Repairability
Ongoing coverage on Repairability.
Latest coverage
Acer's Vero 16 laptop is built to be easily repaired
Acer's Vero 16 laptop is designed with repairability in mind, featuring removable port covers, a detachable external hinge, and a tool-less latch for accessing the bottom panel. This focus on ease of repair aims to extend the device's lifespan.
Framework Laptop 13 Pro review: A repairable notebook at the top of the class
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is a top-tier Windows laptop praised for its repairability, though its current price point is considered high. It stands out in its class for its design and build quality.
Nintendo will soon provide battery replacement kits for its revised Joy-Cons to further comply with EU regulations
Nintendo is releasing revised Joy-Con controllers for the original Nintendo Switch in Europe to comply with new EU e-waste regulations. The company will also offer battery replacement kits for these revised controllers, along with a detailed procedure for users to follow. These revised Joy-Cons are expected to be available starting July 16, 2026.
Refreshed Apple Pencils may arrive next year with improved repairability
Upcoming European Union regulations are expected to lead to improved repairability for the next generation of Apple Pencils, potentially including replaceable batteries. This change aims to address consumer rights and product longevity.
We now have teardown pics of the Steam Frame controller and it looks like it could be pretty repairable
Teardown images of Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR controller reveal a design that appears to prioritize repairability, featuring multiple small PCBs and accessible screws. This contrasts with the more complex internal design of the Valve Index controller. Valve is reportedly targeting a summer launch for the headset, with imports already arriving in the US.
Control Issues
A tear-down analysis of the Valve Steam Controller reveals its impressive repairability. The article also briefly mentions rumors of a potential 'Superlight' treatment for another popular gaming peripheral.
Valve will be providing Steam Controller replacement parts via iFixit after launch
Valve is partnering with iFixit to provide replacement parts for the Steam Controller after its launch, similar to the approach taken with the Steam Deck. Valve engineers Steve Cardinali and Lawrence Yang highlighted the controller's straightforward design for repairability, emphasizing that users will be able to easily swap out components like the battery or customize buttons. While parts won't be available at launch, they will be made accessible through iFixit shortly after.
Steam Controller teardown: simple to open, easy to fix
A teardown of the Steam Controller reveals its simple design, making it easy to open and repair. Most components are accessible with basic tools, and Valve plans to make spare parts available through iFixit in the future. While thumbsticks are soldered to the mainboard, other parts like triggers and batteries can be replaced with minimal effort, highlighting Valve's commitment to repairability.
Framework just announced its own 'MacBook Pro for Linux users'
Framework has announced the Framework 13 Pro, a new laptop featuring a redesigned chassis, Panther Lake mainboard, and a larger battery, aiming to be a 'MacBook Pro for Linux users'. The device maintains Framework's commitment to repairability and offers upgraded components including a custom display and haptic trackpad. Pricing starts at $1,199 for the DIY edition and $1,499 for pre-built configurations, with shipments beginning in June 2026.
Evening Mobilization
Analysis from Ars Technica indicates that Apple and Lenovo laptops are the least repairable. Separately, old Amazon Kindle devices will lose access to the Kindle Store within a month, highlighting concerns about scheduled obsolescence.
Nintendo is re-releasing the Switch 2 in the EU with a replaceable battery—and it's high time handheld gaming…
Nintendo will release a version of the Nintendo Switch with easily replaceable batteries in the European Union, complying with upcoming EU regulations on repairability. This change, driven by the EU's right to repair initiatives, aims to make portable electronics more sustainable and user-serviceable.
The MacBook Neo is Apple's most repairable laptop
Apple's MacBook Neo has received its highest repairability score from iFixit in 14 years, achieving a 6/10. Key improvements include a screwed-down battery, modular USB-C ports and headphone jack, and a mechanical trackpad. However, soldered RAM and storage, along with pentalobe screws, remain drawbacks.