US PIRG Report: "Failing the Fix 2026" Reveals Repairability Rankings
A new report by the US PIRG Education Fund, titled "Failing the Fix 2026," has comprehensively evaluated the repairability of 105 smartphones and multiple laptop models. The assessment utilized EU EPREL criteria and French repairability indices, considering factors such as spare parts availability, required tools, access to repair information, software support duration, and overall repair complexity. The report assigned grades to various brands, revealing significant differences in their commitment to repairability.
In its findings, the report generally placed Apple and Samsung at the lower end of the spectrum for smartphone repairability, while brands like Motorola and Asus achieved higher rankings in their respective categories.
Smartphone Repairability Findings
In the smartphone evaluations, Motorola received the highest grade among assessed brands with a B+. Google's Pixel line followed with a C-. Samsung was assigned a D grade, and Apple received a D-. The US PIRG Education Fund stated that phones from Samsung and Apple are generally more difficult to repair compared to devices from other manufacturers.
The report specifically ranked the top four US smartphone brands as follows:
- Motorola: B+
- Google Pixel: C-
- Samsung: D
- Apple: D-
Laptop Repairability Findings
For laptops, Asus secured the top ranking with a B+. Samsung received a B grade, placing it three spots higher than its smartphone performance. Apple, similar to its smartphone standing, ranked lowest in the laptop category with a C-.
Assessment Methodology and Common Issues
The report's findings are based on data from the European Union's European Product Registry for Energy Labelling, which incorporates the ease of device disassembly, availability of documentation, access to spare parts, and the number of software updates.
Common issues identified across both device categories contributing to lower repairability scores include:
- Excessive use of adhesives
- Implementation of proprietary screws
- Limited availability of repair documentation
- Software restrictions that link hardware to specific components
Divergent Repairability Assessments
The report noted that independent repair organizations sometimes provide different repairability scores, suggesting that different evaluation criteria can lead to varied conclusions regarding a product's repairability. For instance, iFixit rated the iPhone 16 at 7 out of 10, citing improved battery and screen swap capabilities. Samsung's Galaxy S26 received a 9 out of 10 from iFixit, which highlighted its modular design and battery accessibility. These discrepancies suggest a difference between EU regulatory compliance assessments and practical teardown evaluations.
Regulatory Landscape and Manufacturer Initiatives
European Union regulations, effective since June 2025, mandate manufacturers to provide repair labels, ensure parts availability, and extend software support timelines.
The US PIRG report indicated that companies which have opposed right-to-repair legislation received penalties, connecting lower repairability scores to increased electronic waste and environmental impact. These regulatory shifts are anticipated to influence product design and marketing strategies within the industry.
The US PIRG Education Fund stated that a primary objective of publishing these scores is to encourage manufacturers to improve their repairability practices. Google Pixel has demonstrated efforts toward enhanced repairability in its ecosystem, with the Pixel Watch 4 described as fully repairable and the Pixel Buds 2a featuring a replaceable battery in its case.