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Apple now endorses Right to Repair legislation
(www.404media.co)
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Starting with the consumer themselves.
This is starting to sound a lot like the time the auto manufacturer tried to void warranties if the cars were to be taken to anywhere but the official service.
Ford, VW, Volvo, Renault, Mercedes and BMW had their asses handed to them by the EU as it was deemed lockout: the owner had the right to seek service wherever they wanted and get parts from what ever source they chose.
Not to start on the implications of disloyal competition...
Anyone should be able to buy anything wherever they choose.
If someone finds a better deal on a chinese retailer, good. If the part turns out good, better. If not, learn the lesson and try again.
It's a bit iffy to argue on the basis of poor or absent safety standards. Unless we are speaking of going out to find the dingiest shop on an online retailer, 99% of manufactured goods follow the same standards.
Yes, bad batches exist but batteries are one of those things where counterfeiting is not worth the trouble; the moment the parts can be sourced from any number of manufacturers, all will go by similar quality.
I'm all in favor in limiting commercial margins but even I consider meddling when it comes to law setting prices to consumer goods.
In the end, only those who want to will buy. Yes, Apple products are basically highway robbery but nobody is being forced to buy the crap they make nor need it to survive.
It's a phone, not food, fuel or shelter. If it's too expensive, buy cheaper.