Apple Supports Right-To-Repair Bill in Major Policy Change
Apple customers can purchase tools and parts for three years after the product manufacturing date once the bill goes into effect.
- Apple has offered its support to a new bill in the state of California that will make manufacturers provide consumers with services and tools to repair damaged products.
- Apple previously opposed the bill as it offered its AppleCare+ insurance package for device malfunctions.
After opposing independent repair movements for years, Apple, in a major shift in its policy, has expressed support for the California Right-to-Repair bill. The proposed legislation by California Senator Susan Eggman would make it significantly easier for consumers to access tools, services, and spare parts needed to fix damaged devices sold from July 1, 2021, onwards.
This support has to be available for three years after the product is discontinued from the manufacturing line. In addition, the support has to be extended by seven years for products that cost more than $100.
Apple’s change in policy is significant because the tech giant has been a major role player in quashing similar bills in several U.S. states, including California. The company has been consistent in its position for several years, stating that making parts and tools for repair available to the public would create cybersecurity and safety risks.
The company’s decision to change its stance is likely due to growing pressure from regulators, shareholders, consumers, and lawmakers to end restrictions encouraging monopolistic practices. Advocates of the Right-to-Repair bill often argued that Apple’s lack of support was because of financial considerations, as consumers tend to replace damaged devices instead of repairing them.
See More: EU’s Digital Services Act Kicks In, Big Tech Forced To Adapt
This is not Apple’s first effort at independent repair, however. In 2019, the company made its first foray with its ‘Independent Repair Provider’ program. This program allowed independent shops to source original Apple spare parts and documentation for repair processes. However, the program forced shops to sign contracts that subjected them to Apple’s audits during and after they left the program.
In 2022, Apple made another attempt through its ‘Self Service Repair’ program. This program allowed customers to buy original Apple parts for Macs and iPhones. However, this program, too, had its challenges, with parts being cost-prohibitive and being available only for the latest Apple devices in the market. In addition, the AppleCare+ insurance package was potentially another motive for the company to avoid independent repair legislation.
By giving its approval to the Right-to-Repair bill, Apple is now following the steps of Microsoft, which has already supported a similar bill in Washington state, making a marked change in the U.S. tech landscape.
What do you think about the implementation of the Right to Repair bill? Let us know your thoughts on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or Facebook. We’d love to hear from you!
Image source: Shutterstock
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