Statement: Apple reverses ban on selling parts to consumers is a decision that will help the environment

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Environment Georgia

ATLANTA– Apple reversed its longstanding policy against selling spare parts, announcing Wednesday it would provide repair instructions, and make repair software tools available through a new Self Service Repair program. This about-face comes just days after the company pledged to stop deactivating Face ID after third parties repaired screens, and after years of advocacy and pressure by Right to Repair advocates. 

The new program isn’t as comprehensive as the Right to Repair reforms discussed in more than two dozen state legislatures and HB 286, which received a hearing but no vote in 2019 Georgia legislature. this year would be. Given current public information, Apple still maintains a lot of proprietary control over repairs on its devices, although more details are emerging. 

Environment Georgia Director Jennette Gayer issued the following statement:

“Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, and Apple’s move will help slow that growth. That means less mining in special places, cleaner water, cleaner soil and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This is a huge milestone for the Right to Repair. One of the most visible opponents to repair access is reversing course, and Apple’s move shows that what repair advocates have been asking for was always possible. As more industry leaders develop repair friendly policies and devices, we build momentum toward passing comprehensive legislation.

“Environment Georgia and our sister organizations around the country are proud to be part of the coalition of tinkerers, repair shops, consumer and environmental advocates working for the Right to Repair. We need to ensure that we can all be good environmental stewards by fixing our stuff rather than tossing it and buying new each time something minor breaks.

 

 

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