Oregon passes landmark Right to Repair law, ending parts pairing practices

Oregon recently passed a Right to Repair bill, making it the first law to ban the practices of manufacturers like Apple when selling replacement parts. Apple device owners can use new, used, or third-party parts, enabling more straightforward repairs without triggering warnings or functionality issues.

While Apple’s Self Service Repair Program offers repair tools, components must be purchased from Apple and paired with a device serial number, limiting unauthorized repairs. However, with the new law, this practice is set to change. Additionally, the legislation mandates consumer protections for repair shops.

This move is expected to empower independent repair shops and ensure access to parts, tools, and documentation, albeit facing opposition from Apple, citing safety concerns. Compliance with the parts pairing restriction is required for Apple products made after 1 January 2025.

Why does it matter?

This law is considered the most stringent right-to-repair legislation in the US, surpassing California’s previous efforts. Notably, the law takes a stand against Apple’s lobbying tactics and prohibits “parts pairing,” which impedes independent repair services. It signifies a significant step forward in prioritizing consumer rights and combating electronic waste.