Last week, Apple, Inc. announced plans to release multiple iPhone screen repair machines to third-party repair companies worldwide. The company will release their Horizon Machines, previously only available to Apple retail stores and mail-in repairs, to 400 authorized repair shops in 25 countries around the world.
The machine does not completely replace an iPhone’s screen, but ensures the fingerprint sensor is working correctly. Once a technician has replaced the broken glass with a new screen and fingerprint sensor, the device goes inside the machine which checks the sensor’s communication abilities so that the device is able to be unlocked.
Apple indicated right to repair legislature was not a factor in the machines’ introduction, but releasing more Horizon Machines is a step forward for the repair industry. Many states have drafted right to repair legislation with the goal of regulating device repair by mandating major manufacturers provide smaller repair businesses with manuals and authorized parts.