Not long ago, Apple products were frequently criticized by advocates of repairability. Recently, however, Apple has increasingly embraced user repairability, influenced by sustainability concerns and the growing right to repair movement. Controversies such as parts pairing have continued to provoke critics, with iFixit lowering the iPhone 14’s repairability score last year due to this policy.
In essence, parts pairing mandates the use of specific, typically first-party components for devices to operate correctly. A newly released white paper titled “Longevity by Design” outlines Apple’s current repair policies, emphasizing durability as a priority over repairability.
John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, states, “Designing long-lasting products requires consideration of the ability to repair and access repair services. However, prioritizing repairability alone may not always result in the best outcome for our customers or the environment.”
Apple highlights its efforts to enhance device repairability with subsequent iPhone generations, exemplified by the iPhone 15 in 2023. Nevertheless, concerns over parts pairing persisted, reflected in iFixit’s modest 4/10 repairability score for the device.
Meanwhile, Apple has expanded its user repair services, announcing on Wednesday that Diagnostics for Self Service Repair is now accessible in 32 European countries, including the U.K., France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This feature, introduced in December, provides diagnostics previously available only to authorized service providers.
The introduction of Self Service Repair has elicited mixed reactions, with Apple clarifying that it does not block third-party parts but limits their system access in some instances. The company argues that ensuring components like biometrics and displays are calibrated correctly is crucial to maintaining device security and performance.
In its white paper, Apple defends its approach, asserting that prioritizing longevity over immediate repairability benefits sustainability. The company emphasizes that components such as displays and batteries, which frequently require replacement, should be user-repairable. Conversely, more complex components like charging ports may not warrant individual repairability due to lower service needs and higher manufacturing emissions.
Apple also rebuts claims of planned obsolescence, citing millions of iPhones in use for over five years and its longstanding practice of providing free software updates to extend device lifespans.
Ultimately, Apple’s strategy aims to balance durability, repairability, and sustainability, despite ongoing scrutiny and evolving industry standards.
