Consumers in Washington Gain Authorization to Self-Repair Electronic Devices, Including Mobile Phones
Beginning January 1, 2026, Washington State will enforce its new Right to Repair law for digital electronics. The law mandates manufacturers to provide consumers with access to essential tools, parts, and documentation required for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing various appliances, including cellphones, computers, and tablets. Both houses of Washington's legislature approved House Bill 1483, which Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law on May 19, 2025.
The implementation of this law marks a significant step towards making device repair more accessible to consumers and independent repair shops. The law's purpose is to decrease the barriers that encourage consumers to replace devices rather than repair them, subsequently reducing electronic waste and lowering repair costs for consumers. The law applies to digital electronics and household appliances that were first sold in Washington after July 1, 2021.
Major tech companies like Apple have had mixed reactions to this Right to Repair legislation. While some companies, such as Apple, have historically resisted such measures, recent developments indicate a shift in attitude. In the case of the Washington bill, Google and Microsoft have expressed approval and claimed their products comply with such consumer protection laws. However, the details of implementation might present certain challenges, especially for companies with practices like 'parts pairing' that restrict the use of third-party or recycled components.
The Washington law also applies to independent repair shops, allowing them to access the same resources as authorized repair providers. A similar Right to Repair law for wheelchairs and mobility scooters was also passed, ensuring the availability of parts and manuals for mobility devices.
Apple's response to this legislation is expected to follow a trend observed in other states, as the company has already expanded its independent repair provider program and shared more repair resources. Once the law goes into effect in January 2026, Apple will need to offer genuine parts, diagnostic tools, and service manuals for devices sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. This move will provide consumers and independent repair shops with greater repair options, contributing to a decrease in electronic waste.
With the enforcement of Washington State's Right to Repair law in 2026, Apple will be required to share essential tools, parts, and documentation for repairing various devices, such as smartphones and other gadgets, alongside other electronic appliances. In line with this legislation, both authorized and independent repair shops in Washington will have equal access to these vital resources, potentially leading to reduced electronic waste and lower repair costs for consumers.
