Apple and Lenovo have the least repairable laptops, analysis finds
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| Source: Mastodon | Original article
Apple and Lenovo have been singled out as the least repairable laptop makers in a new assessment released today by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund. The study, titled *Failing the Fix (2026)*, graded the ten newest laptops and smartphones listed on French manufacturer sites in January. Apple earned a C‑minus for laptops and a D‑minus for phones, while Lenovo trailed closely with a C‑minus for its ThinkPad line. Both brands scored poorly on disassembly ease and on providing the mandatory PDF repair‑score documentation required under France’s “repairability index” law.
The findings matter because they spotlight a growing gap between EU sustainability mandates and the design choices of premium hardware vendors. Since 2024, the European Union has tightened Right‑to‑Repair rules, obliging manufacturers to make devices easier to open, to supply spare parts for at least ten years, and to publish clear repair scores. Low grades can trigger regulatory scrutiny, consumer backlash, and potential fines. For Apple, the verdict arrives as the company rolls out the MacBook Neo, a model touted as a modest step toward modularity. Lenovo’s flagship ThinkPad series, meanwhile, remains tightly integrated, a design philosophy that has long drawn criticism from repair advocates.
What to watch next: EU authorities are expected to audit the compliance of the two firms before the end of 2026, and consumer groups may file formal complaints. Apple has hinted at a “repair‑first” roadmap for future silicon‑based laptops, while Lenovo is slated to unveil a refreshed ThinkPad line at its October conference, where any shift toward serviceability will be closely examined. The PIRG report could also prompt other manufacturers to pre‑emptively adjust designs ahead of the next wave of European repair legislation.
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