Apple received the lowest repair rates for both iPhones and MacBooks in a new analysis based on the official European process, and the findings show that repairing Apple devices remains difficult despite recent changes in repair policies.
The report compares major brands using a standard system that focuses on how easy it is to repair devices over time, and Apple finishes at the bottom in both the smartphone and laptop categories.
The Public Interest Research Group reviewed detailed repair data from 105 devices and used European Union and French government scoring methods to rank the products. The test looks at factors such as repair documentation, ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts and price, tools required, fasteners used, and how long software updates take, all of which explain how it works for users or technicians to repair the device.
Apple scores low in every category
The Public Interest Research Group placed Apple last among smartphone brands with a grade of D minus, while Motorola took the lead with a B plus, followed by Google at C minus and Samsung at D. A similar pattern is seen in laptops, where Asus topped the list with a B plus, while Apple was again ranked last with a minus C score.
The Public Interest Research Group says:
“This annual report lists the repairability scores of the most popular cell phone and laptop manufacturers, as well as the marks of manufacturers who design their equipment to last and ‘Failed to Repair.’
The standard reflects a broader problem where many devices remain difficult to repair due to design choices and software limitations, increasing long-term costs for users and contributing to electronic waste.
There are rare exceptions
The MacBook Neo stands out as a differentiator from Apple’s lineup, and an early teardown analysis shows that Apple has made significant progress with this model by improving the internal design and access to components. Repair experts describe it as one of the most repairable MacBooks in more than a decade, showing that Apple can improve if it focuses on repairs.
iFixit reported that it was the most repairable MacBook in fourteen years, reflecting increasing pressure from regulators and repairability laws that encourage companies to make devices that are easier to repair and maintain.
The report highlights that repairability has a direct impact on both cost and environmental impact, as durable equipment that needs to be repaired is often replaced rather than repaired.
The Public Interest Research Group explains:
“Consumers should be able to choose appliances knowing they are durable and serviceable, but currently manufacturers and retailers don’t make that information easily accessible or understandable.”
Clear repair points now help consumers compare products before buying, and push companies to make devices that last longer and reduce pollution in the long run.