OEMs

Global smartphone maker Samsung will now enable customers with Galaxy devices to repair the items themselves, using tools and parts from the company.

Apple may soon launch a hardware subscription service, allowing customers to lease an iPhone through monthly payments and potentially trade up when new phones come out, Bloomberg reported.

Some of the technology world's big names are funding an electronics collection effort in Denver, trying to boost recycling rates.

President Joe Biden highlighted the necessity of the right to repair devices in remarks at the White House on Jan. 24.

Activist investors have used shareholder resolutions to pressure Microsoft and Apple on their repair policies. Now, Google is feeling the heat.

OEMs are looking at redesigning products to ease repair and recycling, and three youths are inspired to start a nonprofit group after participating in a Samsung program. At the same time, design choices from other companies end up an unwelcome limelight.

Apple will sell its parts and tools to individual consumers so they can make common repairs for iPhones, the company announced this week.

Two electronics manufacturers and a reverse logistics contractor recently described what they look for in recycling vendors. They also discussed how audits have changed during the pandemic – and why some changes may be here to stay.

[caption id="attachment_16898" align="aligncenter" width="900"] An employee at New Jersey ITAD company PlanITROI processing a laptop. | Courtesy of PlanITROI[/caption] An OEM is working with ITAD firm PlanITROI to launch a trade-in initiative that pays consumers based on estimated computer resale values. New Jersey-based

[caption id="attachment_14297" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Microsoft will complete a third-party study focused on repair to help guide the design of future products.