Right to Repair 2026: Which Brands Make It Easiest to Fix Your Own Device?

Technician at Milaaj mobile and laptop repair Dubai fixing a modular ASUS laptop motherboard.

Have you ever looked at a cracked phone screen or a dying laptop battery and felt a wave of frustration? For years, the tech industry felt like a “closed door” club. If your device broke, you either paid a premium at the manufacturer’s shop or tossed the whole thing in the trash. But things are changing fast. As we move through 2026, the Right to Repair movement has shifted from a niche activist cause to a global legal standard. Governments are stepping in, and brands are finally being forced to play fair.

The big question for us as consumers is: which brands are actually walking the walk? In this guide, we’re diving deep into the repairability landscape of 2026. We’ll look at who is making it easy for you to grab a screwdriver and fix things yourself, and who is still clinging to the old ways of “planned obsolescence.” Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just someone who wants their expensive tech to last longer, understanding these rankings is key to making a smart purchase.


The 2026 Repairability Landscape: Why It Matters Now

The year 2026 marks a massive turning point for electronics. The European Union’s new Right to Repair Directive has officially come into force, requiring manufacturers to provide spare parts and repair manuals for up to a decade. Similar laws in the US and Asia have followed suit. This means the “Right to Repair 2026” era isn’t just about being handy with tools; it’s about a circular economy where we stop treating gadgets like disposable plastic forks.

When a brand makes a device easy to fix, it’s not just about the screws. It’s about software locks, the availability of genuine parts, and whether the internal design is modular or a “glue-filled” nightmare. Choosing a repair-friendly brand saves you money in the long run and significantly reduces your environmental footprint.

Laptop Rankings: The Heroes and the Villains

Laptops have traditionally been easier to fix than phones, but that changed when “ultra-portables” became popular. In 2026, the gap between the best and worst is wider than ever.

1. ASUS and Acer: The Current Leaders

Surprisingly to some, ASUS has climbed to the top of the repairability charts this year. They have embraced modular designs where the RAM and storage aren’t soldered to the motherboard. Acer follows closely behind, providing clear internal labeling that tells you exactly which screw goes where. If you buy a mid-range laptop from these brands today, you can likely swap the battery or keyboard in under 20 minutes.

2. Dell and Microsoft: The Middle Ground

Dell has always been a solid choice for business users because their Latitude and Precision lines are built for serviceability. However, their consumer Inspiron line can be a bit more finicky. Microsoft has made the biggest comeback. After years of making Surface tablets that were essentially “un-fixable” glue sandwiches, the 2026 Surface Pro models are remarkably modular, featuring removable SSDs and replaceable screens.

3. Apple: The Beautiful Challenge

Apple sits in a complicated spot. While they have launched a Self Service Repair program, their laptops specifically the MacBook Pro with M-series chips are still highly integrated. Everything is on one chip. While you can technically replace a screen or a trackpad, the parts are expensive, and you often need Apple’s software to “pair” the new part to the logic board. They have improved, but they aren’t leading the DIY revolution just yet.


Smartphones: Who’s Opening the Hood?

Phones are the hardest devices to fix because they need to be water-resistant and slim. However, 2026 has brought some surprising shifts in the Right to Repair 2026 rankings for mobile devices.

Samsung: Getting Better, Slowly for Right to Repair 2026

Samsung has made strides by offering “Repair Mode” to protect your data while a technician works on your phone. Their flagship Galaxy S26 series features a slightly more accessible battery pull-tab system, which is a huge relief compared to the heat-gun-and-pry-bar era of the past. However, they still use a lot of adhesive, making DIY screen repairs a daunting task for beginners.

Google Pixel: The Transparency King for Right to Repair 2026

Google has consistently partnered with organizations like iFixit to ensure that genuine parts and specialized tools are available to the public. The Pixel 10 series is widely considered the gold standard for mainstream Android repairability. They provide detailed step-by-step guides that make a screen replacement feel like a weekend project rather than a heart-pounding surgery.

Apple iPhone: The Parts Pairing Problem for Right to Repair 2026

Apple’s iPhone remains a paradox. On one hand, the internal design of the iPhone 16 and 17 models has been redesigned to open from both the front and back, which is a win for repairers. On the other hand, “parts pairing” is still a hurdle. If you swap a screen from one iPhone to another, certain features like FaceID might stop working unless you use Apple’s official calibration software.


