Key Points:
- Apple opposed a right-to-repair bill in Oregon, despite previously supporting a weaker one in California.
- The key difference is Oregon’s restriction on “parts pairing,” which locks repairs to Apple or authorized shops.
- Apple argues this protects security and privacy, but critics say it creates a repair monopoly and e-waste.
- Apple claims their system eases repair and maintain data security, while Google doesn’t have such a requirement
- Apple refused suggestions to revise the bill
- Cybersecurity experts argue parts pairing is unnecessary for security and hinders sustainable repair.
No, Apple never supported right to repair.
They “supported” a bill that they immediately circumvented, yeah. They had no interest in protecting right to repair they just wanted the PR. It should surprise no one that they’re opposed to actual bills that force them to alter their business practices.
And it was a resounding success. Apple is an absolute master of gaslighting. Can’t tell you how many people I came across that told me “oh Apple actually supports R2R now!”
People still act like Apple is a privacy-oriented business even after they planned to scan everyone’s iCloud files on behalf of the government to “protect the children”.