California / smartphone/Apple
Apple smartphone owners in California.
6 statutory rights, plus Apple's own self-service repair channels and known controversies.
PIRG ’26
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Apple · “Failing the Fix”
Figure 01 — Apple repair channels
Self-service availableApple repair channels
Self-service portal
support.apple.comSelf Service Repair launched in US (Apr 2022), expanded to 8 EU countries (Dec 2022), and to additional regions since. Tool rental kits available; users can buy genuine parts and access Apple repair manuals. Program covers iPhone 12 series and later, select Mac models with Apple silicon, and Studio Display.
Authorized providers
locate.apple.comSample spare parts
- iPhone 15 display assembly (Self Service Repair)see source
- iPhone 15 battery (Self Service Repair)see source
- iPhone 15 rear camerasee source
- iPhone 15 Taptic Enginesee source
- MacBook Air (M2) top case with batterysee source
Known repair issues
- Parts pairing for displays, batteries, and cameras. Replacing components with non-Apple or unpaired genuine parts triggers warnings and can disable features such as True Tone, battery health metrics, or Face ID until Apple's System Configuration tool re-pairs the part.
- Self Service Repair complexity and tool rental cost. Critics including iFixit have noted that the rental tool kits are heavy and that the process is complex enough that it may discourage average consumers from attempting repairs.
- Oregon SB 1596 anti-parts-pairing opposition. Apple publicly opposed Oregon's parts-pairing ban (signed March 2024) before later softening its stance; the law restricts manufacturers from using software locks to prevent repair with used or third-party parts.
Figure 02 — Statutory rights in California
Statutory rights in California
- 01
Right to spare parts, tools, and documentation
Manufacturers of electronics and appliances sold in California for $50 or more must make the parts, tools, and documentation needed for diagnosis, maintenance, and repair available to product owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.
California SB 244 — Right to Repair Act, Civil Code Section 1632.5 - 02
Fair and reasonable pricing for repair materials
Manufacturers must offer parts, tools, and documentation at the lowest actual cost they charge any authorised repair provider, without requiring substantial obligations beyond the cost of the materials.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5(c) - 03
No requirement to disclose trade secrets to use the right
Owners and independent repair providers do not have to become authorised dealers or sign restrictive contracts to access parts, tools, and documentation. Manufacturers cannot condition access on signing away repair rights.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5 - 04
Public enforcement by city and county attorneys
Violations are enforced by the Attorney General, district attorneys, county counsels, and city attorneys, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for a first violation and up to $5,000 per day for repeat violations.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5(g) - 05
Implied warranty of merchantability under Song-Beverly
Consumer goods sold in California carry an implied warranty of merchantability for at least 60 days and up to 1 year. Manufacturers must maintain service and parts for express-warranty products for 7 years after the last unit is sold.
Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California Civil Code Sections 1790-1795.8 - 06
Coverage of products manufactured after July 2021
The repair-materials obligation applies to products manufactured and first sold or used in California on or after 1 July 2021, even though the law took effect 1 July 2024.
California SB 244 — Civil Code Section 1632.5(b)(1)