iFixit finds third-party MacBook Pro and iMac Pro repairs still an option, at least for no...
In the wake of revelations that Apple plans to employ a special diagnostics tool that effectively blocks certain third-party MacBook Pro and iMac Pro repairs, DIY specialist iFixit evaluated the issue to find the new policy is not yet active.
iFixit personnel swaps MacBook Pro displays to test Apple's new repair policy. | Source: iFixit
On Thursday, leaked Apple support network documents outlined a new process Authorized Service Providers must follow when repairing Macs containing the T2 security chip, currently limited to the 2018 MacBook Pro and iMac Pro.
Specifically, Apple said repair personnel must run proprietary system configuration software, "Apple Service Toolkit 2," after replacing the display assembly, top case, logic board or Touch ID board of a MacBook Pro and the logic board or flash storage on an iMac Pro. Failure to run the software suite renders the host system inoperable, Apple says.
According to iFixit, however, the repair policy is not yet in effect. In evaluating Apple's claims, the DIY firm purchased a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and proceeded to swap displays with an identical MacBook Pro model subjected to its annual teardown in July. iFixit also updated the older machine to macOS Mojave and traded logic boards.
In each scenario, both MacBook Pro models functioned normally following the repairs.
"Our guess is that this software tracks serial numbers and other parts data so Apple can verify AASPs are correctly completing repairs," iFixit said in a blog post. "It may also perform calibration, or it could simply be a way of keeping their authorized network in line. Basically it means Apple owns your device, not you, and could conceivably disable it remotely if they detect unauthorized repairs going on."
The firm goes on to say the AST 2 procedure might be a system for tracing parts used in Apple's authorized repair network. Alternatively, it could be a method by which Apple can monitor the quality of repairs or track replacement rates.
"It's possible that units with swapped parts may operate normally, but still report a failure in Apple diagnostic tests for having unauthorized' components installed-- much like earlier units did on earlier versions of AST for third party HDD/SSD, RAM and batteries," iFixit said.
The new policy was widely reported after its disclosure Thursday, with some voicing concern that AST 2 played into so-called "planned obsolescence" strategies. Depending on how the system rolls out, Apple can, for example, discontinue repair support eligibility for T2-equipped machines when they reach end-of-life, forcing customers to buy a new machine.
Others, including iFixit, ponder how Apple's strategy impacts -- or might be impacted by -- "right to repair" legislation being readied in a number of U.S. states. The laws seek to force tech companies like Apple to provide consumers and third-party repair outlets access to repair information, diagnostic equipment and parts.
iFixit personnel swaps MacBook Pro displays to test Apple's new repair policy. | Source: iFixit
On Thursday, leaked Apple support network documents outlined a new process Authorized Service Providers must follow when repairing Macs containing the T2 security chip, currently limited to the 2018 MacBook Pro and iMac Pro.
Specifically, Apple said repair personnel must run proprietary system configuration software, "Apple Service Toolkit 2," after replacing the display assembly, top case, logic board or Touch ID board of a MacBook Pro and the logic board or flash storage on an iMac Pro. Failure to run the software suite renders the host system inoperable, Apple says.
According to iFixit, however, the repair policy is not yet in effect. In evaluating Apple's claims, the DIY firm purchased a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and proceeded to swap displays with an identical MacBook Pro model subjected to its annual teardown in July. iFixit also updated the older machine to macOS Mojave and traded logic boards.
In each scenario, both MacBook Pro models functioned normally following the repairs.
"Our guess is that this software tracks serial numbers and other parts data so Apple can verify AASPs are correctly completing repairs," iFixit said in a blog post. "It may also perform calibration, or it could simply be a way of keeping their authorized network in line. Basically it means Apple owns your device, not you, and could conceivably disable it remotely if they detect unauthorized repairs going on."
The firm goes on to say the AST 2 procedure might be a system for tracing parts used in Apple's authorized repair network. Alternatively, it could be a method by which Apple can monitor the quality of repairs or track replacement rates.
"It's possible that units with swapped parts may operate normally, but still report a failure in Apple diagnostic tests for having unauthorized' components installed-- much like earlier units did on earlier versions of AST for third party HDD/SSD, RAM and batteries," iFixit said.
The new policy was widely reported after its disclosure Thursday, with some voicing concern that AST 2 played into so-called "planned obsolescence" strategies. Depending on how the system rolls out, Apple can, for example, discontinue repair support eligibility for T2-equipped machines when they reach end-of-life, forcing customers to buy a new machine.
Others, including iFixit, ponder how Apple's strategy impacts -- or might be impacted by -- "right to repair" legislation being readied in a number of U.S. states. The laws seek to force tech companies like Apple to provide consumers and third-party repair outlets access to repair information, diagnostic equipment and parts.
