Major technology companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung have introduced self-repair programs amid growing right-to-repair laws in the US and EU. These initiatives aim to make device repairs more accessible, reducing e-waste and consumer costs. By 2026, more states and countries will enforce such policies, encouraging sustainable practices.
The right-to-repair movement has gained momentum, driven by consumer advocacy and legislation. In the United States, over a quarter of Americans will live in states with right-to-repair laws by January 2026, rising to more than 35% by fall when Connecticut and Texas join. The European Union passed a Right to Repair Directive in 2024, set to apply across all member states by July 2026, requiring manufacturers to provide tools, parts, manuals, and software for repairs.
Apple launched its Self Service Repair program in April 2022, offering genuine parts, tools, and manuals for over 40 products in 33 countries and 24 languages, including recent iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. In 2024, Apple began allowing used genuine parts, with on-device calibration for features like Face ID and Touch ID, and no longer requires device serial numbers for most orders. Customers can rent tools for $49 and return parts for credit.
Google partnered with iFixit in 2022 to supply replacement parts for Pixel phones and supports right-to-repair laws in four states, earning top marks in the 2025 U.S. PIRG scorecard. It commits to seven years of software updates for Pixel devices and collaborates on Chromebook repairs with Acer and Lenovo.
Samsung's partnership with iFixit ended in May 2024 due to concerns over high part prices and data-sharing requirements, as noted by iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens. Samsung now operates its own program with 90-day warranties on parts for select Galaxy models.
PC makers are also advancing repairability. Lenovo's ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 achieved a 9.3 repairability score through easier access to components, targeting 84% of PCs repairable without service centers. Microsoft partners with iFixit for Surface and Xbox repairs, while HP and Dell provide online manuals.
Smaller firms like Fairphone, producing modular smartphones since 2013, and Framework, offering upgradeable laptops since 2019, prioritize design for longevity. A study in the journal Circular Economy indicates extending device life by 50-100% could prevent 25-38 million tons of e-waste and 1.34-2.03 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually by 2030. U.S. PIRG estimates households save $330 yearly by repairing electronics, with national policies potentially saving $40 billion.
