Here’s a bold statement: the way we buy and use electronics is about to change, and it’s all thanks to a growing movement that’s challenging the status quo. But here’s where it gets controversial—what if your smartphone or headphones could last a decade instead of a few years? That’s the promise of Fairphone, a Dutch company that’s shaking up the tech industry with its focus on sustainability and repairability. Now, Fairphone is bringing its mission to the U.S., tapping into the surging demand for the right-to-repair movement—a shift that’s as much about consumer empowerment as it is about reducing waste.
Imagine this: instead of tossing your device when it breaks, you simply replace a part. Sounds revolutionary, right? Well, Fairphone has been doing this in Europe for years, and now it’s setting its sights on the U.S. market, starting with repairable headphones and paving the way for its flagship phone. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about fixing gadgets; it’s about reshaping how we think about ownership, sustainability, and the environmental cost of our tech habits.
In an exclusive interview, Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck told Reuters that the company’s U.S. expansion is a strategic response to a clear demand signal. ‘Our strategy is built for uncertainty,’ he said. ‘Tariffs may fluctuate, but the push for right-to-repair legislation is gaining momentum nationwide, and that’s an opportunity we’re ready to seize.’ This isn’t just corporate speak—it’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift. In recent years, U.S. states have passed right-to-repair laws in response to consumer frustration over products that are designed to be disposable, from smartphones to tractors. Fairphone’s entry into this market isn’t just timely; it’s a challenge to the industry’s throwaway culture.
Here’s the kicker: Fairphone’s approach to sustainability goes beyond repairability. While most electronics brands manufacture in China, Fairphone prioritizes supply chain traceability, ensuring ethical sourcing from mines to chips. This commitment hasn’t been easy—it’s required navigating component shortages and global trade tensions. But the results speak for themselves: in the third quarter of 2025, Fairphone reported a 61% year-on-year revenue increase, with device sales up 61%, audio sales up 40%, and spare parts sales up 41%.
Their flagship device, the Fairphone 6, is a testament to this philosophy. It promises eight years of total support, five years of warranty, and spare parts availability until 2033. That’s a stark contrast to the two-year lifespan of the average smartphone. But here’s the controversial part—Fairphone’s prices are currently impacted by a 34% tariff in the U.S. Does this make their products less accessible? Or is it a small price to pay for a device that lasts longer and reduces e-waste? That’s a question worth debating.
Fairphone’s U.S. launch is starting with its audio line, sold through a partnership with Amazon, as a strategic entry point. But the real game-changer will be its phone launch, carefully planned to navigate a market where over 90% of phones are sold through mobile network operators. Will U.S. consumers embrace Fairphone’s vision? Or will the higher upfront cost and tariff barriers slow its adoption? Here’s where you come in—do you think the right-to-repair movement is a game-changer, or is it too little, too late? Let’s discuss in the comments—your perspective could shape the future of tech sustainability.
