Key takeaways
- Right to repair laws in New York, the EU, and other regions require manufacturers to make parts and manuals available, enabling cheaper independent repairs.
- Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung have begun selling repair parts directly to consumers, though some manufacturers still resist the requirements.
- Repair costs typically fall 30 to 50 percent when right to repair access is available, allowing devices to stay in use longer.
- Software locks and warranty disputes remain the biggest gray areas, with manufacturers arguing they protect security while critics call them unnecessary barriers.
Right to repair is legislation and regulatory action that allows consumers, independent repair shops, and third parties to legally purchase parts, access repair manuals, and use repair tools for devices they own, without manufacturer interference. The concept challenges decades of closed ecosystems where manufacturers exclusively controlled repairs through warranty restrictions, digital locks, and proprietary components.
The scope of right to repair in these laws typically covers smartphones, laptops, computers, and increasingly appliances and agricultural equipment. It does not grant anyone the right to modify products for other purposes, nor does it override safety or security restrictions in all cases. Rather, it ensures that device owners can take their gadgets to independent shops or repair them personally without legal consequences.
Why This Movement Emerged
The right to repair movement gained momentum because manufacturers began making repairs increasingly difficult and expensive. Apple made replacing an iPhone battery a $79 procedure at authorized stores. Samsung used software locks to prevent third-party screen replacements. John Deere’s farm equipment became so locked down that farmers couldn’t diagnose problems without manufacturer tools, costing them $500 or more per service call and leaving them unable to fix machines during harvest.
This created a market opportunity for independent repair shops and a source of frustration for consumers. iFixit, a website documenting device repairs, grew into an advocacy organization because detailed repair information was unavailable. Right to repair advocates argued that ownership should mean the right to fix what you own.
Regulatory Landscape: Where the Laws Stand
New York and the Electronics Standard
New York State passed the Digital Right to Repair Bill in 2022, requiring manufacturers to make parts, repair tools, and manuals available to independent repair providers at reasonable costs. The law applies to consumer electronics and appliances sold in the state. Manufacturers have been given a phase-in period to comply.
European Union Requirements
The European Union has been more aggressive. Several EU member states, including France, have implemented right to repair obligations for specific product categories. The EU’s Right to Repair directive, phased in for certain products like smartphones and appliances, requires manufacturers to supply spare parts for a minimum period after sale. The scope continues to expand.
Other Regions and Proposals
Massachusetts voters approved a right to repair ballot measure in 2020, initially for automobiles, though the wording was broad. Multiple other US states have introduced legislation. California, Minnesota, and others have had active bills. The Federal Trade Commission has signaled support for repair access, though federal legislation remains stalled.
How Manufacturers Are Responding
Some manufacturers have made strategic concessions. Apple launched its Self Service Repair program, initially for iPhones and later MacBooks, allowing customers to order OEM parts directly and rent diagnostic tools for a $49 fee. The parts come at Apple’s standard retail prices, but the availability itself represents a significant shift.
Microsoft committed to making its Surface devices more repairable, providing part availability and design improvements. Samsung has partnered with iFixit to sell genuine parts for Galaxy phones and has improved repairability scores on recent models.
Other manufacturers have resisted or complied minimally. They argue that unrestricted repair access creates safety risks, compromises intellectual property, or invites counterfeit components into supply chains. These tensions remain unresolved in many jurisdictions.
What Actually Changes for Consumers
Parts Availability
The most immediate change is access to replacement components. A broken iPhone screen no longer requires a $279 to $349 repair at an Apple Store if third-party parts become available at $50 to $100. Battery replacements, which used to cost $79 at Apple, now have aftermarket options. Independent repair shops can stock genuine or licensed parts legally.
Cost Reduction
Repair costs typically fall when competition enters the market. Analysis of iPhone screen repairs found prices ranging from $150 at authorized Apple Stores to $100 to $150 at independent shops in states with right to repair protections, versus $150 to $200 in states without them. Labor costs also decrease as smaller shops enter the market.
Device Lifespan
Affordable repairs extend device lifespan. A consumer whose phone would have been discarded after a cracked screen might keep it in use for two to three additional years. This has environmental implications, as the production of new devices carries a higher carbon cost than repairing existing ones.
The Environmental and Economic Argument
E-waste is a growing problem. Americans discard roughly 6.9 million tons of electronic waste annually, according to the EPA. Much of this is driven by repair costs that exceed the resale value of devices. Extending device lifespan through affordable repairs could reduce e-waste by 10 to 15 percent in some product categories.
There’s also an economic argument for consumers. Repair-focused manufacturers can reduce product costs if they’re designing for repairability rather than annual replacement cycles. Some advocates argue that right to repair could lower total cost of ownership across a device’s lifetime, even if individual component prices rise slightly.
Current Limitations and Ongoing Debates
Right to repair laws have gaps. They rarely cover software locks or digital rights management on components, which can still prevent third-party parts from functioning. A replacement camera module that works mechanically might not activate if the device firmware rejects it as unauthorized. Manufacturers argue this protects users; critics say it’s an artificial barrier.
Warranty coverage remains contested. Manufacturers worry that user repairs or third-party components could damage devices, creating liability. Some laws include safety carve-outs, but how broadly these apply is still being litigated.
Supply chain risks are real. Counterfeit components circulating through black markets could flood into the repair ecosystem if oversight is insufficient. Balancing accessibility with quality control remains an unsolved problem for regulators and industry alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries and states have right to repair laws?
New York passed the Digital Right to Repair Bill in 2022. The European Union has implemented requirements for electronics in multiple member states including France. Massachusetts voters approved a right to repair measure in 2020. California, Minnesota, and other states have introduced bills. Federal legislation remains under discussion but has not passed.
Can manufacturers still refuse to sell me repair parts?
In jurisdictions with right to repair laws, manufacturers must make parts and repair manuals available at reasonable costs. However, security-critical components and software locks sometimes have exemptions. Outside these regions, manufacturers can restrict access entirely.
Will right to repair make devices cheaper?
Device prices themselves may not drop significantly, but repair costs typically fall when independent shops can buy parts legally. The main savings come from avoiding expensive authorized repairs and extending device lifespan before replacement becomes necessary.
