For the first time, Apple discussed repairability during its iPhone launch event. An engineer mentioned the new iPhone 15 Pro models were designed with a structural frame that makes the back glass easier to replace. This comes after the iPhone 14 introduced a design that allows removal of the front or back. Repair advocates welcomed the acknowledgment but will still examine the devices for barriers like parts pairing. While praising initiatives to reduce emissions, critics argue the most sustainable option is not buying a new phone annually. The conversation on repairability is complex as commitments face scrutiny versus past actions restricting repair. Only time will tell if Apple’s claims translate to meaningful improvements or are more superficial than substantive.
They say it’s to stop people from stealing iPhones to sell for parts.
What they don’t say is that the only reason there is a market for that is that they aren’t willing to sell the parts directly at an affordable price…