Oregon / smartphone/Apple
Apple smartphone owners in Oregon.
4 statutory rights, plus Apple's own self-service repair channels and known controversies.
PIRG ’26
D-
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 Oregon
Statutory rights in Oregon
- 01
Right to parts, tools, and documentation
Original equipment manufacturers must make documentation, parts, and tools needed to diagnose, maintain, or repair consumer electronics available to owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.
Oregon SB 1596 (2024) — Right to Repair, ORS Chapter 646A - 02
Ban on parts pairing for products sold from 2025
For products manufactured for the first time and sold or used in Oregon on or after 1 January 2025, manufacturers cannot use software or hardware that prevents an installed replacement part from functioning, reduces its functionality, or shows misleading warnings about the part's authenticity.
Oregon SB 1596 (2024), Section 3(2) - 03
Fair and reasonable terms for repair materials
Manufacturers must offer parts, tools, and documentation on terms equivalent to those given to authorised repair providers, without requiring an additional fee or substantial obligation to access them.
Oregon SB 1596 (2024), Section 2 - 04
Enforcement by the Oregon Department of Justice
Violations are treated as unlawful trade practices under Oregon's Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Attorney General can seek injunctive relief and civil penalties.
Oregon SB 1596 (2024), Section 5; ORS 646.605 et seq.