RELEASE: “Failing the Fix” scorecard grades Apple, Samsung, Google, and more on how repairable their devices are

BOSTON – Smartphones made by Apple and Google have become more repairable, while  those made by Samsung and Motorola, and laptops in general, lag behind, according to U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s fourth annual “Failing the Fix” scorecard, released on Thursday. Unfixable products have become a pressing issue for consumers and the environment alike. Americans could save a total of almost $50 billion a year if we were able to repair our products instead of replacing them. Electronic waste is also the fastest growing waste stream in the world.

“Consumers pay good money for devices, and they deserve ones that can be fixed if they break,” said Lucas Rockett Gutterman, the Designed to Last campaign director with U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “When it comes to repairability, you don’t always get what you pay for. People want to buy from companies that respect our right to repair and ensure that their devices are designed to last.”

Legislation pending in Massachusetts, filed by Rep. Adrian Madaro and Sen. Michael Brady, would give consumers the right to repair for digital devices like phones, laptops and tablets. “At a time when we know Bay Staters are concerned about their pocketbooks and the environment, this bill would be a boon for both,” said Janet Domenitz of MASSPIRG, a chief proponent of the initiative.

This year’s report reveals a slow but significant shift towards greater repairability, driven by consumer demand and legislative advocacy for the Right to Repair. Apple and Google now lead the pack in smartphone repairability; notably, Apple’s impressive growth comes largely from newer iPhones that are easier to take apart and fix. However, manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola lag behind. In terms of laptops, despite some incremental improvements from brands like ASUS and Acer, most remain difficult to repair, with some brands receiving failing grades due to inaccessible documentation.

The scorecard gives companies that make it easy for users to fix their devices a good grade, and those that do not a poor grade. This year’s edition gives grade boosts to brands that have supported Right to Repair legislation.

Failing the Fix scorecards grade manufacturers on the repairability of their phones and laptops.

The report also highlights the conflicting actions of major manufacturers. While some, like Google, advocate for repair-friendly policies, many remain tied to trade associations lobbying against the Right to Repair. There are currently 20 states with active Right to Repair legislation, including two (New York and Pennsylvania) with legislation that would require tech retailers to display repair scores for the devices they sell. Colorado passed a resolution calling for repair scores in 2024 and Oregon introduced a similar resolution this year. These scores, similar to fuel economy stickers on cars and to the grades calculated in “Failing the Fix,” provide transparency for consumers and allow them to choose repairable products. They also incentivize companies to make their devices more repairable.

“Repair scorecards provide vital information for consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing personal devices,” Gutterman said. “If a phone or laptop can be fixed and used for years, it offers more long-term value for a customer. And by keeping those devices in use, we can reduce electronic waste.”