Photo credit: WOZ.ORG — Steve Wozniak on Tour

Steve WOZNIAK — Apple (Computer Inc.) Co-founder — recently gave his personal take on the “the Right to Repair” in a very interesting Youtube video.

In the video, WOZNIAK talks about “growing up in an open technology world ... where TVs (television sets) and radios include (full schematics and documentation on) circuits and designs, on paper”. WOZNIAK explains that these schematics, circuit designs and other documentation were provided solely for the purpose of giving users the information they needed to repair and maintain the said appliances.

WOZNIAK went on to say that the Apple I (i.e. Apple 1) computer was built with open source and the ability to repair / upgrade in mind. Schematics and specifications were provided so that users could repair and upgrade their systems as needed or desired.

WOZNIAK on the upgradeability and repairability of the Apple II

“... the Apple II (i.e. Apple 2) shipped with full schematics and designs and software source listing, modifiable and extendable to the maximum ... (and users could) stuff their own hardware in.”.

Although the Apple II was the only source of profits for Apple for the first 10 years, they kept its architecture (and system) open. Apple did not force users to source the parts they needed for repair (nor for upgrades) from Apple. This is in stark contrast with the current trend of electronic device manufacturers towards a closed source system, wherein repairs are supposed to be carried out only by registered / authorized service providers and repair centers.

WOZNIAK attributes this open system to the eventual popularity and success of the Apple II — the computer that laid the foundation and paved the way for Apple's eventual success and dominance in the field of personal electronics.

This is initial open-source approach towards repairability and upgradeability of the Apple I and Apple II is noticeably different from the current approach Apple has for its iPhones, iPads and Macs — wherein both internal hardware AND software are closed source. Apple's current product lines prevent users from being able to upgrade / replace / repair the internal electronics of its devices.

Analysis

WOZNIAK's views on the Right to Repair are very interesting — the video really is worth watching if you have the time to do so — as it provides an insightful backgrounder on the early days of electronics (wherein users could repair and upgrade appliances and devices on their own), and how it contrasts with the electronic devices we have today.

Time will only tell how this Right-to-Repair movement influences and affects electronic device design(s) in the coming years. It will take more than one video by an industry giant to influence and change the current course of electronics firms towards closed source system, but it is a good start.

WOZNIAK's summarized his thoughts on the Right to Repair perfectly at the end of the video — “It is time to recognize the right to repair more fully. Companies inhibit it because it gives (them) power, control over everything. Is it your computer, or is it some company's computer? Think about that. It is time to start doing the right things.”.

Related links on RIGHT TO REPAIR

Right to Repair: Where is this going? — Right to Repair laws will definitely have a huge impact on durable products and their operational life. Here are some opinions on these upcoming laws.
EU / UK Right to Repair laws being drafted — Right to repair laws for appliances and electronic gadgets are being drafted in the UK and EU.