17 December, 2021
Letter to Apple sent
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In November 2021, Apple announced its Self Service Repair programme, giving consumers access to official repair manuals, spare parts and tools for the iPhone 12 and 13, with Mac computers to follow. Euroconsumers welcomes this step towards the right to repair and a circular economy, but key questions remain: when will European and Latin American consumers benefit, under what conditions, and at what price? At the same time, Euroconsumers continues to pursue four class actions over iPhone 6 battery problems, and calls on Apple to back its new approach with real action against premature obsolescence.
A right to repair, but at what cost?
Consumers want devices that last and can be repaired easily and affordably. The planet needs it too. Improving the repairability of electronics is a crucial step towards a circular economy, cutting electronic waste and fighting premature obsolescence.
A welcome step forward
On 17 November 2021, Apple announced its Self Service Repair programme. Starting with the iPhone 12 and 13, and followed by Mac computers, it allows consumers to access official repair manuals and order spare parts and specialised tools directly from Apple’s online store. After years of pressure for the right to repair, this marks a significant shift for one of the world’s leading electronics manufacturers.
What this means in practice for consumers?
The programme was first launched in the United States, with an expansion promised during 2022. But it remains unclear when consumers in Europe and Latin America will have access, and whether they will benefit from the same conditions as American users.
Price is another key question. No clear information has been given on how much official spare parts such as screens, cameras and batteries will cost, or whether third parties will be allowed to supply parts. If repairs remain too expensive, the programme risks becoming an empty box, failing both consumers’ wallets and the environment.
Unfinished business: the iPhone 6 battery case
Apple’s new approach to repair also raises the question of how it will deal with past problems linked to premature obsolescence. Euroconsumers’ members in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal are pursuing four class actions on behalf of consumers affected by iPhone 6 battery problems, seeking reimbursement for the harm they suffered.
Our call
Apple has pledged carbon neutrality by 2030 and presents itself as a company that cares about consumers and the environment. Euroconsumers calls on Apple to make its Self Service Repair programme available to all consumers on equal terms, with affordable spare parts and openness to third-party suppliers. It also urges Apple to reopen dialogue to find a fair solution for all consumers affected by iPhone 6 battery problems, without waiting for court decisions, and to work constructively on durability and sustainability.
Letters, complaints and collective actions, with the documents that back them.
