iFixit has announced the end of its partnership with Samsung, citing fundamental issues with the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of repairing Samsung devices. This breakup marks a critical moment in the ongoing debate over the right to repair and the repairability of modern electronics.
iFixit, a renowned name in the repair community, partnered with Samsung in 2022 to provide genuine repair parts for Galaxy phones and tablets. The goal was to make repairs more accessible and affordable for consumers. However, as of June 2024, iFixit will no longer be Samsung’s designated third-party parts and tools distributor.
The core issues driving this decision revolve around the cost and design of Samsung’s products. iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens expressed frustration over the high prices of Samsung parts, which made repairs financially impractical for many consumers. For instance, a genuine screen and battery replacement for a Samsung Galaxy S22 costs $159.99, whereas an aftermarket battery from iFixit is priced at just $22.99.
According to iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens, the decision to end the partnership stems from several key issues, including the high cost of Samsung’s repair parts and the company’s continued use of designs that hinder repairability. “We couldn’t get parts to local repair shops at prices and quantities that made business sense,” Wiens stated. “The part prices were so costly that many consumers opted to replace their devices rather than repair them.”
It is with a heavy wrench that we have decided to end our Samsung collaboration. Despite lots of effort, Samsung’s approach to repairability does not align with our mission.https://t.co/iMlOjpEX6N
—#iFixit pic.twitter.com/lAPnDL5lQa— iFixit (@iFixit) May 23, 2024
Furthermore, iFixit claims that Samsung limited the distribution of repair parts to just seven per repair shop per quarter, making it difficult for the repair community to meet consumer demands. The company also criticized Samsung’s practice of selling batteries pre-glued to screens, which significantly increases the cost of a simple battery replacement.
As of June 2024, iFixit will no longer serve as Samsung’s designated third-party parts and tools distributor. However, the company plans to continue selling Samsung parts, including OEM components when available, and will clearly indicate whether the parts are genuine or aftermarket.
For Samsung owners, the remaining official parts and manual offerings will be available through SamsungParts from Encompass. This shift signifies a broader challenge in the tech industry, where repairability often takes a backseat to design and cost considerations.
As the right-to-repair movement gains momentum, this split between iFixit and Samsung underscores the importance of accessible and affordable repairs in extending the lifespan of electronic devices and reducing electronic waste. Consumers and repair advocates will be watching closely to see how this development influences future policies and practices in the tech industry.
Read more: We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration [ifixit.com]
