New Analysis Ranks Apple and Lenovo Laptops as the Least Repairable Brands

A recent analysis has ranked Apple and Lenovo laptops as the least repairable among major brands, earning them the lowest grades for how difficult it is to fix their devices. According to Ars Technica, this assessment highlights ongoing challenges in the laptop repairability landscape, though Apple's upcoming MacBook Neo shows some improvement as a potential step forward.^[1]

The findings come amid broader scrutiny of device repairability, where experts evaluate factors like ease of disassembly, availability of parts, and software restrictions that hinder independent fixes. Apple's laptops received particularly poor marks, reflecting designs that prioritize sleekness and integration over user-serviceability. This matters for consumers facing high repair costs or e-waste issues, as harder-to-fix devices often end up in landfills sooner, affecting both wallets and the environment.^[1]

While the cluster focuses on laptops, Apple's troubles extend to smartphones, as reported by Wired, where the iPhone earned a D– grade—better than prior ratings but still lagging. Samsung trailed close behind with a D, underscoring industry-wide problems. iFixit, a key repairability scorer, has repeatedly adjusted iPhone ratings downward due to software locks that block third-party parts, dropping the iPhone 14 from 7/10 to a "do-not-recommend" 4/10 because only Apple-sourced components fully restore functionality.^[2][5]

These software barriers, including "genuineness" warnings and pairing requirements, have frustrated independent repair shops, with some professionals quitting the business entirely. However, updates show progress: iFixit uprated iPhone 15 scores to 7/10 thanks to tools like Repair Assistant, which simplifies fixes with authorized parts, and provisionally gave iPhone 16 models the same rating based on seamless early experiences.^[2]

Apple defends its approach by emphasizing durability over easy repairs. In interviews, Apple's hardware chief John Ternus argued that building iPhones to "never fail"—like with IP68 water resistance—is better for users and the planet than fragile, repair-friendly designs, even if it creates an "IP68 paradox" complicating battery swaps.^[4]

Lenovo faces similar criticism for its laptops, though details are scarcer in the reports. The low rankings affect everyday users, small repair businesses, and recyclers who rely on part harvesting, pushing more repairs toward expensive authorized services. Right-to-repair advocates argue this stifles competition and innovation in fixes.^[1]

Looking ahead, the MacBook Neo could signal Apple's shift toward better laptop repairability, while iPhone improvements via software tools offer hope. Regulators in regions like the EU are pressuring tech giants for modular designs and part access, which could force broader changes. Consumers may benefit from checking repair scores before buying, weighing longevity against fixability needs.^[1][2]