Apple Inc. finally found something that it likes: legislation governing the company’s right to repair. After battling against regulations in a number of states, the tech giant has settled on a bill put forth by the Massachusetts Senate that it sees as a suitable compromise.
For years, repair advocates have pushed companies like Apple to provide more information and technical support for consumers attempting to repair certain electronic products. Many states have attempted to pass laws requiring companies to both make their repair manuals and spare parts available for sale, only to be met with intense pushback from Apple and other tech companies.
In Massachusetts, however, Apple has found a bill that it not only supports, but has gone on record as being in favor of. The Senate bill seeks to establish the Progressive Product Stewardship Program, which would require consumer-electronics manufacturers — including Apple — to ensure the “long-term availability of service parts to consumers.”
The bill wouldn’t require Apple or any other company to make its repair manuals publicly available, nor would it require Apple to sell spare parts to third-party repair centers. Instead, it would allow Apple to provide contact information to customers who needed repair parts or assistance and offer a service program for extended service coverage or repair outside of the warranty period. Customers, however, will be able to access generic parts provided by the manufacturer through any licensed repair provider.
The Senate bill is currently in review and its future is unclear, but regardless of its eventual fate, Apple’s support is an encouraging sign for the right-to-repair movement. Repair advocates are still pushing for laws like the ones rejected by Apple, but the Massachusetts Senate bill may represent an acceptable compromise for both sides. If passed, it would give Apple and other companies the cooperation and discretion they want while also providing increased repair options for consumers.
All in all, the Massachusetts Senate bill appears to be a win-win for both repair advocates and Apple. If it succeeds, it could pave the way for more states to craft similar laws that offer enough protections for companies but provide the necessary resources for consumers to extend the life of their products.
