Apple has reversed course and expanded a program that provides parts and training to independent repair shops to cover Macs, reports Reuters.
Last year the tech giant launched the program, but only for iPhones. Mac owners either had to use Apple or an authorized warranty service provider to get fixes with parts directly from Apple.
“When a device needs repairs, we want people to have access to a safe and reliable solution — this latest expansion joins the thousands of repair locations we’ve added over the past year,” Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, told Reuters. “We’re looking forward to bringing that convenient and trustworthy repair experience to our Mac users.”
This may be a way for Apple to respond to various criticism of anti-competitive behavior and its previous opposition to “right-to-repair.” “Right to Repair” bills that have popped up in several states. Such bills, basically, would require manufacturers of electronics to make diagnostic and repair information, as well as equipment or service parts, available to product owners and to independent repair shops.
