Outranking the Competition: The 2026 PIRG Report Confirms Apple iPhones Are the Least Repairable Smartphones on the Market
For years, the conversation around smartphone repairability has been dominated by teardown videos and niche hobbyist blogs. But a landmark 2026 study from the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund has reset the entire debate. The report, titled Failing the Fix 2026, doesn't just look at individual devices. Instead, it evaluates entire brand lineups using a powerful combination of real-world repair data and the European Union’s European Product Registry for Energy Labeling (EPREL) .
unavoidable: Apple’s iPhones have been officially ranked as the least repairable major smartphones you can buy in the United States, earning a dismal D- grade. While Samsung only narrowly avoided the bottom with a D, and Google’s Pixel devices managed a C-, one brand stood head and shoulders above the rest. Motorola secured a B+ rating, making it the most repairable major smartphone brand in America.
This isn't merely about a single report. It is about the future of your wallet, the longevity of your device, and the global fight for the Right to Repair, a movement extensively covered by Wired and advocacy groups like PIRG . If you have ever paid $350 for a screen replacement or been told your battery is “unserviceable,” this deep dive is for you.
Why This Report Is More Accurate Than Any Before It
Previous repairability scores, such as those from iFixit , have been invaluable for hobbyists. However, they often focused solely on the physical disassembly process. The Failing the Fix 2026 study combines two vastly different data ecosystems to create a holistic grade.
The first data source is the EU’s EPREL database. Europe has the world's most aggressive repairability laws, and EPREL scores devices based on five hard metrics.
The first metric is the exact number of steps and time required to replace common parts like the screen, battery, or charging port. The second metric is whether proprietary tools, special adhesives, or heat guns are mandatory for basic repairs. The third metric is the availability and cost of genuine spare parts for independent repair shops and consumers. The fourth metric is the accessibility, clarity, and completeness of official repair documentation. The fifth and final metric is the manufacturer’s binding commitment to long-term software support after a repair.
The second data source is the PIRG’s own US-market fieldwork. This captures the real-world nightmares that American consumers face, such as “part pairing” locks, regional supply shortages, and independent shops being denied access to diagnostic software. According to the PIRG Education Fund , merging European regulatory rigor with American on-the-ground reality offers the most accurate repairability ranking ever published.
The Full 2026 Smartphone Repairability Rankings (From Worst to Best)
Instead of a simple list, let’s walk through each brand’s performance, starting with the cellar dweller.
At the very bottom, with a D- grade, sits Apple’s iPhone lineup. According to the EPREL data cited by PIRG, iPhones require significantly more steps to open than any other flagship phone. The combination of pentalobe screws, industrial-strength adhesive, and the infamous “part pairing” software lock means that even swapping a battery between two identical iPhones can trigger error messages and disabled features. This finding aligns with previous investigations by Consumer Reports and The Verge .
One spot above, with a D grade, is Samsung. The report notes that Samsung ’s use of strong adhesives and fragile back glass makes screen replacements risky for amateurs. However, Samsung earned slightly higher marks for making repair documentation more broadly available in certain regions. Still, a D grade is nothing to celebrate, especially when compared to the repairability-focused designs of Fairphone , a brand not included in the US market ranking but widely praised by TechCrunch .
In the middle, with a C- grade, we find Google’s Pixel devices. The Google Pixel series has improved dramatically over the years, with Google offering genuine parts through its partnership with iFixit. But the PIRG report penalizes Google for inconsistent parts supply and mid-cycle design changes that can turn a simple repair into a scavenger hunt.
At the top, with an impressive B+ grade, is Motorola. The report highlights that many Motorola devices, particularly the Moto G series, allow battery and screen replacements with standard tools and minimal adhesive. Motorola also scored well for providing accessible repair guides and not actively punishing third-party repairs with software locks.
The Four Technical Reasons Apple Failed So Spectacularly
Why did Apple receive a D-, the lowest grade in the entire smartphone market? The EPREL data points to four specific, anti-repair design choices.
