Apple fans save money on costly gadget upgrades as tech giant expands major service

APPLE is making it cheaper for users to repair more of the company’s most-loved gadgets.

iPhone fans could already get hold of self service repair kits to carry out upgrades themselves instead of paying someone else to do it.

The option provides customers with access to repair manuals, genuine Apple parts, Apple Diagnostics troubleshooting sessions, tools, and rental toolkits.

And now Apple has announced that iPad owners can finally go down the self service repair route too.

But it’s not for tech novices: most people will be much safer going to an Apple Store, or another authorised repair outlet.

If you’re tech savvy and dead-set on repairing your own device, Apple has lots of support for you.

From tomorrow (Thursday) it will be available for the following models:

• iPad Air (M2 and later)
• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad (A16)

Apple is launching it with access to key components including displays, batteries, cameras, and external charging ports.

With iPads now covered, the Self Service Repair Store works for a total of 65 Apple devices, not only including iPhones but also the MacBook Air and Mac Studio.

“At Apple, our goal is to create the world’s greatest products that last as long as possible,” explained Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare.

“With today’s announcement, we’re excited to expand our repair services to more customers, enabling them to further extend the life of their products — all without compromising safety, security, or privacy.”

How to use Apple’s Self Service Repair option

The first step is to review the online repair manual for your device.

Then you can order the parts and tools that you need.

You’ll enter a unique code from the repair manual to show that you’d had a look at it.

And then select which bits you actually need and pay for them – and select any rental tools you need too.

Once your gear has arrived, you’ll repair your device.

If you’ve rented a tool set then you’ll have seven days to get this done.

There’s also an option to use your own tools for this.

Finally, return any parts that you’ve placed. You’ll get a rebate if you do this, so definitely consider it.

Image credit: Reuters