In a major reversal, Apple is now expressing support for a right-to-repair bill in California, as reported by TechCrunch and iFixit. In a letter to California Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Apple says it endorses the SB 244 bill, which requires manufacturers to give customers and independent repair shops the appropriate tools, manuals, and parts to repair damaged electronics and appliances.
“Apple supports California’s Right to Repair Act so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy,” Apple said in a statement to TechCrunch. “We create our products to last and, if they ever need to be repaired, Apple customers have a growing range of safe, high-quality repair options.” Apple and Senator Eggman’s office didn’t immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.
After passing through the Senate 38-0 in May, California’s SB 244 bill is now headed to the California State Assembly. If approved, this would add to the growing number of right-to-repair laws passed in other states, including Minnesota and Colorado. New York passed a right-to-repair bill last year, but before it was signed into law, it was heavily amended to give OEMs some convenient exceptions and loopholes.
“From federal action to other state bills and manufacturers reacting… by improving repairability and access to repair, the idea is catching on. It’s a lot harder to argue against when people are aware of it,” Eggman says in a statement on iFixit.
