IFixit has signed an agreement with Google to make Pixel repairs much easier. IFixit.com will sell genuine Google parts individually and in kits later this year. Both companies posted blog posts about the collaboration. Google says it will offer spare parts for the “Pixel 2 to Pixel 6 Pro, as well as future Pixel models in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries where the Pixel is available”. IFixit is the premier website for consumers looking for spare parts and repair tips, and will soon be selling Pixel monitors, batteries, cameras and more. If you do not want to make the phone yourself, Google points out that it also has authorized repair agreements with uBreakiFix in the US and Canada and ‘similar partnerships with support providers in Canada, Germany, Japan and the UK. “ Google’s deal with iFixit follows a similar deal with Samsung, which also plans to offer smartphone parts via the repair site. Samsung’s partnership with iFixit starts this summer and only covers the S20, S21 and Tab S7 +, although Samsung says it wants to expand the program over time. Google’s deal with iFixit covers everything from the 2017 Pixel 2, which is surprising given that many previous Pixels were built in collaboration with Android makers such as LG or HTC. Apple is also embracing the DIY repair market with its own in-house parts service. Google says that “improving repair capability is an important way to extend the life and usefulness of your phone.” If that’s the goal of the company, we hope to see Google extend the life of Pixel phones by offering longer update schedules. Currently, Pixel phones receive only three years of major operating system updates, while Samsung offers four and Apple six.
