Successful business partnerships rely on cooperation, open communication, and shared goals. The former does not appear to be present in the partnership between iFixit and Samsung, as it has announced that it is cutting ties with the South Korean tech giant over multiple repair possibilities concerns.

iFixit, a how-to website that sells electronics repair parts and publishes a guide on how to repair consumer devices, announced that it is building a "Galaxy Of Repair" with Samsung in 2022/8. This includes a site that provides genuine parts for some Samsung Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S20 and S21 series, and an updated guide to help users repair them.

However, in a recent post iFixit announced the termination of Samsung's partnership, strongly criticizing the electronics manufacturer's approach to the repairable of the device. iFixit states:

"As we tried to build this ecosystem, we consistently faced obstacles and began to doubt Samsung's commitment to make repairs more accessible. We could not get the parts to the local repair shop at a price and quantity that made business sense.

"The price of the parts was so expensive that many consumers chose to replace the device rather than repair it. Also, the design of Samsung's Galaxy devices has remained frustrating and glued, forcing them to sell batteries and screens in pre-glued bundles, increasing costs."

As if that wasn't enough, the post goes on to say, "flashy press releases and ambitious initiatives don't make much sense without a follow-through" and "we let them convince us they were serious about accepting repairs."

"We tried to make this work. But with such diverse priorities we can no longer continue."

Brimy. At that time less of a partnership over, and more of a nasty public divorce. As a result, after 6 May, iFixit will no longer be Samsung's designated third-party parts provider and will also be unable to work with Samsung to develop new manuals. However, the company will continue to sell parts and repair kits for Samsung devices, procure OEM parts if available, and state "just as it does for Apple repair parts."

The call by Apple, a company that has previously criticized iFixit for creating products that "literally cannot be repaired," suggests that iFixit is really thrown into the towel when it comes to working with Samsung to make the product easier to repair.

Samsung has not yet publicly responded to ifixit's comments, but if so, at this point I would like to point out that unpaid parking tickets, accusations of infidelity, and one for those who keep family dogs

In all seriousness, the lack of facilities for users to easily repair the latest equipment is considered to be a major factor in e-waste. Some studies suggest that 30% of abandoned electronics waste could be removed from the ecosystem with stronger "repair rights" laws. 

The EU recently voted to adopt new rules that make the right to repair stronger among member states to prevent consumers from contributing to e-waste by buying new expensive items and discarding old devices.

Noble goal, no doubt. But when it comes to this particular partnership for a more sustainable future, iFixit seems to have packed its bags and left forever.