In a noteworthy departure from its previous stance, Apple is throwing its support behind a right-to-repair bill in California. This shift is seen as significant in terms of the company’s approach to the movement and carries the potential for positive environmental implications, as reported in a letter obtained by CNBC. The bill in question, California Senate Bill 244, aims to mandate manufacturers like Apple to grant customers the ability to repair their malfunctioning or damaged devices. This legislation, introduced by state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman in March, aligns with her history of advocating for right-to-repair bills. She has emphasized that broadening the scope of such legislation would empower consumers to make more cost-effective choices.
In a letter addressed to Senator Eggman’s team on Tuesday, Apple’s policy team expressed agreement with the essence of the bill. However, they conveyed the company’s reservation about endorsing the bill if it were to enable repair shops to deactivate Apple’s anti-theft remote locks. These locks, while often posing a barrier to repairing or activating older computers that have changed hands, are designed to prevent theft. The letter, as seen by CNBC, revealed, “We endorse SB 244 due to its inclusion of measures that safeguard both individual users’ safety and security, as well as the intellectual property of product manufacturers. Our support for the bill will persist, provided it continues to uphold safeguards for customers and innovators.”
Additionally, Apple indicated its ongoing commitment to endorse the bill, contingent on the condition that repair shops are mandated to disclose their utilization of “non-genuine or used parts.” Initial coverage of the letter came from TechCrunch and iFixit, a DIY repair-guide company. Senator Eggman, in response to Apple’s stance, conveyed, “Apple’s endorsement of the California Right to Repair Act exemplifies the strength of the long-standing movement and the capacity for industries to collaborate in formulating effective policies that benefit the residents of California. I appreciate their involvement in this matter and their pioneering role in supporting access to repair, setting an example among their peers,” in correspondence with CNBC.
Apple initiated discussions with the lawmaker’s team during the initial stages, as per comments from David Stammerjohan, Chief of Staff to Senator Eggman. Stammerjohan referred to these conversations as “highly constructive” in an interview with CNBC. However, he refrained from providing insights into interactions or lobbying efforts involving other manufacturers. Apple, in a statement provided to CNBC, affirmed its endorsement of California’s Right to Repair Act. The company emphasized that this support aims to enhance repair accessibility for all Californians while ensuring the preservation of their safety, security, and privacy. Apple further underlined its commitment to crafting products with durability in mind and highlighted the increasing array of reliable repair choices available to its customers.
The proposed legislation would necessitate manufacturers, including those like Apple whose products typically exceed the $100 threshold, to furnish replacement manuals, components, and tools for a minimum of three years following the cessation of production. Historically, Apple has stood against the enactment of right-to-repair statutes. While Apple is not generally recognized as a primary direct lobbying entity, there have been reports of the company leveraging its substantial influence to impede right-to-repair bills in various states, including New York.
Several factors have contributed to the company’s resistance towards comparable legislation. Apple’s marketing of AppleCare+ insurance across its primary product ranges plays a pivotal role; this practice encourages visits to its stores and occasionally generates additional revenue when product replacement is necessary. However, Apple also places significant emphasis on upholding quality standards and overseeing customer interactions. Previously, opting for iPhone screen replacement through unauthorized vendors resulted in voided warranties. Non-official repairers might employ subpar materials, potentially leading to subsequent damage or ineffectiveness.
In response to mounting pressure from consumer organizations, the company has gradually eased its stance in recent times. As an illustration, customers now have the option to change iPhone batteries within Apple’s Self Service Repair initiative, which was initially introduced in 2021. This initiative empowers customers to directly purchase authentic components from Apple and undertake device repairs themselves. In the letter addressed to Senator Eggman, Apple indicated a willingness to consider broader right-to-repair expansion. The letter stated, “Apple values the chance to contribute to your endeavors aimed at enhancing consumer choices in California.”