i’ll fix it
iFixit has struck a deal with Google to make Pixel repairs much easier. iFixit.com will sell genuine Google parts individually and in sets later this year. Both companies published blog posts about the collaboration.
Google says parts will be offered for the “Pixel 2 through Pixel 6 Pro, as well as future Pixel models, in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries where Pixel is available.” iFixit is the leading site for consumers looking to find parts and instructions for repairing devices, and soon it will be selling Pixel screens, batteries, cameras, and more. If you don’t want to repair the phone yourself, Google points out that it also has authorized repair agreements with uBreakiFix in the US and Canada and “similar partnerships with walk-in support providers in Canada, Germany, Japan and the UK.”
Google’s deal with iFixit follows a similar agreement with Samsung, which also plans to offer smartphone parts through the repair site. Samsung’s partnership with iFixit will begin this summer and will only cover the S20, S21 and Tab S7+, though Samsung says it plans to expand the program over time. Google’s deal with iFixit covers everything back to the 2017 Pixel 2, which is surprising given that many previous Pixels were made in collaboration with Android manufacturers like LG or HTC. Apple is also embracing the DIY repair market with its own in-house parts service.
Google says that “improving repairability is an important way to extend the life and usability of your phone.” If that’s the company’s goal, we hope Google extends the life of Pixel phones by offering longer update timelines. Currently, Pixel phones only get major OS updates for three years, while Samsung offers four and Apple six.
