Apple U-Turns and Will Now Support California’s Right to Repair Legislation
In a turn of events, Apple has written to California State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman to signal its support for the state’s Right to Repair legislation.
Apple has been warming up to the idea of self-repair in recent years with the Self Service Repair Store launching last year.
However, the company’s support of the SB 244 bill is still a surprise since specific manufacturers don’t usually provide this type of backing.
“Apple supports California’s Right to Repair Act so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy,” Apple says in a statement to TechCrunch.
“We create our products to last and, if they ever need to be repaired, Apple customers have a growing range of safe, high-quality repair options.”
Better Repair Options
Apple’s aforementioned Self-Service Repair Store offers help for users who own devices like the iPhone 14 and M2-equipped MacBooks. However, right-to-repair advocates say the programs, that give users the tools and parts they need, are not enough and not economical to the customer.
The Self Service Repair program is thought to be a pre-emptive move against legislation that will force it to repair devices anyway.
“Apple’s support for California’s Right to Repair Act demonstrates the power of the movement that has been building for years and the ability for industries to partner with us to make good policy to benefit the people of California,” says Sen. Eggman.
“I’m grateful for their engagement on this issue and for leading among their peers when it comes to supporting access to repair.”
In recent years, at least 14 states have introduced similar bills including in New York which passed the Fair Repair Act last year. The N.Y. law is designed to protect consumers from “the monopolistic practices of digital electronics manufacturers.”
It is likely that Californian legislators will have to give manufacturers some concessions to get the act passed. It builds on the existing California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
In May, the bill was passed by a vote of 38-0 in the State Senate and is currently awaiting assembly appropriation suspense file approval before going to a full assembly vote.
Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.
