In the Mail to Louis Rossman, Wozniak, a YouTube personality and advocate for the right to repair, said he was “absolutely behind the cause” — which gives consumers the right and information to repair their devices — and was somewhat “emotional” about it. wash it.
“I do a lot of engraving,” he said nine minutes later, “but it really took a toll on me.” Video. “We wouldn’t have Apple if it wasn’t set up in a very open technological world.”
The right to reform the movement has gained importance in recent times. In the UK, new measures have been introduced requiring manufacturers of televisions, washing machines and refrigerators to provide spare parts to consumers.
In the United States, at least 27 states have debated legislation on the topic this year, According to US PIRG, a national coalition of public interest research groups.
The White House increased, too, with press secretary Jen Psaki noting this week that the USDA was looking to “give farmers the right to repair their own equipment.”
For his part, Wozniak shared how he learned to build and customize his own devices at a young age, including licensing Ham Radio at the age of 10.
“When I bought electronic things like TVs and radios, all the circuits and designs were on paper. Total is open source.
“If you know what you’re doing…you can fix a lot of things at low cost. But the most valuable thing is knowing you did it yourself.”
Wozniak, Apple’s 45-year co-founder, Steve Jobs, said it also has commercial value in letting others modify their devices. He noted the success of the Apple II computer, which he said was “ultimately customizable and expandable” and “the only source” of profit for Apple in its early years.
“It was not… successful on sheer luck.” “There were so many good things about being so open that everyone could join the party.”
Wozniak’s comments come as Apple — which left the company as an active employee in 1985. It has long been criticized for policies that restrict where its customers can repair iPhones and other electronic devices without compromising their warranties.
Previously, the company only allowed authorized service providers to receive genuine Apple parts and other materials needed for repairs. That changed in 2019 when the company expanded its repair business, it’s officially recognized.
But “I think those companies” [still] “Block it because it gives companies power and control over everything,” Wozniak said.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“It’s time to start doing the right things,” Wozniak said in his letter. It is time to fully recognize the right to reform.
Halle Burton contributed to this report.
