Apple’s self-service repair program just expanded to include the company’s range of M1-powered desktop Macs. As noticed by Six colors, customers in the US can now order genuine repair parts for the iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Studio. The Studio Display has also been added to the program.
You can browse the collection of repair manuals for all such products on Apple’s website; in fact, you must read the manual if you want to use the self-service repair program.
The program is only recommended for people who are comfortable performing these repairs, which involve dozens of steps, require the use of advanced tools, and can be very time consuming. If you’re not intimidated by what you see in the manuals, the cost of some parts may put you off making a repair.
In the case of the Studio Display, if you have to replace the panel yourself, it will hurt your wallet. Apple lists the nano-textured screen replacement as $967.12, which works out to $879.12 after you return your original broken screen. The tool kit rental costs $49.00, but you will get a refund for that after you return everything. You are not allowed to order a glossy replacement display if your Studio Display originally came with the matte option and vice versa. Not that I expected otherwise. A serial number is needed to see what parts cost, so I couldn’t immediately tell what iMac or Mac Studio components are for.
Apple started the self-service repair program with recent iPhones before adding Mac laptops in August. But right-to-repair advocates like iFixit have criticized the initiative for running an “unbearable gauntlet of hurdles,” including strict rules for validating a successful repair with Apple after it’s completed.
If you have AppleCare coverage for your Mac, taking it to an Apple Store or other authorized repair location will make life a lot easier. But for those who are out of warranty and are a reliable do-it-yourselfer, this is at least an option now – even if it’s a complicated and expensive one.
