Samsung could be expanding its right to repair program to include watches and earbuds. The program originally launched earlier this year when Samsung teamed up with iFixit to help its customers fix their broken smartphones.
A patent filed by the company on November 23 seems to outline a new app which focuses on the “self-installation and self-maintenance of smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds.” As for its actual functions, if the eventual app matches the patent it will offer “consultancy and information services relating to self-installation, self-maintenance, and self-repair.”
Samsung’s application also includes what may be the app’s eventual logo. The logo consists of a blue square, containing a white gear, with a blue wrench inside it. An image of the logo also includes the words “self repair assistant,” which could be the app’s eventual name.
At present, Samsung’s repair program covers three devices: the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. Customers can buy official replacements and repair kits for parts like the display, back glass, USB port, and battery. Damaged parts can also be sent back to the company for recycling.
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iFixit is Samsung’s official partner for its right to repair program. The company publishes free guides people can refer to while fixing its devices. It has also advocated for right to repair legislation to be enacted across the United States.
Right to repair as a whole is an ongoing topic of debate. Several European countries have right to repair legislation, and some U.S. states are attempting to implement it. New York lawmakers recently passed a right to repair bill, but the state’s governor has yet to sign it into law. If the bill, which would be the first right to repair act enacted in the United States, isn’t signed off by Governor Hochul by December 31, it will essentially be vetoed.
Source: Samsung via Android Police