As the US continues to lose its manufacturing edge, the right to repair movement has gained steam. Massachusetts voters will decide whether to legalize the practice in a 2020 referendum, and Microsoft has announced a program that allows customers to repair and exchange parts. It’s a symbolically significant move. Nathan Proctor, the head of the right-to-repair movement and U.S. Public Research Interest Group, says it’s a sign that the tech industry is finally giving in to the demands of the public.
Apple’s Self Service Repair program
Apple has recently launched a self-service repair program for iPhone. The program is currently limited to the US, but will be available in other countries later this year. While the program is aimed at individuals who have some repair experience, Apple does recommend that iPhone owners without such expertise seek out a certified technician. According to Apple, there are currently 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers, 3,000 independent repair providers, and more than 100,000 active technicians worldwide.
Apple’s new program gives customers access to genuine parts and tools for repairs on their own. While the initial rollout will only cover certain iPhone models, the program will eventually expand to other countries, beginning with Europe. Later in 2022, the program will expand to Mac computers with Apple silicon. But it’s not a magic solution. It’s just another step towards making Apple devices more accessible to everyday consumers.
Massachusetts’ 2020 referendum on right-to-repair
The right to repair initiative is a hot topic in Massachusetts, with voters voting in November on whether the state should make car manufacturers give people access to the data in their cars. While the 2012 law has been passed, this new measure will expand that legislation to cover wirelessly transmitted information. Under the new law, auto manufacturers will have to set up an open data platform that allows users to access this information. For example, if your car has trouble codes and needs a repair, you will be able to find these codes through a smartphone app.
The law would also require automakers to provide wireless connections to their technicians. That’s a significant change for consumers, who often have trouble diagnosing a problem with their car. It could have a big impact on Massachusetts motor vehicle distribution. Model year 2022 is less than nine months away. This means that most manufacturers will not have enough time to make technical changes to their cars in time for the change. It may even make the situation worse.
Apple’s response to Green Century’s no-action request
The SEC recently denied Apple’s request to skip a shareholder proposal that would have required it to prepare a report on its supply chain protections. The proposal would have asked the company to provide information about the risk of forced labor and how it takes steps to combat it. Last week, American lawmakers passed legislation banning the import of products from Xinjiang. The SEC has declined Apple’s request, and will now have to vote on the proposal at its annual shareholder meeting next year.
Microsoft’s move toward self repair
A recent study released by Microsoft highlights the positive impact of repairs on the environment. It focused on developing better methods of repair. This may lead Microsoft to create a self-repair program in the future. It partnered with a UK-based consulting firm to study the issue. Researchers compared repairs of Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 3 products that were refurbished in China with repairs made at authorized service centers.
The shareholders’ resolution was filed by As You Sow, an advocacy group focused on environmental and social corporate responsibility. It aims to give consumers greater control over their technology and the ability to repair their own devices. The resolution also calls on Microsoft to study the social and environmental benefits of a right-to-repair model and to act on its findings by the end of next year. The Right to Repair advocates applauded the decision.