First: Part Pairing and Serialization. Every modern iPhone component—screen, battery, camera, even the haptic engine—is digitally paired to the phone’s logic board. If you replace a cracked screen with an identical genuine Apple screen pulled from a donor phone, iOS will display an “Unknown Part” warning and disable True Tone functionality. This software lock has no security benefit; its only effect is to force consumers to pay Apple ’s premium repair prices. Independent repair advocate Louis Rossmann has documented this practice extensively.
Second: Proprietary Fasteners and Adhesives. While many phones have moved away from screws, Apple doubled down on pentalobe screws that require a specific, uncommon bit. Worse, Apple uses incredibly strong stretch-release adhesives for batteries that frequently tear during removal, turning a ten-minute battery swap into a risky, hour-long operation involving isopropyl alcohol and patience.
Third: Restrictive Documentation Access. Although Apple launched a Self Service Repair store in 2022, the PIRG report notes that the documentation is often less complete than what independent repair networks need. Critical torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and calibration procedures remain hidden behind Apple’s authorized provider login.
Fourth: Hostile Software Messaging. Even after a successful repair using genuine parts, iPhones display persistent notifications in the Settings app. This “repair shaming” discourages consumers from seeking independent repair and creates the false impression that only Apple can properly fix an iPhone.
Laptops Aren’t Much Better: Apple Repeats Its Failure
The Failing the Fix 2026 report didn’t stop at smartphones. It also examined major laptop manufacturers. While laptops are generally more repairable than phones due to their larger size, the rankings reveal a similar pattern.
Asus earned the top spot among laptop makers with a B+ grade, praised for easily accessible RAM, storage, and batteries. Acer followed closely with a B grade. A cluster of brands including Dell , HP , Microsoft , and Samsung all received a B- grade, indicating decent but not great repairability.
Lenovo landed in the middle of the pack with a C grade, held back by soldered components on many of its popular ThinkPad and Yoga models.
And at the very bottom, with a C- grade, sits Apple’s MacBook lineup. The report notes that laptop repairability across the industry has remained stagnant, with most brands holding the same positions as the previous year. However, Apple’s C- is particularly damning given the high price of MacBooks. The report does note that it is unclear whether the new MacBook Neo—which iFixit recently branded as Apple’s most repairable laptop to date—would improve Apple’s score, as the Neo was not included in this study.
What Nathan Proctor of PIRG Says About the Future of Repair
To understand the deeper implications of this report, we look to Nathan Proctor, senior director of PIRG’s Right to Repair campaigns. In an interview with Wired , Proctor offered a sharp critique of the entire smartphone industry.
“Putting these right incentives in place could push these companies to make innovations that are actually beneficial,” Proctor told Wired. “Instead of coming up with new ways to jam AI down our throats, you can make stuff that lasts and that we can fix.”
Proctor’s point is essential. The same engineering talent that creates dynamic islands and periscope zoom lenses could be redirected toward modular designs, standardized screws, and software that welcomes third-party repairs instead of rejecting them. The fact that Motorola can achieve a B+ grade proves that repairability is not incompatible with modern smartphone features.
How This Report Changes Your Buying Decisions in 2026
If you are shopping for a new phone or laptop this year, the Failing the Fix 2026 report provides a clear roadmap.
For smartphones, Motorola is the clear winner if repairability matters to you. The B+ grade means you can reasonably expect to replace a cracked screen or aging battery at a local shop without being gouged or turned away. Google’s Pixel is a middle-of-the-road option, acceptable if you are careful with your devices. Samsung and Apple should be avoided by anyone who wants to keep their phone for more than two years or who does not want to be beholden to manufacturer-only repair networks.
For laptops, Asus and Acer lead the pack. If you need a business-class machine, Dell and HP are decent but not great. Apple’s MacBook is a hard avoid for anyone who values self-repair or affordable third-party service, unless the new MacBook Neo proves to be a genuine turning point.
Practical Advice for Current iPhone Owners
If you already own an iPhone and feel trapped by the D- repairability grade, you are not without options.
First, consider using Apple’s Self Service Repair program only if you have advanced electronic repair experience. The program does sell genuine parts and tool kits, but the process is far more difficult than Apple’s marketing suggests. Detailed guides are available on Apple's Self Service Repair site .
