Apple uses software to control how phones get fixed. Lawmakers are pushing back.

Romain Godin is a skilled repairman based in Portland, Oregon at Hyperion Computerworks, and he is known for his wide variety of consumer device repairs. In the past, replacing a cracked iPhone screen was a simple job that Godin could do on the spot, saving customers the expense of buying a new screen from Apple. However, the process has become more difficult due to features like True Tone not working and the phone issuing repeated warning messages if an independent shop replaces the screen using non-Apple parts.
As a result, Godin has seen a decline in business, with customers preferring to take their iPhones to an Apple Store for authorized repairs. This issue has become a focal point in the right-to-repair movement, as companies like Apple use proprietary software to “pair” parts to a device, making it challenging for independent repair shops to conduct simple repairs.
Several states, including New York, Minnesota, and California, have passed right-to-repair bills, but companies like Apple have worked to block or weaken language related to parts pairing. However, some tech giants like Google have supported legislation that bans parts pairing, creating a potential shift in the position of the industry.
Parts pairing undermines the benefits of repair, causing additional time, costs, and environmental impact. It is particularly detrimental to refurbishers who use secondhand parts to restore devices for resale. Despite progress in forcing manufacturers to make parts and documentation available, right-to-repair advocates are concerned that parts pairing language in bills may not be strong enough to deter manufacturers from continuing the practice.