Smartphone makers don't bother to comply with EU repairability requirements
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Over 80% of smartphones fail to comply with EU repairability rules one year in.
Right to Repair Europe reports that of 2,334 smartphone models registered under EU rules since June 2025, only about 18% list a website with spare parts prices or repair instructions. Half have blank URL fields, and 19% link to pages without relevant repair info. Some manufacturers refer customers to Temu or AliExpress for parts and instructions yet still give themselves top repairability scores. The group questions enforcement and self-reported scoring. EU regulations requiring user-replaceable batteries take effect February 2027.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly support the regulation's intent but criticize its enforcement. Many compare it to GDPR, noting the EU passes laws with insufficient resources to verify compliance. Some suggest the EU fears US tariffs and political backlash against regulating American tech companies. A commenter points out Apple and Google appear compliant, while Chinese brands may be the main offenders. Several call for transparent, swift sanctions and independent testing like NCAP ratings, noting self-scoring is easily gamed. A few argue consumers don't care about repairability since phones are robust and quickly outdated.