Graphic titled “Glued-Together Assembly.” Image shows a device being opened with a suction cup tool, exposing internal components. Text explains that glued construction makes devices harder and more dangerous to open, is non-reversible, and often requires heat or solvents to access parts.
Graphic titled “Warranty Void Stickers.” Close-up image shows a screwdriver near a sticker that reads “Warranty void if seal broken,” with a handwritten note saying “illegal!” Text explains that these stickers discourage self-repair and are illegal in the U.S. under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which prevents companies from voiding warranties simply because a device was opened or third-party parts were used.
Graphic titled “Hidden Screws.” A hand uses a blue pry tool to open a Mac mini, revealing concealed fasteners beneath the outer casing. Text explains that hidden screws make devices harder to open by placing fasteners in unintuitive locations, creating unnecessary barriers and signaling that the device isn’t meant to be serviced.
Graphic titled “Non-Modular Parts.” A laptop motherboard is shown with storage chips highlighted and labeled “Soldered Storage :(.” Text explains that non-modular designs force you to replace entire assemblies when a single component fails, making repairs more difficult and expensive, while also limiting upgradeability for storage, memory, or batteries.
Some devices aren’t hard to repair by accident—they’re built that way. These design choices block access, add risk, and push you toward replacement instead of repair. That’s not innovation. That's planned obsolescence.
Which one annoys you the most?
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#iFixit #RightoRepair #FixTheWorld
