Beginning next year, Apple will allow iPhone customers to fix their own devices. Apple’s “Self Service Repair” program, which debuted last November 15, will sell parts for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 “early next year,” with parts for the latest Macs to follow “soon.” The program will start with the most frequently replaced iPhone components, such as screens, batteries, and cameras. Additional components will be available “later next year” as well.

The plan to sell replacement components, which has been requested for years, is intended to provide iPhone owners “even more choice if a repair is needed,” according to Apple COO Jeff Williams. However, Apple does not recommend the service to everyone. According to Apple’s blog post,”Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices.” “For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.”

The only way to get your iPhone or other Apple device fixed right now is to visit an Apple Store, send it to Apple, or go to an “Authorized Service Provider” (a third-party store that has been certified by Apple). Given Apple’s history of opposing legislation that would allow customers to repair the devices they buy, the choice to introduce Self Service Repair seems surprising.