THUNDER BAY – NetNewsLedger Tech News | September 12, 2025 – Apple is making it easier for Canadians — including users and technicians in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario — to repair their own Apple devices with today’s expansion of its Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts Distributor programs into Canada.
This rollout offers individual consumers, small electronics shops, and independent tech repair pros access to Apple’s official parts, tools, diagnostics, and repair manuals, supporting a nationwide push for increased device longevity and environmental sustainability.
Empowering Local Repairs in Thunder Bay
“This is a milestone in our mission to make repairs easier and more accessible around the globe,” said Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare Service and Repair. “We’re taking a meaningful step toward reducing electronic waste and giving both customers and professionals secure, high-quality repair options.”
In Thunder Bay — where device repairs often mean delays or long drives — this initiative means faster, localized service, especially for users of iPhone, iPad, and Mac products.
Marnics Mobile on Memorial Drive is a certified repair provider.
Self Service Repair Comes to Canada
Originally launched in 2022 in the U.S., Self Service Repair allows tech-savvy customers to order genuine Apple parts and tools, rent toolkits, and access detailed repair manuals for everything from screen replacements to battery swaps. Earlier this year, support for iPads was added, expanding beyond iPhone and Mac models.
Now available in 34 countries and 25 languages, this program gives Thunder Bay DIYers and tinkerers the same access to Apple’s internal repair systems as technicians in major metropolitan areas.
Wholesale Apple Parts Now Available to Independent Repair Providers
Also launching in Canada is the Genuine Parts Distributor program. This gives independent repair businesses, even those not affiliated directly with Apple, access to wholesale genuine Apple parts for iPhone and iPad repairs — including screens, batteries, and charging ports — through MobileSentrix, Apple’s official distributor partner in Canada.
This is a big win for local tech shops in Thunder Bay, who have often struggled to obtain authentic parts, leading to delayed repairs or reliance on third-party components.
More Canadians Closer Than Ever to Apple-Authorized Repairs
According to Apple, 80% of the Canadian population now lives within a 30-minute drive of an Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), or Independent Repair Provider (IRP) — a significant coverage milestone.
In Thunder Bay, the growing presence of IRPs and now the addition of Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts access is expected to bolster the local tech repair economy, providing better access and reducing tech e-waste by extending the usable life of devices.
Where to Learn More
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Self Service Repair Program:
Customers can visit support.apple.com/en-ca/self-service-repair -
Genuine Parts Distributor for Repair Providers:
Learn more at support.apple.com/en-ca/genuine-parts-distributor
