US tech giant Apple is to allow independent repair businesses to fix its devices.

It has announced a new repair program, offering customers "additional options" for the most common out-of-warranty iPhone repairs.

The company has said it will provide more independent repair businesses - large or small - with the same parts, tools, training, repair manuals and diagnostics as its Apple Authorised Service Providers (AASPs).

The program is to launch in the United States of America first, with plans to expand to other countries afterwards.

Jeff Williams is Apple's chief operating officer.

He said: "To better meet our customers' needs, we're making it easier for independent providers across the US to tap into the same resources as our Apple Authorised Service Provider network.

Image: Apple

"When a repair is needed, a customer should have confidence the repair is done right.

"We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested."

Apple has a global network of over 5,000 AASPs.

There is also no cost to join the independent repair program.

To qualify, businesses need to have an Apple-certified technician who can perform the repairs.

"The process for certification is simple and free of charge", Apple said.

Over the past year, the firm has launched a successful pilot with 20 independent repair businesses in Europe, North America and Asia - who are currently offering genuine parts for repairs.

Businesses can learn more and apply here