Apple is rewarding probably the most energetic and useful members of its help boards with its new Community Plus program (via iClarified). The invite-only program provides these “high-level” Support Community members entry to unique perks and experiences.

Apple’s Support Community members can already earn factors based mostly on their exercise, granting them access to rewards as they stage up. This contains the flexibility to add a customized avatar in addition to take part in convention calls with the Apple Support Community workforce and even in-person meetups with different members. But the Community Plus program seems to take issues a bit additional. It applies to the “shining stars” of Apple help boards who present probably the most detailed and useful solutions. Apple says it would solely add a “small group” of individuals to this system on a yearly foundation.

If any such program sounds acquainted, chances are you’ll keep in mind that Microsoft has had its MVP (most dear skilled) award for over 20 years and has acknowledged over 4,000 MVPs to date — at occasions rewarding them with journeys, subscriptions that included free entry to costly software program, and free coaching supplies.

So sure, Apple’s program is a little bit new to the sport with regards to honoring probably the most energetic help technicians (who’re additionally unpaid, thoughts you). But it looks like Apple’s trying to set up and encourage extra consultants who function outdoors its shops and within the boards the place prospects continuously find yourself, even when these folks aren’t official Apple workers. Google has lengthy leaned on boards to reinforce or change tech help — it launched the Nexus One with no quantity to name for tech help however added one later — and its rewards for product experts seem to concentrate on connecting with the corporate and beta testing new updates.

Apple is fairly gentle on the small print as to how members may benefit from the Community Plus program. Apple says it would give members “white-glove experiences, and more,” but it surely’s unclear what that entails. The Verge reached out to Apple to seek out out some specifics however didn’t instantly hear again.

Earlier this 12 months, Apple introduced updates to its professional training programs for IT professionals, giving folks the flexibility to acquire certificates for understanding Apple’s programs and gadgets in a web based, self-paced format; on the similar time, it’s lining up technicians for on-site service calls in its Business Essentials program. Apple’s additionally constructing out its presence within the DIY house. In April, Apple’s self-repair service for the iPhone 12 and 13, which lets customers buy the elements they should repair their gadgets and offers them with directions on how to take action, went reside within the US. This may imply getting shipped a 79-pound bundle simply to make a small restore, but it surely’s a begin, I suppose.