The Current Status of Laptop and Smartphone Repairability in 2025
In a time when sustainability and consumer rights are becoming increasingly important, the repairability of electronic devices has emerged as a significant concern. Recent insights shed light on the hurdles and advancements in the repairability of laptops and smartphones, particularly focusing on leading brands such as Apple and Lenovo. This article explores the details of repairability ratings, industry practices, and their implications for consumers.
Laptop Repairability: A Static Environment
Lenovo and Apple: The Most Challenging to Repair
A recent analysis from the US PIRG Education Fund has pointed out that Apple and Lenovo laptops rank as the least repairable within the top eight laptop brands in the US. Despite some advancements, especially by Lenovo in alignment with French consumer legislation, the general repairability of laptops remains unchanged. The report calls attention to the necessity for these companies to address ongoing problems to improve consumer access to repair solutions.
Advancements and Obstacles
Although progress has been made in improving consumer access to parts, tools, and information, the simplicity of disassembly remains a major obstacle. Manufacturers are attempting to introduce more repair-friendly designs, such as Apple’s MacBook Neo, but implementing these changes across the industry requires time.
Smartphone Repairability: An Uneven Landscape
Evaluation System and Standards
This year’s smartphone repairability ratings are grounded in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL), rolled out by the European Commission in June 2025. This framework assesses smartphones and tablets based on six criteria: disassembly ease, fasteners, tool availability, parts availability, software updates, and repair information.
Peaks and Valleys in Smartphone Repairability
Lenovo’s Motorola division has stood out as a frontrunner in phone repairability, achieving the highest rating in the report. Conversely, Apple and Samsung received lower scores because of their restricted software update commitments, which are limited to five years. Nevertheless, Apple has made significant strides by departing from parts pairing and launching the Repair Assistant, although issues persist with third-party Face ID replacements.
Challenges Across the Industry
Component Pairing and Software Limitations
The report underscores a widespread problem throughout the industry: component pairing and software limitations. These practices, which mandate that parts be approved via encrypted software verifications, impede repairability and constrain the accessibility of functional components. Apple’s expansion of its Activation Lock security feature to individual parts serves as a notable example, potentially isolating numerous components from the repair network.
Final Thoughts
The path toward enhanced repairability for laptops and smartphones is filled with obstacles, yet advancements are occurring. As consumers grow more conscious of their rights and the environmental consequences of electronic waste, the demand for repair-friendly devices is expected to increase. Companies must respond to these demands by improving repairability and minimizing restrictive practices.
Q&A: Important Inquiries on Device Repairability
Q1: What makes Apple and Lenovo laptops the least repairable?
A1: Apple and Lenovo laptops are classified as the least repairable due to challenges in disassembly and limited access to parts and repair resources.
Q2: What does the EPREL scoring system entail?
A2: The EPREL scoring system, introduced by the European Commission, assesses smartphone and tablet repairability across six parameters, including disassembly ease and parts availability.
Q3: In what ways has Apple enhanced its smartphone repairability?
A3: Apple has bolstered smartphone repairability by moving away from parts pairing and launching the Repair Assistant, though challenges with third-party Face ID replacements remain.
Q4: Can you explain parts pairing and software restrictions?
A4: Parts pairing and software restrictions refer to practices that necessitate parts verification through encrypted software checks, which limit repairability and the availability of components.
Q5: How can consumers affect the repairability of their devices?
A5: Consumers can influence repairability by advocating for their rights, supporting brands with higher repairability ratings, and selecting devices that are designed with repairability in mind.
