Repairing your old cell phone will be much easier. Samsung, Google and Apple have announced programs in recent months that allow regular consumers and independent repairers to purchase official parts, making it easier for them to access the tools. Samsung and Google have partnered with fixit repair specialists, while Apple's plans to open an online repair shop have not yet been confirmed.

It's been a long time..

in the Biden administration. An executive order signed in July called on the FTC to hold smartphone manufacturers accountable for "repairing costs and wasting time, such as limiting the distribution of parts, diagnostic and repair equipment.

However, according to the interview, the biggest pressure comes from French law, which forces companies to place a repair mark next to the price And this change in behavior is forcing Samsung, Google and even Apple to offer features to independent repairers and individual customers. In addition to protecting consumers from goods, there is also the environmental problem of defective (or unrepaired) appliances. More than 48 million tons of e-waste are produced each year, of which 6.9 million tons come from the United States alone.

As explained, these are large amounts of toxic chemicals that are landfilled or dissolved in drinking water or otherwise damage the ecosystem. People who are self-employed and able to repair old appliances can ensure that these electronics last longer and are less replaceable, which can also prevent parts of this stream of electronic waste.

Warning,

however. Just because fixing your phone is easier doesn't mean it will be easy. According to Google in a press release, the intention was to move the functions of "independent repairers and experienced consumers with relevant technical experience". As a technical writer, I have been too confident to try more than my fair share of gadget repairs in recent years, believing that I have truly relevant technical experience. But even relatively simple tasks - such as replacing thermal paste on a laptop's processor - can easily go wrong if you accidentally set too much paste, end up everywhere, and have to live with your computer smelling like burnt rubber for more. six weeks.

Don't get me wrong, buying genuine parts at a reasonable price in a legitimate store is a big deal and will greatly extend the life of older equipment. However, if you are applying for insurance - or your phone is still under warranty - repair via official channels is still the most affordable option for most people. These features are not intended to replace existing consumer protection, but offer more options in the long run if the equipment extends the official life or is relatively heavy on cement.

I also think that for many people, it is a bigger problem to sell official parts for more tools to independent repairers. This allows them to offer repairs - or cheaper repairs - to older smartphones.

Nevertheless, it all vibrates, however, this wide pressure for better equipment is an enormous and pleasant return to the beginnings of computer technology. I expect to keep my current iPhone XS Max for a few more years - even if it's just a backup device.