Laptops With the Poorest Repairability, Exposed by Expert Analysis

Apple and Lenovo have been found to produce some of the least repairable laptops on the market, according to a comprehensive report by the consumer advocacy group Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund. The report, titled "Failing the Fix (2026): Grading laptop and cell phone companies on the fixability of their products," analyzed the repairability of the 10 newest laptops and phones available from major manufacturers in France.

To assess laptop repairability, PIRG used the French repairability index, which grades devices based on factors like the physical ease of disassembly and the availability of repair information. Apple earned a disappointing C-minus grade for laptop repairability, while Lenovo also ranked near the bottom.

The report highlights the growing importance of right-to-repair policies, as consumers increasingly demand the ability to fix their devices rather than being forced to replace them. PIRG, along with other advocacy groups, believes that manufacturers should apply the French repairability requirements to devices sold globally, not just in France.

"Consumers generally expect a 'repair score' to refer to the physical ease of disassembling the product," the report states, explaining why PIRG placed extra emphasis on this factor when calculating the laptop grades.

In addition to the laptop findings, the report also examined cell phone repairability, with Apple again earning a poor D-minus grade. This underscores the broader trend of manufacturers designing devices that are increasingly difficult for consumers to fix themselves or take to independent repair shops.

As the push for right-to-repair legislation continues to gain momentum, the PIRG report serves as a wake-up call for consumers and policymakers alike, highlighting the need for more transparent and consumer-friendly repair policies from major tech companies.