Apple may be taking steps to enhance iPad repair services in the US by bringing them directly to select stores. A new report suggests that Apple is testing a new approach in 30 stores, where some iPad repairs could be handled in-store rather than shipped off to a repair center. 
If the trial proves successful, Apple may roll out this service more widely by the end of 2025.
Currently, damaged iPads are typically sent to off-site repair centers, with customers often receiving a replacement unit while waiting for their original device to be fixed. This process can lead to longer wait times and confusion around the final cost. The new strategy would allow certain stores with ample space to handle simpler, “modular” repairs on-site. These repairs are typically minor fixes that don’t require heavy disassembly, leaving more complex repairs to be sent to Apple’s repair centers.
According to AppleInsider, a major advantage of in-store repairs is the potential cost reduction. At present, customers are often quoted the highest possible price when they leave their iPads at the store. Only after the repair is done do they learn the actual, usually lower, price. With in-store repairs, technicians could provide a more accurate upfront estimate, making the process more transparent and potentially saving customers money.
The trial is currently running in 18 flagship or larger Apple Stores, selected for having enough “backstage” space for repairs. Smaller stores are expected to continue the current practice of sending devices off-site for service. In addition to this initiative, Apple has expanded its repair options by adding iPads to its self-service repair program, following a broader trend in the industry to make repairs quicker and more accessible.
This move could be beneficial for both customer service and cost-efficiency, offering quicker repair times, clearer pricing, and fewer logistical steps. However, maintaining enough staff to meet demand will be a key factor in the success of this pilot program and its future expansion.