If you already have a broken iPhone 15 and don't have AppleCare Plus to get it repaired at a discount, you're in luck. Apple has just expanded its self-service repair program to include the iPhone 15 and a bunch of other recent hardware releases. Apple is also expanding this program to new countries and has a new diagnostic process for self-repair in the US.

These new devices include the iPhone 15 series and Macs with M2 series chips. These include the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. This means that you can purchase parts for all models at Apple's self-service repair store, read repair manuals, and purchase or rent the tools needed to do the work.

Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair is available today and will expand to Europe next year. The tool is intended for experienced users and is designed to provide the same functionality as Apple's authorized service providers. That is, the ability to test the device for optimal component functionality and identify components that need repair.

This is certainly a good move, given that Apple has long been accused of locking certain diagnostic and repair tools into its proprietary software. Apple still urges users to contact Apple repair technicians for repairs they cannot handle themselves, but they are not necessarily forced to do so. At the very least, it means that third-party repair shops have access to more resources to get it all done for you.

Of course, self-service Apple repairs are not cheap: an iPhone 15 display and the necessary screws cost $267.96. You get $33.60 back for returning your old broken display for recycling, but that's still a pretty hefty price to pay. Especially since this doesn't take into account the cost of tools, the fact that the two-year AppleCare Plus plan for the iPhone 15 is $149 - plus a $99 screen repair fee.

That doesn't change the fact that being able to self-repair is a good thing. It's not a perfect system, but it certainly surpasses what used to be the case in the days when you had to bring your device to Apple or risk voiding your warranty and the replacement part might not work - even if it was a genuine Apple part.

The Apple Self Service Repair store allows customers to purchase parts and tools and access repair guides.