Apple has made sustainability a top priority in its product design, with the company focusing on creating devices that offer a long-term experience. In order to emphasize this commitment, Apple has published a document titled “Longevity, by design.” The 24-page document highlights the company’s efforts to prioritize longevity without sacrificing security or performance.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, explains that designing durable products requires finding the right balance between durability and repairability. Apple’s products are built to last and minimize the need for repairs. For example, the iPhone 15 features a new chassis structure that makes rear glass repairs easier, reducing repair costs for customers by more than 60%.
The frequency with which a product requires repair throughout its useful life is an important indicator of quality and reliability. Newer generations of Apple devices are much less likely to require repair compared to older models, leading to a better user experience and reduced environmental impact by increasing the lifespan of the device.
Software support is another key aspect of Apple’s longevity strategy. The company is committed to providing software and security updates for years after a product can no longer be updated to the latest operating system. For example, Apple released an iOS 15 update in March 2024 for devices as old as the iPhone 6s, ensuring they remain functional and secure for longer.
Apple defends its part pairing measure in the document, stating that it makes repair access easier and more transparent for customers while maintaining device security and performance. The company also highlights its decreasing out-of-warranty repair rates, reflecting an increase in device quality and reliability over the years.
To make its products more repairable without compromising durability, Apple has adopted several principles such as using advanced adhesives for easy battery replacement and implementing repairable modules in devices like the iPhone 15. These efforts showcase Apple’s commitment to creating long-lasting, sustainable, and repairable products for its customers.