CNN reported that the Biden administration is pushing to allow consumers of smartphone companies to repair their phones through third parties instead of relying solely on the manufacturers. The American network stated that if these efforts succeed, companies will need to modify future phone designs to facilitate repairs. Pedro Pacheco from the market research firm Gartner noted that the cost of repairing a smartphone or computer often equals the cost of replacing it, which is a strategy that "encourages people to buy new devices instead of repairing them. This needs to change."
Last month, President Biden urged the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules preventing manufacturers from imposing restrictions on independent repair shops. A week later, the commission pledged to "eradicate" repair restrictions on various products, including phones. The new regulations are likely to require smartphone manufacturers to make out-of-warranty repairs more accessible for third-party companies. Tech expert Michael Wains mentioned that these changes could motivate manufacturers to "replace screws with other types that may facilitate battery removal."
