The State of Device Repairability: Apple, Samsung and the Fight for Longevity
For years, the tech industry has prioritized sleek designs and integrated components over the ability to fix devices. However, a growing movement toward “Right to Repair” is putting the industry’s biggest players under the microscope. Recent reports indicate that some of the most popular devices on the market—particularly from Apple and Samsung—continue to struggle with repairability, often ranking poorly in independent assessments.
The Repairability Gap in Smartphones and Laptops
Modern electronics are increasingly designed with proprietary screws, heavy adhesives, and soldered components. This trend makes it hard for independent technicians or consumers to replace batteries, screens, or storage drives without risking permanent damage to the device.
Recent evaluations highlight a concerning trend among market leaders:
- Apple: Reports suggest that iPhones remain among the least repairable phones available. This extends to their laptop lineup, where Apple and Lenovo have both been ranked poorly in repairability grades.
- Samsung: While offering a vast array of hardware, Samsung has too received low marks—including “D” grades in some reports—indicating that their phones aren’t built for long-term longevity or easy repair.
Market Dominance vs. Sustainability
Despite these repairability challenges, the demand for high-end hardware remains strong. Apple, in particular, continues to dominate the tablet sector. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Apple shipped 19.6 million units, a significant increase from the 16.8 million units shipped in Q4 2024. This growth was driven by the A16 Bionic-powered iPad 11 and the M5-powered iPad Pros.
This creates a paradox in the current tech landscape: consumers are buying more devices than ever, yet those devices are becoming harder to maintain. While brands like Lenovo have seen a surge in tablet sales, the industry-wide shift toward non-replaceable parts persists across smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Key Takeaways: Repairability Trends
| Brand | Repairability Status | Market Context |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Low / Least Repairable | Dominant market share in tablets and high-end laptops. |
| Samsung | Low (D Grade) | Strong competitor in smartphones and tablets. |
| Lenovo | Low (Laptop Grades) | Significant growth in global tablet sales. |
Why Repairability Matters
When a device is “unrepairable,” the only option for a consumer facing a broken screen or a degraded battery is to replace the entire unit. This leads to several systemic issues:
- Electronic Waste: Non-modular designs accelerate the amount of hardware ending up in landfills.
- Increased Costs: Consumers are forced into expensive official manufacturer repairs or total device replacements.
- Planned Obsolescence: When a simple component failure renders a device useless, the product’s lifespan is artificially shortened.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hardware
As we move through 2026, the tension between aesthetic minimalism and functional durability remains. While manufacturers continue to release cutting-edge hardware—such as the M5 MacBook Pro and the latest Galaxy Books—the pressure from regulators and consumers for modular, repairable designs is mounting.
The goal for the next generation of hardware must be a shift toward sustainability, where high performance doesn’t come at the cost of the ability to fix what we own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo have all received poor marks in recent repairability reports, particularly regarding their smartphones and laptops.
Apple continues to lead the market, with Q4 2025 sales reaching 19.6 million units, bolstered by the iPad 11 and M5 iPad Pro models.