Apple Adds ‘Repairability Scores’ for Products in France

Apple has added repairability scores to listings for the iPhone 12 lineup, M1 MacBooks, and other products in a bid to comply with new laws in France.

The move, first reported by French site MacGeneration (via 9to5Mac), comes as a result of new “right to repair” consumer protection laws in France, which require a variety of electronics and other household products sold in that country to provide these repairability scores.

The repairability index looks at five criteria: ease of repairability, price of spare parts, availability of spare parts, availability of repair documentation, and a final category that varies depending on the type of device. It’s part of a broader push in the country that aims to cut down on waste and preserve the climate.

Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup, including the Mini, Pro and Pro Max, all scored a 6 out of 10 on the repairability index. Apple’s new 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the company’s M1 chip, got a 5.6 out of 10.

The policy came into effect on January 1, 2021, but according to the report, it seems that French regulators are providing a one-year transition period to allow companies to ease into the new system before the enforcement becomes more rigid.

Since the scores are required by French law, it seems unlikely that Apple will start showing similar repairability information in Canada anytime soon.