August 25, 2023
Apple, a long-standing opponent of the right-to-repair movement, has changed its tune and declared its support for a California bill that would oblige manufacturers to supply customers and independent repair businesses with the tools, parts, and documentation needed to fix their own devices.
The bill, Senate Bill 244, would cover a wide range of consumer electronics and appliances, including smartphones, laptops, microwaves, and washing machines. It would also require manufacturers to sell parts and tools for devices after they stop being sold, for three years after discontinuation if the item is priced at $50 to $99, and seven years if it’s over $100.
Apple had a few conditions for supporting the bill, including requiring repair providers to disclose the use of non-genuine or used parts, and ensuring that the bill would not allow repair shops to disable device security features.
The company said it decided to support the bill because it believes it will give all Californians “even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy.”
Previously in 2021, Apple launched the Self Service Repair program, which allows customers to buy Apple parts and tools to fix their own iPhones and Macs. The program has since been expanded to include more devices.
The sources for this piece include an article in TechSpot.
