New EU Repair Rules: A Crucial Test for Apple’s Ecosystem
As the European Union prepares to enforce its landmark right-to-repair regulations on June 20, 2025, Apple faces a pivotal moment in aligning its device ecosystem with sweeping new requirements. The new ecodesign rules mark a significant shift for smartphone and tablet repair standards, mandating longer part availability, expanded repair access, and new documentation obligations for manufacturers (AppleInsider). For Apple enthusiasts and industry watchers, the question is not just whether the company will comply—but how its response will shape the end-user experience and the broader tech landscape in Europe.
What the EU Law Demands
According to the European Commission, the regulations will require smartphone and tablet makers to:
- Provide spare parts (batteries, cameras, charging ports, buttons, microphones, speakers, mechanical components) for seven years after a model is discontinued.
- Offer repair instructions and manuals to professional repairers and consumers for