Apple said on Thursday it will start offering independent repair shops parts, tools and guides to help fix broken iPhones.

The new repair program allows big and small repair outfits to sign up and get access to parts for common out-of-warranty repairs, something that was previously restricted to Apple's network of authorized service providers.

The move represents an about-face for Apple, which typically encourages any repairs to be made by its authorized service providers and makes it difficult for users to replace aging or broken parts themselves. Additionally, the company has fought California's proposed right-to-repair bill, which would require companies such as Apple to make repair information and parts available to both device owners and independent repair shops.

Apple said the new program is free to join but that shops will be required to have an Apple-certified technician who has taken a preparatory course provided by the company. Repairs will not be covered by Apple's warranty, and independent providers will have to offer their own warranties for service, an Apple spokesperson told CNBC.