Apple has extended the M1 line of Macbooks to its DIY repair program, building on the previously announced system for repairing iPhones.
The process isn’t cheap and still relies entirely on Apple, but it affords some independence and the opportunity to save a little money compared to using a certified dealer or specialist. To use the service, customers need to buy or rent tools from Apple and then purchase the desired parts.
To be eligible for the DIY repair, you must have a 2020 M1 MacBook Air, 13 inch MacBook Pro, 14 or 16 inch 2021 M1 MacBook Pro. The company has stated it will extend it further to include the M2 chip machines later in the year.
Apple is regularly criticized for its attempts to keep customers locked in its broader ecosystem. Those with other branded devices like Dell or HP can approach virtually any tech specialist for repairs, upgrade their machines to their own specifications, and control their functionality to a much higher level.