Your iPad gets an exciting update that fixes a major dilemma with Apple's tablets

We've all been there. Your iPad feels like it's on its last legs but you don't want to splash out on something new. It's often a dilemma for consumers as the screen and case might look good as new but the battery and charging ports have seen better days.

Getting an iPad fixed at an authorised repair centre can be expensive and time-consuming, but from this week, it will be possible to mend things from the comfort of your own home. Apple has just announced a big update to its Self Service Repair, which now adds the iPad to the list of devices that can be DIY repaired.

This basically means those who feel confident enough, can order official spare parts, tools and manuals and have a go at mending things themselves. The idea is to help users get as much life out of their products as possible, rather than sending them to landfill.

iPad parts that can now be fixed on the kitchen table include displays, batteries, cameras, and external charging ports.

“At Apple, our goal is to create the world ’s greatest products that last as long as possible,” said Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare.

“With today’s announcement, we’re excited to expand our repair services to more customers, enabling them to further extend the life of their products — all without compromising safety, security, or privacy.”

Models that will be part of the new scheme include Pad Air (M2 and later), iPad Pro (M4), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad (A16).

The iPad isn't the first device to get access to self-repairs, with 65 Apple products now fixable without needing a specialist getting involved including the iPhone 16e, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio.

Over the past several years, Apple has also accelerated its repair footprint by expanding the number of professional service locations that have access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training.

Repair options include Apple Store locations, Apple Authorised Service Providers, Independent Repair Providers, mail-in repair centres, Self-Service Repair, and the Genuine Parts Distributor program.

The iPad update starts tomorrow, May 29, and includes the UK and Europe.