The Germans know how to count their money and strive to spend it rationally. This became the primary reason for the registration of a new law imposing obligations on smartphone manufacturers. Germany announced a mandatory support period for smartphones by manufacturers for 7 years. For now, this is only in theory. But a step in the right direction has been made. Residents of the European Union responded positively to the proposal.
Germany insists on a long service life for smartphones
Germany produces household appliances and cars that demonstrate reliability and durability. Any German brand is associated with impeccable quality. So why should users have to change smartphones every 2-3 years – the Bundestag wondered. In the era of mobile phones and PDAs, equipment freely operated for 5-6 years. And famous phones like Blackberry and Vertu are still operational (over 10 years).
Undoubtedly, smartphone manufacturers are simply filling their pockets with money. It’s convenient – released a smartphone, stopped supporting it after 2-3 years. And immediately a new version. Business is good. But it should be mutually beneficial for the seller and the buyer. And current smartphones do not bring financial benefits to owners.
This applies not only to software but also to spare parts. The US has already adopted a repair law – which caused many protests from Apple. This is a real blow to sales. A person can repair their smartphone instead of rushing to buy an updated version in the store. Germany also insists on implementing a similar law in the European Union. This decision benefits frugal Germans and all people around the world who do not chase after new technologies.
DigitalEurope organization insists on its position
Market leaders in smartphones, united in DigitalEurope, which includes Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Google, have a different view. The organization advocates for 3-year support for smartphones and the availability of batteries and screens for their devices at specialized service centers. This policy still causes negative feedback from users. Repairing at official service centers is many times more expensive than at private workshops.
And screens with batteries, statistically, are not as important as speakers, connectors, and chipsets, which break more often. Incidentally, due to manufacturer faults – some did not apply thermal paste, some soldered poorly. And the end consumer suffers.
It is very desirable for Germany to push this law throughout the European Union. It would be a remarkable event for the entire world. Other continents and countries could quickly implement a similar law in their territories.