Second, seek out independent repair shops that are part of Apple’s Independent Repair Provider (IRP) program. These shops have limited access to genuine parts and diagnostic software, but they are still subject to Apple’s restrictions and cannot perform certain logic board-level repairs. You can find local IRP shops through Apple's IRP locator .
Third, protect your device aggressively. A high-quality case from brands like OtterBox or Mous and a screen protector from Belkin or ZAGG are not accessories; they are economic necessities when you own the least repairable phone on the market.
The Bigger Picture: Right to Repair Laws Are Already Working
The most hopeful part of the PIRG report is the evidence that legislation works. The EU’s repairability regulations have forced every major manufacturer to disclose data they would have kept secret a decade ago. As a result, consumers and researchers can now make apples-to-apples comparisons between brands.
In the United States, several states have passed their own Right to Repair acts. New York was first, followed by California and Minnesota . However, these laws are not yet comprehensive. Most do not yet cover software pairing restrictions, which is Apple’s primary anti-repair weapon. Federal legislation, such as the proposed Freedom to Repair Act, would close these loopholes, but it has stalled in Congress. You can track the progress of these laws through Repair.org , the website of The Repair Association.
Nathan Proctor and the PIRG Education Fund continue to lobby for stronger laws. Their argument is simple: If you buy a device, you should own it completely, including the right to fix it with any tool or part you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Repairability Report
Does this report cover the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 specifically?
Yes, indirectly. The PIRG study evaluates entire brand lineups, so every iPhone model contributes to Apple’s D- grade. While the iPhone 16 introduced a new internal chassis design that makes battery removal slightly easier, the part pairing software lock remains fully intact, which keeps Apple’s score at rock bottom. For a full teardown, see iFixit's iPhone 16 repairability score .
Can I repair my iPhone myself without voiding the warranty?
In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits companies from voiding your warranty solely because you performed a repair yourself. However, Apple may still refuse warranty service for any unrelated damage, and they are not required to help you with a repair you did yourself. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued guidelines supporting your right to repair.
Which specific Motorola phone is the most repairable?
The PIRG report does not single out individual models, but previous teardowns from iFixit have consistently praised the Moto G series (such as the Moto G Power and Moto G Stylus) for their modular construction, standard Phillips screws, and easily replaceable batteries.
Does the report account for Apple’s new MacBook Neo?
The report explicitly states that it is unclear whether the MacBook Neo was included. Because the Neo launched after most of the EU’s EPREL data was collected for this cycle, it likely was not part of the scoring. iFixit's teardown called the Neo Apple’s most repairable laptop, but until the next PIRG report, Apple still carries the C- laptop grade.
What is the single worst iPhone model for repairability?
According to repair professionals surveyed by Repair.org , the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series are particularly notorious because they combine extremely strong adhesive with fragile back glass and aggressive part pairing. Older models like the iPhone 8 are easier to repair but lack modern features and software support.
Final Verdict: Performance Versus Repairability
There is no denying that the iPhone is a technological marvel. Its processors outperform everything else, its cameras produce stunning images, and its software ecosystem is second to none. But the 2026 PIRG report, first broken by PCMag , makes it clear that Apple has sacrificed repairability on the altar of thinness, water resistance, and profit margins.
A D- grade is not a minor flaw. It is a systemic failure. When the most expensive smartphone on the market is also the least repairable, consumers lose. We lose money on expensive out-of-warranty repairs. We lose time waiting for Genius Bar appointments. And we lose the environment to e-waste when perfectly fixable phones are discarded because a repair costs nearly as much as a replacement.
Until Apple voluntarily abandons part pairing and proprietary screws—or until the US Congress passes meaningful Right to Repair legislation—the iPhone will remain the least repairable major smartphone you can buy. Choose wisely. For ongoing updates, follow the work of PIRG , iFixit , and The Repair Association .
Sources: PIRG Education Fund “Failing the Fix 2026” study, EU EPREL registry, interview with Nathan Proctor via Wired, PCMag testing data, iFixit teardowns, and independent repair shop surveys.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
This article is independently researched and is not sponsored by any brand mentioned. External links are provided for attribution and further reading. The original PCMag report can be found here.