After two years of waiting, Canadians can now repair their iPhones with official Apple parts. A step forward, but not without trade-offs.
Repair made accessible, but far from affordable
Apple’s Self Service Repair (SSR) program has arrived in Canada, making it the 34th region to gain access. iPhones and iPads are included, with official documentation, spare parts, and specialized tools available.
The catch? These tools are designed for professionals and can cost a small fortune. Thankfully, Apple offers a rental option, knowing that no one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a specialized screwdriver they’ll only use once.
Genuine Parts Program for Repair Providers
At the same time, Apple is rolling out its Genuine Parts Distributor program in Canada through Mobile Centrics. The goal: to give independent repair shops access to official parts without going through the authorized Apple network.
An initiative meant to address criticism over the repair monopoly, though some see it mainly as a way to tighten Apple’s grip on the aftermarket.
Ongoing Criticism
Since 2022, these programs have faced heavy criticism: inflated part prices, artificially complex tools, and suspicions that the strategy is meant to discourage repairs in favor of device replacement. Apple does offer a credit for returned old parts, but it only offsets the cost partially.
Despite its flaws, this Canadian expansion marks a positive step in Apple’s stance on the right to repair. For motivated DIYers and independent shops, it finally provides a credible alternative to the often overpriced official repairs.
Full details are available on Apple’s website for those curious enough to try their hand at at-home disassembly.
