To enhance consumer rights and reduce electronic waste, two U.S. states, Oregon and Colorado, have introduced legislation banning Apple’s “parts matching” practice. This practice involves digitally matching the serial number of a component (such as the screen) with the serial number of the iPhone itself, making it difficult to use disassembled parts for repairs. The ban aims to promote the “right to repair” and ensure that consumers can access affordable and sustainable repair options, reports Gizchina.

 

Another report dated March 27, 2024 goes further and states: "Tina Kotek, Oregon’s Governor, created a milestone by sanctioning the state’s Right to Repair Act. This groundbreaking law compels product manufacturers to offer increased repair alternatives. This step propels Oregon to be a leader in the realm of consumer rights and environmental preservation. So it's beyond "introducing legislation." 

The Gizchina report adds that "The 'parts matching' practice has been a major obstacle for consumers seeking to repair their Apple devices. Even if a user swaps out one original Apple component for another, the repair cannot be fully successful due to the mismatch, which prevents the use of disassembled parts for repairs. For example, on the iPhone 13, replacing the screen will cause Face ID to not work. Many repairs have become expensive because Apple-approved parts must be used. This practice has led to a significant increase in electronic waste and has been criticized for its restrictive nature.

Oregon is the first state in the United States to formally legislate a ban on “parts matching,” which will take effect on smartphones in January 2025. The public welfare organization PIRG reported that Colorado has now taken the same measure. This move is seen as a significant step towards promoting consumer rights and reducing electronic waste.

The ban on 'parts matching' in Oregon and Colorado may set a precedent for other states to follow. Apple and other companies may eventually have to give up “parts matching” to comply with the new legislation. This development has significant implications for the electronics industry. This is because it could lead to a shift towards more open and transparent repair practices." For more, read the full Gizchina report.

Other material on this matter:

• 01: Apple’s John Ternus safeguards iPhone parts matching as ‘not malicious
• 02: French Authorities Investigate Apple’s Part Pairing