Right to Repair Complete Guide: From Fundamentals to 2026 Trends

What is the Right to Repair?

The Right to Repair is a concept referring to the right of consumers or independent repair technicians to easily repair technology products they have purchased. This relates to whether a product’s design or software intentionally hinders repair, and whether the necessary parts and information for repair are made public. The background of the Right to Repair aims to increase consumer choices, reduce environmental burden, and promote a competitive market. For example, it applies to smartphones, personal computers, home appliances, and automobiles, and in recent years has expanded to agricultural machinery and medical equipment. The Right to Repair is not merely a technical issue but a comprehensive topic involving law, ethics, and economics.

Historical Background of the Right to Repair

The concept of the Right to Repair has existed for a long time, but it gained attention in the modern technology field after the 2000s. Initially, in the agricultural sector, companies like John Deere locked the software of farm equipment, preventing farmers from repairing it themselves, which became a problem. In response, state-level Right to Repair bills were introduced in the United States. In 2012, Massachusetts passed a Right to Repair law for automobiles, which later spread to other states and countries. In the late 2010s, the non-repairability of smartphones and electronic devices was recognized as an environmental issue, and discussions became active in the European Union (EU) and the U.S. federal government. Since the 2020s, major companies like Apple and Samsung have introduced repair programs, and the industry as a whole is progressing in addressing the Right to Repair. As of 2026, the Right to Repair is establishing itself as a global trend, but the progress of legal frameworks varies by region.

Legal Foundations: Right to Repair-Related Laws by Country

Laws regarding the Right to Repair vary by country and region, primarily based on consumer protection, competition law, and environmental law. In the European Union (EU), the “Right to Repair Directive” was adopted in 2021, obligating manufacturers of home appliances and electronic devices to provide repair parts for 10 years. Furthermore, in 2024, a repairability score display was introduced for smartphones and tablets, allowing consumers to compare the ease of repairing products. In the United States, a federal Right to Repair bill is under deliberation but has not been enacted as of 2026. However, several states, including New York and California, have enacted their own laws, for example, prohibiting practices that hinder repair through product design. In Japan, there is no direct law regarding the Right to Repair yet, but based on the Consumer Basic Act and the Basic Act for Promoting the Formation of a Circular Society, the long-term use and repair promotion of products are being discussed. In 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced “Right to Repair Guidelines,” calling for voluntary measures by companies. These laws strengthen consumer rights by requiring companies to disclose repair information and guarantee the supply of parts.

The Relationship Between Technology and the Right to Repair

Technological progress has had a complex impact on the Right to Repair. On one hand, digitalization has made products more software-dependent, increasing cases where repair becomes difficult. For example, in smartphones, the operating system is closely tied to hardware, and “pairing” may be implemented so that the device does not function with non-genuine parts after repair. This is a feature seen in Apple’s iPhone, where performance may be limited if a non-genuine part is used after a battery replacement. Additionally, Digital Rights Management (DRM) and firmware locks hinder repair, creating situations where consumers cannot use independent repair services. On the other hand, technology also provides tools that support the Right to Repair. It has become possible to self-manufacture parts using 3D printing or share repair information through online communities. For example, websites like iFixit offer product disassembly guides and parts sales, supporting consumers in repairing devices themselves. In 2026, AI-powered repair diagnostic tools are also emerging, with apps becoming widespread that can identify faulty areas simply by taking a picture of the product with a smartphone camera. These technologies are practically supporting the Right to Repair.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Right to Repair

The Right to Repair has many advantages. First, for consumers, it leads to reduced repair costs and extended product lifespans. For example, replacing a smartphone battery yourself is cheaper than buying a new device and reduces environmental impact. Second, it contributes significantly to the environment. It leads to a reduction in electronic waste and promotes the circular economy. According to a United Nations report, if the Right to Repair becomes widespread, it could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by several percent by 2030. Furthermore, the Right to Repair promotes a competitive market and supports the establishment of independent repair businesses. This revitalizes local economies and expands choices for consumers.