Comments
Again: how dare Apple move to limit repairs to trained and authorized repair outlets! LOL
You see, I totally get why some clients may wish to only use Apple or AASPs as service providers; there is indeed a security benefit to be had. What I take issue with is the fact that you are actively defending Apple's right to pretty much force people to use their channels and potentially leave them out in the dust by refusing them further repairs or, worse even, bricking their machines remotely. I surely hope Apple doesn't even attempt that kind of stunt, as they'd be faced with a lawsuit in no time.
In any case, I believe sanity will prevail. They could've gone after the Hackintosh crowd, too, and they didn't, and it's been what, 11 years now since the switch to Intel? Arguably, having completely unsecured, hacked-together computers running macOS (and always a few versions behind, no less) connected to the internet in the first place is more of a security liability than having Macs without a T2 chip, or SIP enabled, or what you have it.
The only way for Apple to make sure that they don't have to deal with straight up stupid people crying rivers about how Apple should fix their devices messed up by some third party, that is to make sure that people only go to authorised shops. This also makes it easier for Apple to slim down their software to only support the actual hardware that they put into the devices.
Even without considering hardware security there are valid reasons for why Apple might want to make this move; and in the end it comes down to that unless you go with a completely open solution, then there will be limitations. Perhaps these limitations will be too much for some people, but I suspect that for most people this will actually be more beneficiary than an actual problem. Especially if thieves end up learning that any Apple hardware they steal will instantly become close to worthless.
🙄
Then again, maybe people with a really serious interest in what they are doing is a good thing…?
Hey, if you only want Apple-blessed hands to touch your device, that's cool. For some of us, we can do it ourselves, and if the product is out of warranty and not really worth it to repair through the Apple-priests, we really have nothing to lose except a little time.
The other thing is...Its very hard for someone like a Bob's Computers to even get an Apple logic board these days. Its not like they can just go to Apple Support and purchase one. Sure, maybe you can go to a place like welovemacs and pay 2x the amount you should for the part(s), but why would a customer do that?
The "Hackintosh" crowd is so few and far between its not even worth Apple's time and effort to even begin to care about it and the people doing that know the risk. Its not your mom or grandma is doing that thinking it's the same exact thing as a Mac coming directly from Apple, or its certified channels. Your entire argument is incredibly invalid because of this alone.
I don't see Apple backing down at all on this and if you think cooler heads will prevail on this and customers will win you have another thing coming. If you want to tinker, build a Hackintosh or your own PC. This isn't the customer base Apple cares about.
Do you think Apple is the only one doing this? Ever try to get a Microsoft Surface repaired (of any model new or old)? Good luck! You have to send it to Microsoft to fix it. I only see more and more companies doing the same thing going forward. Its the same with soldered in RAM and storage. More and more companies are doing the same thing.
Quite honestly, the amount of people who do want to repair their own Mac or take it to a non-Apple Certified Service Center is very very very low so this is a non-issue for 99.9999999% of Apple's customer base.
I'm well aware of the problem that is the right to repair. From car makers to even farm tractors. Corporations have adopted the model of renting (yearly software/storage subscriptions) to you not really owning, because you can't do what you like with your property, of these devices and equipment.
But hey, like I said, if that's your thing, more power to you. But it isn't everyone's cup of tea.
I think the answer is obvious, but just in case, do you make that number or do you have a link to an article or study that supports it?
Mac users are not all a bunch of idiots like Mr. 99.9999999% implies. Some of us actually expect to get 10 years of life out of our extremely expensive purchase; and sadly to do that, you'll need a repair at some point. And to get a repair from Apple when AppleCare ends almost requires the selling of a kidney. So I support you, Paul, and everyone else in your shoes. I do not support the Cupertino worshippers in this forum who dare to ridicule their fellow Mac users only to defend Apple, the largest corporation in the world and with enough money and power to defend itself. We Mac users need to stick up for each other and not tear down people for, well, "tear downs" or folks who want to either repair their Mac themselves or pay a quality third party to repair their Mac for a price lower than Apple would charge. If Apple wants to lockdown its computers and make them impossible to repair outside Apple, fine. They should do that on their iOS line of "computers" (which the iPhone and iPad really are). But they should leave their "trucks" (Macs) repairable outside Apple. For truly, when the Mac becomes as locked down a device as iOS devices are, I'm afraid they may lose me and all veteran Mac users like me. I won't defect to stupid Windoze, but Apple may prompt me to join the Hackintosh crowd. I don't think it's worth the trouble right now, but Apple could change my mind.