Updated October 2026 by the Go Mobile repair team
Apple Self Service Repair lets you buy genuine Apple parts, read official repair manuals and rent a professional tool kit ($49 for seven days) to fix your own iPhone, iPad or Mac. It now covers models up to the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air. It works well if you have repair experience and time. If not, a repair shop is usually faster and avoids the risk of damaging the device.
What Apple Self Service Repair is
Apple launched Self Service Repair in the US in 2022. It gives individuals access to the same kind of genuine parts, tools and manuals that repair shops use. Parts come from the Self Service Repair Store, run by a third-party provider authorized by Apple.
- Devices: iPhone, iPad and Mac models, with the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air added in late 2025.
- Repairs: batteries, displays, cameras, back glass, speakers, microphones and more, depending on the model.
- Tools: buy them, or rent a full tool kit for $49 for seven days.
- Core returns: send back the old part to get a credit toward the cost of the new one.
Apple says the program is meant for people with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices.
How it works, step by step
- Read the repair manual for your exact model on Apple’s support site.
- Order the part, and the tool kit if you need it, using your serial number or IMEI.
- Do the repair, following the manual exactly.
- Finish setup on the device. On recent iPhones, Repair Assistant in Settings completes the configuration of genuine parts.
- Return the old part for credit and send back the rental tools.
Pros and cons
| Self Service Repair | Local repair shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | Genuine Apple parts | Apple OEM or premium parts, depending on the shop |
| Time | Days for shipping, plus your repair time | Same day in most cases |
| Tools | Buy or rent ($49 for seven days) | Included |
| Risk | If something breaks during the repair, it is on you | The shop is responsible for its work |
| Warranty | Covers the part | Covers the repair, per the shop policy |
When DIY makes sense, and when it does not
DIY can make sense if you have fixed electronics before, you are not in a hurry, and the repair is simple for your model, such as a battery on some iPhones.
A shop makes more sense if you need the phone back today, the screen is badly shattered, the device got wet, or you do not want to risk tearing a cable or cracking a new screen.
Repair at Go Mobile in Charlotte
Go Mobile is an Apple Independent Repair Provider at 5600 Albemarle Rd in East Charlotte. You get a free quote before any work begins, most iPhone screen repairs take 20 to 45 minutes, and iPhone screens start at $39 (iPhone 6). Premium iPhone screens carry a 1-year warranty and other repairs a 90-day warranty.*
*Aftermarket iPhone screens carry a 30-day warranty.
We’ll also match any local competitor’s published price for the same repair and beat it by $5. See iPhone repair, iPad repair or MacBook repair.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent the Apple repair tool kit?
Apple’s Self Service Repair Store rents the tool kit for $49 for seven days.
Which iPhones are covered by Self Service Repair?
Many iPhone models are covered, up to the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air. Check Apple’s Self Service Repair page for your exact model.
Is it cheaper to fix my iPhone myself?
Sometimes, if you already have the skills and do not damage anything. Once you add tool rental, shipping and your time, a shop is often close in cost and much faster.
Does Go Mobile use genuine Apple parts?
We use Apple OEM or premium parts and explain the options and the price before any work begins.
Rather skip the DIY?
Get a free quote at Go Mobile, 5600 Albemarle Rd, Suite 600, Charlotte. Walk in or book a drop-off time online.