What Makes a Brand “Repair-Friendly” in 2026?

When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these “Repairability Entities” that define a good product:

  • Modular Design: Components like the charging port or camera module should be separate pieces, not soldered to the main board.
  • Standard Fasteners: Brands should use standard Philips or Torx screws instead of proprietary “pentalobe” screws that require special drivers.
  • Public Documentation: If a brand hides its repair manuals behind a paywall, they aren’t truly supporting your right to repair.
  • Spare Part Accessibility: You should be able to buy a genuine battery or screen directly from the manufacturer’s website without needing a professional license.

Milaaj Mobile and Laptop Repair Dubai: Your Tech Partner

While the DIY movement is growing, not everyone has the time or the steady hands to perform a motherboard soldering job or a delicate screen replacement. This is where professional expertise becomes invaluable. In the heart of the UAE, Milaaj mobile and laptop repair Dubai has established itself as the go-to destination for high-quality device restoration.

We understand that in 2026, your time is your most valuable asset. That’s why we’ve built our service around four core pillars:

  1. Low Price Guarantee: We believe that repairing your device should always be significantly cheaper than buying a new one. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  2. Speed Repairing: Most of our repairs, including screen and battery replacements for iPhones and Samsung devices, are completed within the same day.
  3. Convenience: We offer a free pickup and delivery service across Dubai. You don’t even have to leave your office or home to get your MacBook or smartphone fixed.
  4. Premium Part Quality: We only use high-grade, certified parts that come with a warranty. This ensures that once your device is fixed, it stays fixed.

Whether it’s a liquid-damaged laptop or a shattered smartphone screen, our certified technicians at Milaaj mobile and laptop repair Dubai use the latest diagnostic tools to bring your tech back to life.


The Future of Repair: What to Expect Next

As we look beyond 2026, the trend is clear: Repairability is the new luxury. We are seeing a rise in “Repairability Scores” listed right next to the price tag on retail websites. Consumers are starting to realize that a $1,000 phone that lasts five years is a much better deal than a $700 phone that is “un-fixable” after eighteen months.

We expect to see more brands adopting eco-friendly designs and perhaps even “subscription” models where the manufacturer is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the device, including its eventual recycling and part harvesting.


FAQs: Right to Repair 2026

1. Does repairing my own device void the warranty in 2026?

In many regions, including the US and EU, “Warranty Void if Removed” stickers are actually illegal. Under new 2026 regulations, manufacturers cannot void your entire warranty just because you opened the device or used a third-party repair service, provided that the repair itself didn’t cause further damage.

2. Where can I find genuine parts for my Samsung or Apple device?

Most major brands now have dedicated “Self Service” portals on their websites. Alternatively, you can visit trusted professional shops like Milaaj to ensure you are getting OEM-grade parts installed by experts.

3. Which laptop brand is the easiest for a beginner to fix?

Currently, ASUS and Framework (a modular-first brand) are the easiest. They use standard screws and provide very clear internal layouts that are friendly to those who have never opened a computer before.

4. Is it worth repairing an older smartphone or should I just upgrade?

As a general rule, if the repair cost is less than 40% of the price of a new equivalent device, you should repair it. With the Right to Repair 2026 laws, parts for older phones are becoming cheaper and more available, making repairs more viable than ever.

5. What are the most common laptop repairs?

The most frequent issues we see are battery degradation, cracked screens, and failing cooling fans. Most of these are easily fixable and can extend your laptop’s life by 3 to 4 years.


Take the Next Step for Your Tech: Right to Repair 2026

Don’t let a small hardware glitch turn into an expensive replacement. Understanding your Right to Repair 2026 gives you the power to choose better products and demand better service from the brands you love.

Are you dealing with a broken screen or a slow laptop right now? Contact Milaaj today for a free diagnostic and see how easy and affordable it is to get your digital life back on track!

Get professional iPhone repair services with expert technicians ensuring top-quality results.

Enjoy quick and reliable home delivery for your repaired or purchased devices.

Sell your old iPhone with confidence and get the best value instantly.


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