,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, in the news release.

The independent repair provider program is free to join, but repair shops will be required to have an Apple-certified technician on staff.

"Qualifying repair businesses will receive Apple-genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics at the same cost as AASPs," Apple said in the news release.