Apple and Samsung have published their latest sustainability reports. Beyond CO₂ targets and recycling percentages, these reports also include passages that are directly relevant to independent smartphone repair professionals.
In this blog, we take a closer look at repairability, design choices, parts, and software restrictions, and compare how Apple and Samsung approach these topics.
1. Design: is repairing actually becoming easier?
Apple
Apple explicitly states that repairability is a design priority:
“We’ve done all that while making our products even more durable and easy to repair, because technology that lasts longer is better for the environment.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Introduction – Reflections, p.3)
With the iPhone 16, this becomes very concrete:
“The iPhone 16 debuted a new, faster process for removing the battery from the enclosure — using low-voltage electricity.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Report Highlights – Enhanced repairability features, p.4)
🔧 What does this mean for repair professionals?
Faster battery replacement, lower risk of damage, and more efficient repairs.
Samsung
Samsung takes a more general approach, but does acknowledge repair as part of product longevity:
“We are enhancing our products’ durability and reparability and providing software updates to increase product use periods.”
(Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report 2025, Circular Economy – Extend Product Life Cycles, p.16–17)
🔧 What does this mean for repair professionals?
The intention is there, but Samsung does not describe any specific design changes that make repairs easier in practice.
2. Software & parts pairing: restriction or support?
Apple
Apple explicitly acknowledges that software plays a role in repairs and introduces solutions:
“We’ve improved support for third-party parts used in repair.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Report Highlights, p.4)
With iOS 18, an important new tool was introduced:
“Repair Assistant allows customers and repair professionals to configure new and used Apple parts directly on the device.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Resources – Product longevity, p.40)
🔧 For repair professionals:
Fewer parts-pairing issues and greater freedom to use both new and used components.
Samsung
Samsung mentions software only in the context of updates:
“Providing software upgrades to extend product lifespan.”
(Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report 2025, Circular Economy – Extend Product Life Cycles, p.17)
🔧 For repair professionals:
No mention of parts pairing, calibration, or configuration of replacement components.
3. Parts: availability and reuse
Apple
Apple explicitly links repairability to its parts strategy:
“Supporting the use of both new and used parts is an important part of extending product life.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Resources – Product longevity, p.39–40)
End-of-life recovery is also addressed:
“Recoverability was a key consideration for end of use.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Feature: Mac mini drives progress toward Apple 2030, p.20)
🔧 For repair professionals:
Apple formally acknowledges that parts must be replaceable and reusable.
Samsung
Samsung focuses more heavily on collection and recycling:
“We operate various recycling programs for waste products across approximately 80 countries.”
(Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report 2025, Circular Economy – E-waste Collection System, p.17)
🔧 For repair professionals:
The emphasis is on take-back and recycling, not on the availability of loose parts for reuse.
4. Materials: impact on repair quality
Apple
Apple stresses that recycled materials must meet the same standards as new ones:
“Recycled materials must meet the same high standards for quality, durability, and performance.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Design and Materials – Our approach, p.15)
Material choices are directly linked to repairability:
“Design choices also support reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining repairability.”
(Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025, Design and Materials, p.13)
🔧 For repair professionals:
Parts remain technically reliable, even when reused.
Samsung
Samsung focuses on material circularity:
“We established a Circular Battery Supply Chain by utilizing recycled cobalt extracted from previously used smartphones.”
(Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report 2025, Circular Economy – Activities, p.16)
🔧 For repair professionals:
A strong materials story, but no direct link to easier repairs.
Conclusion: what does this mean for repair professionals?
Apple
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Tangible improvements in repairability
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Software support for new and used parts
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Parts remain usable for longer
➡️ Apple is clearly moving toward a more repair-friendly ecosystem.
Samsung
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Strong sustainability ambitions
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Focus on recycling and product lifespan
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Less transparency on practical repair workflows
➡️ Samsung remains primarily circular after use, with less focus on day-to-day repair practice.
Sources (full)
Apple
Samsung
