Apple advocates for regulations that would provide iPhone components and equipment to customers. Supporters argue that right-to-repair regulations can help to save consumers costs and cut down on the amount of devices that end up in landfills.
On Tuesday, Apple showed its support for a nationwide right-to-repair regulation which would make iPhone parts and tools available to consumers. This was a sign of the company's move in favor of independent repair. Apple is heavily associated with the right-to-repair movement due to its ubiquity and many customers having experienced problems with their broken iPhone screens or used-up batteries which necessitate a trip to an Apple or repair store.At a White House event, Apple expressed that it sees "real value" in a national law such as this.President Biden has been pushing for right-to-repair laws as part of an effort to eliminate "junk fees" and other practices which push up the price for consumers. Moreover, Biden issued an executive order regarding right-to-repair in 2021 in which he mandated the federal government to implement existing repair laws in order to promote competition.Advocates have stated that these laws save money for consumers and also help the environment since they prevent useful devices from being thrown in landfills.At the event, Brian Naumann, Apple's service VP, noted that the company offers parts, tools, and manuals to independent repair stores in the US, alluding to the self-service repair program that was established in 2021. Naumann detailed Apple's priorities for a national law, such as maintaining confidentiality and data security, providing transparency about the types of parts used for repair, implementing the proposed law prospectively, and creating a strong, uniform standard for all US consumers.Previously, Apple had opposed right-to-repair laws, as it profited from selling AppleCare+ extended warranties as well as driving traffic to its stores. However, it has recently shifted its stance, introducing a program to buy tools and parts in 2021 and making recent iPhone models easier to repair. The company is also leaning into its eco-friendly image.
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