Apple has reportedly killed the ability to perform independent repair of the new MacBook Pro and iMac Pro. According to internal documents obtained by Motherboard, Apple has introduced software locks that render the computer 'inoperative' unless proprietary Apple 'system configuration' software is run after certain parts are replaced.
The policy will be applied to all Apple computers with the T2 security chip.
The software lock will kick in for any repair which involves replacing a MacBook Pro’s display assembly, logic board, top case (the keyboard, touchpad, and internal housing), and Touch ID board. On iMac Pros, it will kick in if the Logic Board or flash storage are replaced. The computer will only begin functioning again after Apple or a member of one of Apple’s Authorized Service Provider repair program runs diagnostic software called Apple Service Toolkit 2.
"For Macs with the Apple T2 chip, the repair process is not complete for certain parts replacements until the AST 2 System Configuration suite has been run. Failure to perform this step will result in an inoperative system and an incomplete repair," says Apple.
The Apple Service Toolkit and Apple Service Toolkit 2 are only available to persons working at Apple-authorized service facilities. This means that users will no longer able to repair their own MacBook and neither will unauthorized repair shops.
Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, tells Motherboard that "There’s two possible explanations: This is a continued campaign of obsolescence and they want to control the ecosystem and bring all repair into the network they control. Another is security, but I don’t see a security model that doesn’t trust the owner of the device making much sense."
Many states are looking at introduce 'Right to Repair' legislation that would require manufacturers to make parts, repair guides, tools, and diagnostic software available to public. Apple is actively lobbying to block this legislation.
More details in the full report linked below...
Read More
The policy will be applied to all Apple computers with the T2 security chip.
The software lock will kick in for any repair which involves replacing a MacBook Pro’s display assembly, logic board, top case (the keyboard, touchpad, and internal housing), and Touch ID board. On iMac Pros, it will kick in if the Logic Board or flash storage are replaced. The computer will only begin functioning again after Apple or a member of one of Apple’s Authorized Service Provider repair program runs diagnostic software called Apple Service Toolkit 2.
"For Macs with the Apple T2 chip, the repair process is not complete for certain parts replacements until the AST 2 System Configuration suite has been run. Failure to perform this step will result in an inoperative system and an incomplete repair," says Apple.
The Apple Service Toolkit and Apple Service Toolkit 2 are only available to persons working at Apple-authorized service facilities. This means that users will no longer able to repair their own MacBook and neither will unauthorized repair shops.
Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, tells Motherboard that "There’s two possible explanations: This is a continued campaign of obsolescence and they want to control the ecosystem and bring all repair into the network they control. Another is security, but I don’t see a security model that doesn’t trust the owner of the device making much sense."
Many states are looking at introduce 'Right to Repair' legislation that would require manufacturers to make parts, repair guides, tools, and diagnostic software available to public. Apple is actively lobbying to block this legislation.
More details in the full report linked below...
Read More