Apple Just Announced It's Doing Something It Has Never Done Before, and It's Great News for iPhone Owners

Apple is notoriously strict about its repair policies. In fact, it recently started warning customers not to have their iPhone batteries replaced by third-party service technicians who aren't part of Apple's certified program. The company has also been a vocal opponent of so-called "right to repair" laws in states like California that seek to give consumers the legal right to have their devices repaired without having to adhere to tech company's warranty requirements. 

But, now, the company is doing something it has never done before: Apple announced it would be allowing independent repair businesses to obtain official Apple parts, tools, and training materials in order to provide out-of-warranty services. Those locations simply need at least one technician who has completed Apple's free certification program to sign up for the free program and receive parts and tools at the same price as authorized repair locations.

That means that the locations won't be able to provide service under AppleCare, but you'll be able to at least pay to have your iPhone screen or battery replaced without having to find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, go to an Apple Store or a Best Buy (which recently started providing Apple repair services through its Geek Squad). And when you do, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that they're able to use genuine Apple parts. 

"To better meet our customers' needs, we're making it easier for independent providers across the US to tap into the same resources as our Apple Authorized Service Provider network," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer.

"When a repair is needed, a customer should have confidence the repair is done right. We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested," Williams added.

That's good news for iPhone users, especially because it appears Apple has taken notice that users weren't happy with the way the company was handling non-certified iPhone battery replacements. At a minimum, Apple is paying attention and taking action to address customer concerns.

In fact, this announcement also comes just a day after Apple has announced that it will no longer listen to recorded voice snippets of Siri interactions unless users explicitly 'opt-in.' That move was geared to quell criticism of the company's privacy policies after it was revealed that Apple was having contractors review a random sampling of user interactions, often exposing personal conversations and private information.