Apple has announced the expansion of its Self-Service Repair program to include select iPad models. The company’s genuine parts and resources can help you take care of your expensive iPads (if you are confident about your DIY repair skills).

Apple Brings Self-Service Repair to iPads

Apple’s Self-Service Repair program, first launched for iPhones in 2022, now includes several iPad models. Now, owners of iPad Air (M2 and later), iPad Pro (M4), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad (A16) can order genuine parts, tools, and repair guides from the Self-Service Repair Store. You can fix common issues like broken screens, faulty batteries, charging ports, or damaged cameras on your schedule.

With this expansion, Apple now supports self-repair for 65 product models, including the latest iPhone 16e, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. The company also plans to launch the program in Canada this summer, making it available in 34 countries worldwide.

Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare, said in the 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.

Apple also expanded the Genuine Parts Distributor program. Under this, non-Apple mobile technicians can now order genuine Apple service parts and components.

One More Reason to Upgrade Your DIY Fixing Skills

Until now, if your iPad had a problem out of warranty, your main choices were to visit an Apple Store, an authorized shop, or a third-party fixer who might not use genuine parts. The new program gives you more freedom.

If you feel comfortable opening up your device, you can fix it yourself with Apple’s tools and parts. The official repair guides are well illustrated, with every fix well laid out.

That said, Apple stresses this program is designed for people who have some experience repairing electronics. Mistakes can cause more damage or safety risks. So, it’s not a casual DIY option for everyone.

This move also ties into the growing “right to repair” movement, which pushes manufacturers to give users more control over fixing their gadgets. Also, you can save time, reduce repair costs, and keep your device running longer by holding off planned obsolescence.

For users in non-urban areas without easy access to Apple Stores or authorized repair centers, this program can be a real lifesaver. Maybe now’s a good time to start learning how to fix our gadgets.

Apple’s expansion of its Self-Service Repair program to iPads hands might help to reduce e-waste. As someone who values having options, I appreciate Apple making this possible, as out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.