Apple is making a big change to its repair process starting this fall that will see more used parts in select iPhones, the tech giant announced Thursday.

Why it matters: The move is a major victory for the "Right to Repair" movement, which Apple had vociferously opposed, that should make it easier and cheaper for consumers to fix their phones.

The big picture: Apple said the new process is designed to maintain an iPhone user's privacy, security and safety.

• It will also help consumers extend the life of their devices, which keep becoming pricier.
• It will give consumers expanded repair options and can minimize "the environmental impact of a repair," Apple said.

Yes, but: The change won't immediately help all iPhone users. It will be available this fall for iPhone 15 and later models, Apple confirmed to Axios.

Flashback: Apple rolled out self service repairs in 2022 and it now supports 40 Apple products.

• The program launched as the federal government was scrutinizing repair restrictions.

Zoom in: Apple said Thursday it will also extend its "Activation Lock feature" to iPhone parts in order "to deter stolen iPhones from being disassembled for parts."

• The company said this feature, requested by customers and law enforcement officials, is designed to limit theft "by blocking a lost or stolen iPhone from being reactivated."

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