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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Tangible improvements in repairability
Software support for new and used parts
Parts remain usable for longer
➡️ Apple is clearly moving toward a more repair-friendly ecosystem.
Strong sustainability ambitions
Focus on recycling and product lifespan
Less transparency on practical repair workflows
➡️ Samsung remains primarily circular after use, with less focus on day-to-day repair practice.
Apple Environmental Progress Report 2025
Introduction – Reflections, p.3
Report Highlights – Enhanced repairability features, p.4
Resources – Product longevity, p.39–40
Design and Materials, p.13–15
Feature: Mac mini drives progress toward Apple 2030, p.20
Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report 2025
Circular Economy – Extend Product Life Cycles, p.16–17
Circular Economy – E-waste Collection System, p.17
Circular Economy – Activities & Materials, p.16