Apple is expanding its self-service repair program to Canada, enabling customers to access genuine parts and manuals for their devices. This move addresses criticism over repairability and e-waste, though concerns about warranty implications remain. While advancements have been made, independent repair providers often offer better cost options for consumers.
Apple self service repair now available in Canada
Responding to the global ‘right to repair’ movement, Apple announced it is expanding its self-service repair program to Canada. The initiative will provide Canadian customers with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and manuals, allowing them to perform common in and out-of-warranty repairs on their own devices. This decision marks a significant shift for the tech giant, which has historically faced criticism for making its products difficult to repair, contributing to a growing e-waste crisis.
In their press release, the company indicated that they are committed to providing consumers and independent repair providers access to genuine Apple parts. Apple also indicated that Canada is the 34th country that Apple has begun to offer the program in.
Despite notable progress in making its devices more repairable, Apple’s newly released iPhone 16 Pro Max highlights the industry’s ongoing challenges, earning a “provisional” 7 out of 10 score from repair advocate iFixit. While the score reflects significant design improvements, iFixit flagged Apple’s continued use of software pairing for parts, a technique that complicates independent repairs and prevents a higher rating.
For cost-conscious consumers, Apple’s official self-repair program may not be the most economical choice. Independent repair providers, such as the Canadian chain Mobile Klinik, often present more affordable solutions by offering a choice between OEM and third-party parts. Crucially, a key uncertainty with Apple’s program is its effect on the device’s warranty; the company has not yet clarified its policy. Until it does, many experts suggest the self-repair option is best suited for devices that are already out of warranty.
For customers in Canada who wish to proceed with an official repair, Apple has centralized all necessary resources online. The company’s official Self Service Repair Store is the designated portal for viewing repair manuals, ordering genuine parts, and renting the specialized tool kits required for the job. Apple mandates that individuals first review the repair manual for their specific device before they are able to order any components.
