Apple Confirms New T2 Mac Security Chip Prevents Some Third-Party Repair



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Last month, a leaked internal service document revealed that Apple's T2 security chip could prevent some third-party repairs for Mac users. While the details were unclear at the time, and it seemed that the policy was not necessarily fully in effect at the moment, Apple today confirmed its existence at The Verge.

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As explained last month, a repair document distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers explained that the hardware repair process on a T2-equipped Mac is not complete until Apple's AST 2 system configuration software has not been executed. If the software is not running, the Mac will remain in an "inoperative" state. The document reads as follows:

"For Macs equipped with the Apple T2 chip, the process of repairing some replaced parts is not complete until the AST 2 system setup suite has been completed." If this step is not performed, the system will be inoperative and the repair incomplete. "

Today, Apple has confirmed this policy at The Verge, saying the new Macs required software verification to work after some components were repaired, including the logic board and Touch ID sensor. However, the company would not propose a complete list of the components involved in this strategy, nor would it confirm whether it was a new strategy or a strategy implemented since the launch of the iMac Pro year last.

Apple confirmed to The Verge that this was the case for repairs involving certain new Mac components, such as the logic board and Touch ID sensor, which is the first time the company has publicly acknowledged the use of this tool. Apple, however, was unable to provide a list of repairs requiring this operation or the devices involved. It is also unclear whether he started this protocol with the introduction of the iMac Pro last year or whether it was a new policy recently put in place.

The T2 chip has been touted as having many security benefits for Mac users. Last month, Apple introduced the new Mac mini and MacBook Air, both with the T2 chip. In addition, the company has recently released a comprehensive T2 Security Guide, which explains how it incorporates the hardware prevention of microphone listening.

Do you think that the additional security benefits of the T2 chip are well worth the reparability disadvantages? Let us know in the comments.

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