Right to Repair campaign forces changes from Apple

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Leaked Apple documents show a plan to expand of authorized repair, representing a step in response to consumers demands for repair

BOSTON — Motherboard is reporting on an Apple program which reverses some of their restrictions on repair, allowing for more authorized repair providers. However, the company is would still refuse access to parts and service information to consumers and many independent businesses. 

U.S. PIRG Right to Repair Campaign Director Nathan Proctor made the following statement:  

“Customers want options to fix their things, and Apple clearly knows they have been getting a failing grade on that. Make no mistake, without the widespread support for right to repair, manufacturers would not be making these changes. 

“But Apple still limits who can repair their products: If they support more repair options, why not just sell replacement parts to anyone? People just want to fix their stuff. We are tired of manufacturers price-gouging for repairs, selling us disposable electronics and pushing us to buy new instead of fixing what we already have. It’s should be no surprise that interest in the right to repair movement keeps growing, with 20 states filing bills already this year. And it’s no surprise that Apple feels they must respond, even if this leaked expansion, while a positive step, still leaves Apple in control of repairs. 

“We want the customer to decide what to fix and who fixes it. By expanding options, it signals that they realize repair is what consumer want, but stops short of what we asked for. If Apple customers want a real Right to Repair, they should contact their legislators and them to pass a bill to guarantee it.”

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U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), stands up to powerful special interests on behalf of the American public, working to win concrete results for our health and our well-being.

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