Apple’s iPhone 14 is the easiest to fix since 2016 as right-to-repair gains momentum

People look at Apple Inc’s new iPhone 14 as its models go on sale in Beijing, China, September 16, 2022.

iFixit said in a post that the new iPhone 14, which went on sale last week, is the most repairable one since the iPhone 7.

The internal structure of the iPhone 14 has been changed so that users can remove and replace the back glass and screen with only two screws.

The changes will make it easier for Apple store employees, independent repair shops, and end users to replace the screen, battery, and back glass of their phones.

Kyle Wiens, founder of iFixit, wrote that Apple has changed the internals of the phone to make it easier to fix. This is a big deal even though it is not visible from the outside.

iFixit says that the new, more repairable design isn't used in the high-end iPhone 14 Pro.

The repair-friendly design of the iPhone 14 is in contrast to other phones that use glue and tight tolerances that make it harder to fix older phones.

Advocates continue to push for laws that give consumers access to manuals, tools, and parts needed to repair electronic devices and industrial machines, which they say will make them last longer, reduce e-waste and environmental impact, while saving money for users.

Many states have considered legislation that would require consumer electronics companies to sell genuine replacement parts. The New York legislature passed a right-to-repair measure. It hasn't been enacted yet.

At the federal level, the issue is getting attention. The Federal Trade Commission was asked by President Joe Biden to draft "right-to-repair" rules. Mobile phones and car manufacturers were identified in a report delivered to Congress by the FTC as having restrictions on repair.

Apple has made it easier to repair its devices. In April, it introduced a program called Self Service Repair that allows users and independent repair shops to rent the same tools that Apple stores use. The repair manual for Apple's devices can be found through the program.

According to Apple, the best way to fix your device is to visit an Apple-certified technician.

It's a big win. The changes to the Apple device will help it last longer and reduce its impact on the planet.