Apple expresses support for the ``right to repair'' that will lead to reduced repair costs for iPhones and MacBooks, and seeks discussion of the government's bill

Apple executives took the stage at an event on the ``Right to Repair'' held at the White House on October 25, 2023, and declared their support for the right to repair.

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard on the Right to Repair | The White House
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/24/remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery-by-national-economic-council-director-lael-brainard-on- the-right-to-repair/

It is difficult for users to repair products such as smartphones and PCs that have been distributed in recent years by themselves, and it is necessary to request repairs from manufacturers or specialized companies. Many people have expressed doubts about the situation in which users are unable to repair their own belongings, and a movement is underway around the world to establish a 'right to repair' by requesting manufacturers to provide repair parts and manuals. is.

Bills that would recognize the right to repair are already under discussion in the EU and US states, and on October 10, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB-244 , a bill that would recognize the right to repair. Did. Apple has also expressed support for SB-244, and it is expected that the situation regarding repairs will change significantly by July 1, 2024, when the law comes into effect.

The Governor of California signs a law recognizing the 'right to repair' and it will go into effect in California from July 1, 2024 - GIGAZINE

The White House held an event on the right to repair on October 25, 2023, inviting multiple experts including Brian Nauman, senior director of Apple's service business division. At the beginning of the event, National Economic Council Chair Lael Brainard said, ``As part of our invitation to today's meeting, Apple is extending its support for California's Right to Repair bill nationwide.'' This means that whether you're in California, Maine or Michigan, you'll now be able to get the parts, tools, and documentation you need to repair your Apple product at a lower cost.'' 'We want the right to repair to become a national law,' he said, making it clear that Apple strongly supports the right to repair. Mr. Brainard's statement can be confirmed from 4 minutes 16 seconds in the following movie.

White House Convening on Right to Repair - YouTube


Furthermore, Mr. Brainard, who took the stage at the event, explained Apple's stance on the right to repair for about four and a half minutes. Mr. Brainard's statement can be confirmed from 22 minutes 39 seconds of the same movie , and the main points are as follows.

First, Mr. Brainard said, ``Today's topic is about the right to repair, but the ultimate goal is to extend the life of the product. ``Designed for long life'' includes durability, repairability, and Ongoing support is included. Let's face it, repairs aren't essential. Apple is taking steps to expand repair options in case users still need them. ``We also understand that (expanding repair options) is good for users' wallets and the environment,'' he said, highlighting that measures are being taken to make repairs easier.

Mr. Brainard continued, ``Our latest iPhone series (iPhone 15 series) uses a new internal frame structure that makes it easier to repair the back glass.This has significantly reduced repair costs. 'At the same time, the durability and repairability of the product have improved.' In fact, it has been reported that the cost of repairing the back glass of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is about one third compared to the previous generation model.

'iPhone 15 Pro' back glass repair costs are cheap - GIGAZINE

In addition, Mr. Brainard emphasized that the Repair Certification Program has more than 1,000 locations and that more than 100,000 technicians are involved in repairing Apple products, citing the right to repair established in California. We are reaffirming our support for the bill ``SB-244,'' which would allow for repairs, and our commitment to provide repair services equivalent to those provided in California throughout the United States. Mr. Brainerd argued that a uniform federal repair law is needed, stating that the federal repair law 'maintains security and privacy features of products' and 'ensures transparency of parts used in repairs.' He argued that it is necessary to 'set forward-looking rules so that manufacturers can focus on developing new products,' and 'avoid confusion caused by differences in rules from state to state.'