New photo of Apple's iPhone repair and calibration machine surfaces online
An image of the special machine Apple uses to conduct back-of-store iPhone repairs surfaced online on Tuesday, with the photo showing off a few more features than previous leaks including an up-close look at screen calibration controls.
The picture was sent in to Motherboard after reporter Jason Koebler put a bounty out for information regarding Apple's "iPhone Calibration Machine," a specialized piece of equipment used by Geniuses and tech personnel to conduct device repairs.
AppleInsider can confirm the photo is legitimate and does depict an authorized iPhone screen repair machine, albeit an older version. Newer models are more self-contained and feature an industrial style casing to protect sensitive calibration equipment. Apple has an unknown number of variants in play at its brick-and-mortar stores, and while each machine performs the same or similar duties, their aesthetic appearance is widely varied.
The first photos of Apple's machine leaked out in 2013, shortly after the company began offering on-site iPhone 5 screen replacement services.
A former Genius told Motherboard how the machine works.
"It was a big clunky machine that honestly looked like someone built it in their backyard," the person said. "There were different 'moulds' that different iPhone models would go into before going in the machine, and it would take around 30 minutes ... there was some weird liquid that needed to be placed in the machine that we would have to wear gloves with to fix it. Lots of gas type valves and whatnot. It literally looked like some backyard home job. Not very Apple-like at all."
The square, circle, star and triangle chevrons to the left of the iPhone are used to calibrate the handset's camera, while the "gray card" and "flock paper" controls are for screen calibrations.
In addition to screen swaps and device calibration, the machine also allows technicians to replace iPhone's Touch ID home button. When connected to a Mac, the repair apparatus is able to validate a newly installed fingerprint sensor with an internal Apple server.
Third-party repair shops lack access to the special machine and are therefore unable to conduct certain screen repairs and Touch ID swaps. The latter limitation, instituted as a security measure, drew the ire of consumers and repair professionals last year.
In early 2015, a number of iPhone users reported so-called "Error 53" codes that would render their hardware unusable. Last year, it was learned that Error 53 messages are actually an iOS security measure triggered when an iPhone undergoes unauthorized Touch ID repairs. Customers later filed a class action lawsuit over the matter, but the case was quickly tossed for lack of standing.
Along with the security safeguards it provides, Apple's machine also ensures a consistent repair experience across its many stores. The process is under fire, however, as so-called "right to repair" bills threaten to force the company to make manuals, parts and presumably the specialized iPhone machine to consumers and third-party repair shops. Apple has lobbied against such state measures in the past and just last week sent a representative to argue its case in Nebraska.
The picture was sent in to Motherboard after reporter Jason Koebler put a bounty out for information regarding Apple's "iPhone Calibration Machine," a specialized piece of equipment used by Geniuses and tech personnel to conduct device repairs.
AppleInsider can confirm the photo is legitimate and does depict an authorized iPhone screen repair machine, albeit an older version. Newer models are more self-contained and feature an industrial style casing to protect sensitive calibration equipment. Apple has an unknown number of variants in play at its brick-and-mortar stores, and while each machine performs the same or similar duties, their aesthetic appearance is widely varied.
The first photos of Apple's machine leaked out in 2013, shortly after the company began offering on-site iPhone 5 screen replacement services.
A former Genius told Motherboard how the machine works.
"It was a big clunky machine that honestly looked like someone built it in their backyard," the person said. "There were different 'moulds' that different iPhone models would go into before going in the machine, and it would take around 30 minutes ... there was some weird liquid that needed to be placed in the machine that we would have to wear gloves with to fix it. Lots of gas type valves and whatnot. It literally looked like some backyard home job. Not very Apple-like at all."
The square, circle, star and triangle chevrons to the left of the iPhone are used to calibrate the handset's camera, while the "gray card" and "flock paper" controls are for screen calibrations.
In addition to screen swaps and device calibration, the machine also allows technicians to replace iPhone's Touch ID home button. When connected to a Mac, the repair apparatus is able to validate a newly installed fingerprint sensor with an internal Apple server.
Third-party repair shops lack access to the special machine and are therefore unable to conduct certain screen repairs and Touch ID swaps. The latter limitation, instituted as a security measure, drew the ire of consumers and repair professionals last year.
