Repairing a product through the official channels is usually recommended. This is because staff have been trained and the parts used are genuine, meaning that they are more or less guaranteed to work. However, going through the official channels can be expensive, which is why many turn to third-party stores.Apple knows this which is why the company launched its Independent Repair Program, which they have now announced will be expanded to more countries. For those who are unfamiliar, the Independent Repair Program basically gives third-party repair stores access to genuine Apple components needed for repairs, manuals, and diagnostics. The idea is that if customers are going to third-party stores, they might as well work with them instead of going against them.
There is no cost to being part of Apple’s Independent Repair Program. Instead, according to Apple, “To qualify, repair providers need to commit to have an Apple-certified technician to perform the repairs. The process for certification is simple and free of charge. Qualifying repair providers can purchase genuine Apple parts and tools at the same price as AASPs and receive free access to training, repair manuals, and diagnostics.”
The expansion which will take place later this week will cover countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Apple states that they will expand to more countries later this year, but we suppose the number of companies taking part in the program will vary from country to country and also interest, but the option will be there.
Filed in . Read more about iPad, iPhone, Macbook Air and Macbook Pro. Source: apple