Apple changes policy to support 'right to repair', but with conditions



In California, the bill ``

SB 244 '' that requires home appliance manufacturers to provide repair parts to users and recognizes the `` right to repair '' is being deliberated. Apple had shown its opposition to bills related to the right to repair, but on August 22, 2023, it became clear that Apple sent a letter in favor of SB 244 to relevant lawmakers. .

Apple's U-Turn: Tech Giant Finally Backs Repair in California! | iFixit News
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Apple lends support to California State Right to Repair bill | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/23/apple-lends-support-to-california-state-right-to-repair-bill/

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Repair parts for home appliances such as smartphones and PCs are often not available on the market, making it difficult for users to repair them. In addition, in many cases, repair companies are limited to 'manufacturer-certified repair companies', creating a situation where users can only request repairs from manufacturers and repair companies certified by manufacturers. .

There is a growing movement to demand home appliance manufacturers to supply the parts necessary for repair, saying that the state in which users and repairers cannot freely repair home appliances hinders the 'right to repair'. In January 2023 , a law recognizing the right to repair in New York State was enacted, and rules recognizing the right to repair are progressing, but Apple has been opposed to the right to repair for many years. It was reported that he was engaged in lobbying activities to prevent the passage of the bill during the deliberation of the bill in New York State.

Apple and Google are opposing the bill that recognizes the 'right to repair' passed by an overwhelming majority and are trying to prevent enforcement - GIGAZINE



However, Apple said to California Senator Susan Eggman, who is working to pass the bill `` SB 244 '' that grants the right to repair on August 22, 2023, ``Apple supports SB 244. I sent a letter stating, 'I will,' and clarified that the policy has changed to a policy that recognizes the right to repair.



However, Apple does not unconditionally accept ``SB 244'', and ``does not oblige home appliance manufacturers to provide 'methods to disable security functions to prevent theft. He said he would support SB 244 only if conditions such as 'mandatory disclosure of the use of non-genuine parts or second-hand parts' are met.



Mr. Eggman, who received the letter, said, ``I have worked for six years to establish the right to repair.Thank you for supporting Apple's important policy to protect consumers and the environment. 'We welcome Apple's policy change.




SB 244 was passed by the California Senate in May 2023 with a vote of 38 to 0, and at the time of writing the article, the financial impact was evaluated as a preliminary step for further deliberations.

in Hardware, Posted by log1o_hf