In early 2015, a number of iPhone users reported so-called "Error 53" codes that would render their hardware unusable. Last year, it was learned that Error 53 messages are actually an iOS security measure triggered when an iPhone undergoes unauthorized Touch ID repairs. Customers later filed a class action lawsuit over the matter, but the case was quickly tossed for lack of standing.
Along with the security safeguards it provides, Apple's machine also ensures a consistent repair experience across its many stores. The process is under fire, however, as so-called "right to repair" bills threaten to force the company to make manuals, parts and presumably the specialized iPhone machine to consumers and third-party repair shops. Apple has lobbied against such state measures in the past and just last week sent a representative to argue its case in Nebraska.
Comments
No. I'll use a BMW as an example. If you need to replace a key you need to provide proof of vehicle ownership and they'll make one for you. You can't purchase the required equipment to take a blank key and program it to a specific vehicle. Further, if you need a CAS module (car access system which reads and authorizes keys) it also needs to be specially ordered.
Now think of the machine Apple uses (along with special software) to match a Touch ID sensor to an iPhone. This would be similar to what BMW uses to program and code keys or the CAS module to your vehicle. It's a security related item and wouldn't fall under Right to Repair or Magnusson Moss.
Or are you just saying that if you were writing such legislation you would exempt security-related things?
Why? Apple founder Steve Jobs once said this, "it's better to be a pirate than join the navy." Remember the pirate flag flown proudly at Apple HQ? Remember the illegal blue boxes he and Woz made and SOLD? Now consider that Mr. Jobs is very much at the heart of every Apple product you and I use. Even though he passed away back in 2011 his heart lives on at Apple. Most of us brush off the past of Steve Jobs by saying, "that was a long time ago and a different era." But that is "leniency"! :-)
While I am not a proponent of "anything goes" and while rules do need to be enforced to some degree (meaning, enforcement coupled with mercy), I also feel that the same level of severity we so easily cast at others will eventually come back our way. Better to be easy on others so when our day comes someone in charge will be easy on us. Let us therefore promote freedom over legalism where possible.
With that said, I would prefer to see a photo of the newest machine, rather than this older model machine. In any case, this thing is far too sophisticated for anyone to build "in their back yard."
If I stole secrets from the company I worked for and sold them for profit then I would expect to be fired. I hope this chap is caught and dismissed before he starts stealing other stuff.
People seem to think that quoting Steve Jobs is a replacement for critical thinking.
It has nothing to do with the right to repair per se. The machine just automates the process.
Whatever you use, the hardware needs to be sanctioned by an Apple server.
If the passcode and the fingerprint print scan were safely stored on the internals of the phone you could easily design for repairs and authenticate by any number of ways.
I can open a bank account with just a selfie. Authentification nowadays offers quite a bit of flexibility.
The motivation behind my post stemmed from observation of human nature. Human beings are inclined to cast the first stone in strict accordance to "the law." We are quick to rail on others, especially on internet forums where we cannot meet face-to-face. Therefore, applying a tone of merciful kindness would be something unnaturally good for us to ponder.
And...
I still want to see a photo of "newer models" that "are more self-contained and feature an industrial style casing to protect sensitive calibration equipment."
While I haven’t read any of the proposed laws, only what’s been offered in AI stories, I assume the Right to Repair laws are also written to allow you to get your device repaired without invalidating the entire warranty? If I get new tires on my car at an independent shop, it doesn’t invalidate the drivetrain warranty. I’m not sure what Apple’s stance on this would be, say I get a third-party screen repair and later have the Lightning port go bad; but remember these proposed laws aren’t targeted at Apple. They cover entire industries, and I see no reason why Apple should be excluded just because we like them. Government shouldn’t be in the business of picking favorites (yes, it certainly happens…but that path leads to corruption).
It’s not as if a bunch of fly-by-night, back alley repair shops are going to spring up overnight if these laws pass. Yes, there might be a little chaos at first, but just like in the auto industry, repair shops that do a good job and earn a good reputation will succeed and those that don’t will go out of business. The auto manufacturers made all these same arguments against similar laws when they were first proposed, and I don't recall a sudden rash of car crashes after they were passed.
It would make sense to have reasonable limits, such as items that involve security; but I shouldn’t have to ship my laptop or phone to Apple to get the battery replaced. To those who argue about Apple’s reputation would be tarnished in the event a bad battery causes a fire…isn’t that all the more reason Apple should make OEM batteries available to repair shops rather than have them use cheap knock-offs?