Apple just got its report card on repairability, and let's just say it's not going on the fridge. The iPhone pulled a D- from repairability experts, which is somehow an improvement over previous ratings.
Samsung isn't doing much better either, landing a D as the second worst performer. So if you were hoping the two biggest phone makers in the world were racing to make your devices easier to fix, think again.
This matters because repairability directly affects how long your devices stay useful. When a phone is difficult to repair, you're more likely to replace it entirely, which costs more money and generates more e-waste.
The right-to-repair movement has been gaining momentum globally, with legislation popping up across the US and EU pushing manufacturers to make their products more serviceable. These grades suggest the biggest players are still dragging their feet despite that pressure.
For anyone running a business or building products on mobile platforms, this is worth watching. Device longevity affects your customer base, their upgrade cycles, and ultimately how they interact with your apps and services.
The slight improvement in Apple's score hints that pressure from regulators and consumers is having some effect, even if progress is painfully slow. Both companies have made gestures toward self-repair programs, but the grades tell a clearer story than the marketing.
If you care about sustainability or just keeping your phone alive longer without paying a premium for official repairs, neither Apple nor Samsung is making it easy for you right now.
