The Repairability Crisis: Apple and Samsung’s Market Dominance vs. Device Longevity
Apple and Samsung have dominated the global smartphone market since the early 2010s, together accounting for approximately 40% of all smartphones sold worldwide as of 2024. However, this immense market share comes with a significant trade-off in hardware sustainability. Recent industry analyses suggest that the two tech giants are prioritizing design and market control over the ability of users to maintain and repair their own devices.
Failing Grades in Repairability
The current state of device maintenance is concerning, with leading manufacturers receiving poor marks for accessibility. According to an analysis by Ars Technica, Apple has earned the lowest grades in repairability analyses across both its phone and laptop lineups. This lack of serviceability is further highlighted by WIRED, which reports that the iPhone has received a “D-” for repairability.
This is not a problem unique to one company. The Register describes the situation as a “race to the bottom,” noting that both Apple and Samsung are leading the trend toward less repairable hardware.
A History of Competitive Tension
The drive toward closed ecosystems and proprietary designs is mirrored in the long legal history between the two firms. Apple Inc. V. Samsung Electronics Co. involved a series of patent infringement lawsuits regarding the design of tablet computers, and smartphones. The conflict eventually reached the United States Supreme Court, which ruled on whether the “article of manufacture” in design patent infringement damages could be a component of a product rather than the entire device.
Shifting from Repair to Replacement
As repairability declines, manufacturers have shifted the consumer focus toward trade-ins and upgrades. Apple, for example, encourages users to trade in current smartphones, including Android devices, for credit toward a new iPhone. While this facilitates the adoption of new features—such as “Apple Intelligence” tools for visual intelligence and live translation—it steers consumers away from extending the life of their existing hardware through repair.
Key Takeaways
- Market Control: Apple and Samsung controlled roughly 40% of the global smartphone market as of 2024.
- Poor Ratings: Apple has received the lowest repairability grades for its laptops and phones, with the iPhone specifically earning a “D-” from WIRED.
- Industry Trend: Both Apple and Samsung are cited as leading a “race to the bottom” regarding how easily their devices can be repaired.
- Replacement Focus: Companies emphasize trade-in programs and new feature releases over the longevity of current hardware.
The trend toward reduced repairability suggests a future where devices are treated as disposable commodities rather than long-term investments. As the industry moves forward, the gap between market dominance and hardware sustainability continues to widen.