The Dutch ethical-electronics manufacturer Fairphone is expanding even further into the US market, bringing in its audio products. This is huge news for those who have been watching the company’s progress in Europe for years and have watched it move stateside.
Fairphone is launching its over-ear Fairbuds XL headphones first, securing an initial partnership with Amazon to handle the sales and distribution. More than 90 percent of phones sold in the country move through major mobile network operators, and getting certified and integrated into those systems is a complex, long-term endeavor.
Fairphone Chief Executive Raymond van Eck confirmed that the phone launch is being meticulously planned. Starting with headphones is a much lower entry barrier. This lets users get acquainted with the brand’s core mission and their commitment to repairability before making a commitment to a full smartphone ecosystem.
I would say the biggest factor driving this expansion is the Right to Repair movement across the United States. We’ve already seen consumers and lawmakers pushing back against products that are difficult or impossible to fix. This creates a clear opportunity for a company like Fairphone.
Van Eck noted in a LinkedIn post that the Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones are “made with responsibly sourced materials, designed for easy self-repair, and offer a premium sound experience,” so the company is coming hard with the mindset of easy repair in the forefront. Fairphone seems to be betting that Americans are ready to buy products designed to last.
The Fairbuds XL seems to be a great product to start with. If your battery dies or an ear cup fails, you can swap out the component yourself instead of tossing the entire unit. The company has set an ambitious goal of selling at least as many audio units in the US this year as it sold in Europe last year.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if this were a way to push the market for a Fairphone smartphone itself and an independant move to the United States. The latest device from the company is the Fairphone 6, and it recently came to the US through a partner. The phone generally comes with eight years of total support for the device. That is a long commitment that puts other Android manufacturers to shame. It also comes with a five-year warranty and a guarantee of spare parts availability until 2033.
It’s exactly what we need to make other manufacturers give better deals. However, while the hardware is top-tier in terms of repairability, the company is known for having a much slower schedule for Android and security updates. That shouldn’t be an issue for those who want the Fairbuds XL, but it is something to keep in mind.
In Europe, the Fairbuds XL sells for €249. We do not yet know what the exact US pricing will be, partly because a 34 percent tariff will impact the price structure. Still, the company is likely using this Amazon partnership and the Fairbuds XL as a crucial step in becoming well known across the States.
Source: Reuters via 9to5Google
