iFixit announced it is ending its Samsung Repair Hub program after it failed to strike a deal to renew the contract with Samsung. The program was launched in 2022 in partnership with the Android smartphone manufacturer.
As sighted in a blog post, iFixit mentioned Samsung’s “repairability does not align” with its mission with the South Korean company making it difficult to scale the program. In a message to The Verge, it added that parts from Samsung are very costly while its devices like the flagship and foldable smartphones are more complex to repair compared to devices from other brands.
For instance, iFixit provided an example that the battery for most Galaxy devices was glued to the LCD, subsequently requiring you to install an entirely new panel and battery as opposed to replacing only the damaged part.
It also mentioned Samsung has not provided them with the necessary parts for the latest models as well as allowing iFixit to support local repair shops for repairs and services. At the same time, the South Korean company was also touted to limit the number of repair parts it sends to iFixit, which is said to only cover up to seven parts per shop per quarter.
In line with this parting of ways, a document which is an alleged agreement (via 404 Media) between Samsung and iFixit has surfaced. It stated in the contract that third-party repair companies like iFixit are required to send customers’ information to Samsung including the name and address before repairs commence and replacement components are shipped out.
iFixit without Samsung
While the latest development seems to put a strain in the relationship between the two companies, iFixit pledges it will continue to offer repair kits and parts for Samsung devices, including OEM and aftermarket handsets. More importantly, it will also keep all available guides available for its customers.
Starting in June 2024, it will stop collaborating with Samsung to develop of repair manuals. It also mentioned it is lifting any limits regarding the number of parts a customer or repair shop can obtain from them.
On the other hand, Samsung has acknowledged iFixit’s decision and provided a statement to Android Authority addressing the latest issue.
Samsung is committed to providing quality, accessible device care to our customers with flexible options to suit their needs, including walk-in, mail-in, and “We Come to You” services. For people who would like to take advantage of our self-repair program, we offer Samsung-certified parts, tools, and information for our qualified products in one easy place: SamsungParts.com, powered by Encompass.
We’re proud of the work we’ve done together with iFixit. We can’t comment further on partnership details at this time.
Have you tried ordering repair parts from iFixit for your Samsung Galaxy device? What is your opinion about this squabble? Let us know in the comments.
