Right To Ownership - Personal Essay
For me to understand Right to Ownership as a concept, I first needed to define what this concept means to me. I looked at the items in front of me and I considered the differences between my phone and my desktop computer. My computer consists of a motherboard, GPU, CPU, PSU, RAM, Radiator, Fans, and the software, each sourced and installed by me. My iPhone comprises a dual layer motherboard, charging port, battery, camera module, and other components, all sourced and installed by Apple using iOS as the only software.
At that moment I realized there is a fundamental difference between these two objects even though they are so similar in function. I have chosen to explore the topic of Right to Ownership because of issues pertaining to my Right to Repair, Right to Modify, and Right to Choose Vendors.
My first reason for exploring the Right to Ownership is the issue of my Right to Repair. I immediately noticed a difference when I compared the repairability between these devices. In the past, my desktop had an issue with randomly shutting down. I was able to pinpoint the issue to my RAM and repair it by replacing the faulty RAM sticks. However, when I needed to repair my phone, I realized that this device requires quite a bit more skill to open than my desktop. Once I overcame these hurdles, I concluded that the issue was the battery, and it needed to be replaced. To improve control over my costs, I thought about sourcing my own battery and performing the repair myself. I was surprised when I learned that the iOS feature “Battery Health” would no longer function unless my part was an OEM battery installed and programmed by an OEM certified Apple technician. I gave up the idea of saving money and went with Apple’s only option. The main difference in ownership between these devices is clear. I was allowed to diagnose, perform, and modify my computer. However, with Apple I am limited to their rules or risk losing features and functionality. Upon this realization, I found that my Right to Repair was heavily limited by Apple.
My second reason for exploring the Right to Ownership is the issue of my Right to Modify. I compared my ability to modify and upgrade these devices, starting with my computer. When I needed to replace my faulty RAM, I decided to upgrade it from 32GB to 64GB for better performance. Since I was the one who originally sourced and installed this RAM, the upgrade went flawlessly. However, when I was sourcing batteries for my phone repair, I was able to find cheaper, higher capacity batteries than Apple’s OEM battery. Since Apple does not allow after-market batteries to function correctly, I was unable to use these improved parts. If I had the same ownership rights as I do with my computer, I would have been able to upgrade my battery with whatever battery I chose. I would have enjoyed this upgraded performance alongside my repaired device, but Apple limited my Right to Modify.
My third reason for exploring the Right to Ownership is the issue of my Right to Choose Vendors. The most egregious part of all of this is the lack of clear market competition between both devices’ components. My desktop’s components exist in a competitive market, allowing consumers choices in price and quality. My phone, however, must use OEM parts or risk losing features and functionality. Apple doesn’t allow the installation of third-party operating systems that would help circumvent these limitations. This also means I cannot upgrade my cameras, mics, and speakers. This forces me to upgrade the whole device versus individual components. Apple has clearly limited my Right to Choose Vendors for the device I purchased.
In the future, by choosing Right to Ownership as my topic throughout this semester, I hope to not only inform others of the differences in ownership but also gain a clear understanding of how to address these issues. By the end of this semester, I aim to confidently explain the distinctions in ownership across different objects and promote changes that positively impact consumers. I don’t want to live in a subscription-based world. I want to truly own what I purchase.
