Full Breakdown
Apple and Samsung Receive Lowest Repairability Scores in PIRG Report
4/8/2026, 1:43:53 PM
Overview of Repairability Scores
In the latest report by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund, Apple and Samsung have been rated the lowest among major smartphone and laptop manufacturers regarding repairability. The report, titled “Failing the Fix (2026),” assigns Apple a D- grade for cell phones and a C- for laptops, while Samsung received a D grade for smartphones and a B- for laptops. The evaluation is based on the European Union’s European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) criteria for smartphones and the French repairability index for laptops.
Methodology and Key Findings
PIRG's analysis focuses on several factors, including ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts, and software support duration. The EPREL system emphasizes the importance of disassembly, which is weighted more heavily than other categories. This year, the report included data from 105 devices, revealing that Motorola leads the smartphone category with a B+ grade, followed by Google with a C-.
For laptops, ASUS topped the list with a B+, while Apple remains at the bottom with a C-. The report highlights that many manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, are members of trade associations that oppose Right to Repair legislation, which negatively impacts their scores.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite some improvements, critics argue that both Apple and Samsung have not made sufficient progress in enhancing repairability. Advocates for the Right to Repair emphasize that the current scores reflect a broader issue of device disposability and environmental impact. Nathan Proctor, senior director of PIRG's Right to Repair campaign, stated, “Putting these right incentives in place could push these companies to make innovations that are actually beneficial.”
Official Statements & Responses
PIRG's report aims to inform consumers about the repairability of their devices, advocating for transparency in repairability scores. The organization calls for U.S. legislation similar to the EU's EPREL system to help consumers make informed choices. They argue that a consistent repair score would enable better comparisons and encourage manufacturers to design more repairable products.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the report provides a comprehensive overview of repairability, it has faced criticism for its uneven dataset. For instance, Samsung's score was based on only five models due to some devices not being listed in the EPREL database at the time of analysis. Additionally, the report does not factor in spare parts costs, which is a significant concern for consumers.
What's Next
As the Right to Repair movement gains momentum, there are ongoing legislative efforts in 22 U.S. states to enhance consumer rights regarding device repairability. Advocates are pushing for laws that would require manufacturers to provide access to parts, service instructions, and necessary software tools, which could significantly improve device repairability and reduce electronic waste.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The goal of our work on Right to Repair is to make sure people can fix stuff when it breaks.” — Nathan Proctor, Senior Director, PIRG Education Fund
- “We are inundated with overly disposable gadgets and then our landfills are inundated with them next,” — Nathan Proctor, Senior Director, PIRG Education Fund
- “Consumers should be able to know if the product they are purchasing is repairable, as it impacts the value of their purchase.” — PIRG Report
- “An American Right to Repair score, modeled on the EU system used in this report, would give consumers a simple way to compare repairability, it added.” — PIRG Report
This report underscores the pressing need for manufacturers to prioritize repairability in their designs, as consumer demand for durable and fixable electronics continues to grow.
