Apple and Lenovo Rank Lowest in 2026 Laptop Repairability Report
The 2026 PIRG 'Failing the Fix' report ranks Apple and Lenovo at the bottom for laptop repairability, while Motorola leads the smartphone category.
Apple and Lenovo Under Fire in Latest Repairability Rankings
A new report from the consumer advocacy group Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund has cast a harsh light on the tech industry's "right to repair" efforts. Released today, the "Failing the Fix (2026)" report identifies Apple and Lenovo as the least repairable laptop brands on the market, while also highlighting systemic barriers in the smartphone sector.
The report evaluated the 10 newest devices from major manufacturers based on their availability on French websites as of January 2026. PIRG utilized criteria from the French repairability index, but added its own weight to physical disassembly and corporate lobbying efforts.
The Laptop Leaderboard: Asus Wins, Apple and Lenovo Lag
For the third year in a row, Asus claimed the top spot for laptop repairability. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Apple received a C-minus, hampered by low disassembly scores and its membership in industry groups that oppose right-to-repair legislation.
Lenovo followed closely behind with its own C-minus. While this is an improvement from the 'F' grade it received in 2025, the company continues to struggle with compliance regarding French consumer law. Specifically, Lenovo failed to provide required repair score PDFs for several of its newest models, an issue the company previously attributed to "backend web compatibility" in 2025 but has yet to fully resolve.
The report evaluated the 10 newest devices from major manufacturers based on their availability on French websites as of January 2026.
Despite the stagnant scores, PIRG’s Right to Repair campaign director Nathan Proctor noted that some progress is being made. He specifically praised the MacBook Neo as a step toward more repairable hardware design.
Smartphones: Motorola Leads as Apple and Samsung Suffer
In the mobile sector, PIRG transitioned to using the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) criteria, established in June 2025. This system scores phones based on disassembly depth, fastener types, and tool requirements.
- Top Performer: Lenovo’s Motorola brand earned the highest grade in the phone category.
- Bottom Performers: Apple and Samsung received dismal marks, with Apple earning a D-minus.
The report attributed these low scores to limited software update guarantees (often capped at five years) and the persistent issue of "parts pairing." While Apple has introduced a Repair Assistant and moved away from some software locks, the report noted that third-party Face ID replacements remain non-functional. Furthermore, the extension of Activation Lock to individual components has drawn criticism for potentially "stranding" functional parts and keeping them out of the circular economy.
The Lobbying Penalty
A unique feature of PIRG’s scoring is the inclusion of corporate political activity. Companies received a 0.5-point deduction for belonging to organizations like TechNet or the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which lobby against repair legislation. Conversely, manufacturers could gain a 0.25-point bonus for testifying in support of right-to-repair bills.
"While membership doesn't always equal active opposition, these companies are funding organizations working against this legislation," said Proctor.
As consumers increasingly demand longer-lasting devices, the 2026 PIRG report serves as a reminder that while tools and manuals are becoming more accessible, the physical design and software restrictions of modern electronics still have a long way to go.
