Apple repair prices could drop if a new FTC ruling would push manufacturers to restrict their customers to exclusive repairs. A number of mobile phone companies only allow their users to get repairs by the company itself. A new FTC ruling could change everything.
US Government to Smartphone Manufacturers
CNN reports that should the US government push manufacturers, designs of future smartphones could make them easier and cheaper to repair. Smartphone manufacturers like Apple have taken a lot of criticism for making the iPhone harder to be repaired by an independent fix-it shop by limiting the shops' access to internal components.
Apple, along with other companies, use special glue, other non-removable batteries, and memory. These components were supposedly designed to make sure they are capable of being repaired. However, the United States president notes that the FTC or Federal Trade Commission should roll out rules preventing manufacturers from stopping independent repair shops as well as those that want to get independent repairs.
FCC Promises Removing Restrictions
Just a week after the comments were made, the FCC promised they would remove illegal restrictions on the repair of different products including smartphones. Regulations from the United States government would maybe require companies like Apple to make tools, parts, diagnostics, and even repair manuals more available to other third-party businesses.
iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens notes that the current right to repair laws that are proposed in the United States do not have an impact in the way these devices are designed. They do, however, focus on repair opportunities which could incentivize the manufacturers to be able to swap screws to get more standard ones.
Smartphone Designs
It was noted that this could also make the battery much easier to remove. The statement even noted that small changes would help make a big difference in the other capabilities of a phone according to the notes of David McQueen from ABI Research, adding that a new screw could even help impact the phone's total IP ratings.
According to PhoneArena, McQueen notes that phone manufacturers have also worked hard in order to protect their devices from unwanted dust and water. It was noted if the devices do have more screw holes and if they are easier to take apart, McQueen asked if this could compromise the ratings or would they be lowered.
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Smartphone Repairs Remain Expensive
The article notes that manufacturers often make phone repairs more expensive compared to purchasing a new unit. Pedro Pacheco, Gartner senior director, noted to CNN that this has to change and that manufacturers will need to make design choices in order to minimize the cost of repairing devices.
A move made by the United States government to regulate smartphone repair could result in owners saving huge amounts of money to get their devices fixed. Apple has long faced scrutiny for its third-party repair approach but should the new rules be in motion, this could all change.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Urian B.
