Right to repair is not just an Apple issue

The Right to Repair movement advocates for consumers' ability to repair and maintain the products they own. Although Apple is frequently spotlighted, this issue extends far beyond the tech giant, affecting industries like agriculture, medical devices, automobiles, and consumer electronics. Louis Rossmann, a prominent Right to Repair advocate, emphasizes that restricting repairs is a systemic issue, deeply embedded in modern business practices.

Industries affected by anti-repair practices

1. Agricultural equipment: Farmers face significant challenges due to restrictive practices by manufacturers like John Deere, which locks vital repair tools and software behind proprietary systems. While John Deere previously agreed to provide access to repair tools by 2021, it has largely failed to uphold this promise, forcing many farmers to turn to unauthorized software just to perform basic repairs. Industry groups argue that allowing such access could bypass emissions and safety controls, but this leaves farmers financially dependent on dealers for critical repairs.
2. Consumer electronics: Companies such as Samsung follow Apple’s lead in implementing restrictive measures, like serialization and pairing of parts, which prevent the use of third-party components. This practice raises repair costs and limits options for consumers, reinforcing a disposable culture in electronics.
3. Medical equipment: Hospitals and healthcare providers encounter repair restrictions that delay the maintenance of critical devices. Limited access to diagnostics and proprietary parts exacerbates costs and impacts patient care, with some hospital technicians calling for legislative action to improve repairability.
4. Home appliances: Many household devices, such as refrigerators and washing machines, are increasingly difficult to repair because of proprietary parts and software locks. Advocates argue that this trend contributes to unnecessary e-waste and financial strain on households.[6]
5. Automobiles: The automotive industry has historically restricted repairs by limiting access to diagnostic tools and proprietary systems. Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law has been a key legislative victory, enabling consumers and independent mechanics to access the tools needed for vehicle repairs.[7]

Why anti-repair practices are a problem

1. Economic and environmental costs: Repair restrictions force consumers to pay excessive fees or replace entire products, contributing to financial burdens and increased e-waste.
2. Undermining consumer rights: These practices challenge the basic principle of ownership. By limiting access to tools, parts, and repair guides, manufacturers erode consumers' ability to service the products they own.
3. Cultural shift toward disposability: Restrictive repair policies foster a disposable culture, where repairing a product is no longer an option, and purchasing new items becomes the default solution.

The role of Apple and industry influence

Apple is often criticized for its restrictive practices, such as gluing in batteries, removing microSD slots, and implementing software locks. Apple’s influence, however, extends beyond its own products. Many manufacturers adopt similar measures after seeing Apple’s success in controlling repairability.

Louis Rossmann argues that Apple’s practices serve as a visible example but cautions against assuming that avoiding Apple products solves the problem. This is a broader issue that spans industries and affects everyone.

What can be done

To address the challenges of Right to Repair, consumers and lawmakers must act:

1. Support legislation: Policies like Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law and the FAIR Act are essential for securing repair rights across industries.[7]
2. Raise awareness: Educating the public about the implications of repair restrictions can help build momentum for change.
3. Choose repairable products: Supporting manufacturers that prioritize repairability can encourage better practices across industries.