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages. For companies, protecting intellectual property is a challenge. Disclosing product designs and software raises concerns about increased counterfeit goods and security risks. Additionally, introducing repair programs incurs costs, which could be a burden, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. On the consumer side, there are risks associated with self-repair; improper repair can lead to malfunctions or void warranties. For example, incorrectly replacing a computer’s CPU could render the product inoperable. Furthermore, for products not covered by the Right to Repair, repair may still be difficult, potentially creating a sense of unfairness. Overcoming these disadvantages requires cooperation between companies and consumers.

Practical Use Cases: The Right to Repair in Specific Examples

The Right to Repair is being implemented across various products. To give specific examples, first in the smartphone sector, Fairphone, a Dutch company, has adopted a modular design, allowing consumers to easily replace batteries and cameras. The Fairphone 4 can be disassembled with a single screwdriver, and parts are easy to purchase. In contrast, Apple launched its Self Service Repair program in 2022, providing genuine parts and tools to consumers. For instance, a battery replacement kit for the iPhone 13 is sold, and repair guides are published.

In the automotive sector, Tesla has been a focal point of controversy. Tesla’s vehicles are software-centric, and repair requires specialized certification; independent repair shops sometimes cannot obtain parts. In response, the United States passed the “Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Act” in 2023, obligating manufacturers to disclose parts and information. In agricultural machinery, John Deere’s practice of locking tractor software, preventing farmers from repairing it themselves, became problematic, and the Agricultural Right to Repair Act was passed in 2024. This allowed farmers to access the software of farm equipment.

In home appliances, Dyson’s vacuum cleaners serve as an example. Dyson initially made battery replacement difficult and had designs that were hard to disassemble, but due to pressure from the Right to Repair, it announced modularization in 2025. These use cases demonstrate that the Right to Repair is influencing actual product design and business models.

Latest Trends and Future Outlook for 2026

As of 2026, trends in the Right to Repair are progressing in expansion and integration. First, legal frameworks are accelerating; in Europe, repairability scores are scheduled to become mandatory for tablets and laptops starting in 2026. In the United States, there is a high possibility of a federal Right to Repair bill being passed, and in China, regulations related to the Right to Repair are being considered for environmental protection purposes.

Technologically, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) are supporting repair. For example, services are emerging where AI embedded in smartphones predicts failures and notifies repair shops. Additionally, efforts are progressing to use blockchain technology to authenticate genuine parts and ensure the reliability of products after repair. Regarding corporate responses, subscription models are expected to combine with the Right to Repair, increasing services designed for long-term product use. For instance, personal computer manufacturers may offer repair guarantees for a monthly fee, facilitating part replacement.

Environmentally, the Right to Repair directly contributes to sustainability goals and affects companies’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) evaluations. At the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Right to Repair is expected to be discussed as one of the reduction measures. Consumer awareness is also rising, with more people prioritizing repairability when making purchases. Repair-related content is spreading on social media, and a repair culture is expanding. As a future outlook, the Right to Repair may lead to the standardization of product design, aiming for all technology products to be repairable. However, balancing this with rapid technological innovation is a challenge; for example, with new technologies like quantum computing and nanotechnology, applying the Right to Repair may be difficult.

Conclusion: The Future Brought by the Right to Repair

The Right to Repair is a beneficial concept for consumers, companies, and the environment, but its realization requires legal, technical, and cultural efforts. This article has provided a comprehensive overview from the fundamentals of the Right to Repair to the latest trends in 2026. If the Right to Repair becomes widespread, we can look forward to a future where product lifespans are extended, electronic waste is reduced, and competitive markets are revitalized. For consumers, it is important to understand the Right to Repair and consider repairability when choosing products. Companies can view the Right to Repair as an opportunity and build sustainable business models to gain long-term trust. The Right to Repair is not just a trend but will become a foundation supporting the sustainability of our technological society.