Apple Commits to National Right to Repair

Apple announced its support for the nationwide Right to Repair Act which will require the company to provide all necessary materials to fix a device maker's product.

Right to Repair Act

Earlier this month, the Right to Repair Act officially became law after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed it. The law is intended to make repairs easier and more accessible both for owners and independent retail shops.

According to law, manufacturers must provide the appropriate tools, parts, software, and documentation, within seven years after the production of a device priced above $100. Meanwhile, less expensive devices can still have access to the materials but only for three years.

"Apple also believes that consumers and businesses would benefit from a national law that balances repairability with product integrity, usability, and physical safety," Apple VP and GM for the company's repair business Brian Naumann stated.

Apple Changes Decision

Apple has not always been a fan of independent repair services. In fact, the company is known for restricting access to the guides and parts necessary to fix the company's devices. Fortunately, the company had a change of heart and gradually embraced the right-to-repair movement.

More surprisingly, the company even went as far as to endorse California's Right to Repair Act last August. Since 2021, the FTC has been working to go after companies that have been limiting accessibility to the materials needed to repair their products.

With one of the biggest tech companies on board with the law, the National Economic Council applauded the move. "Whether you are in California, Maine, or Michigan, Apple will make the parts, tools, and documentation needed to repair your Apple products available to you at reasonable prices," said Director Lael Brainard.