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By Mikey Campbell
On Friday, October 5, 2018 at 5:16 pm Eastern Time (8:16 pm ET)
Following revelations that Apple plans to use a special diagnostic tool that effectively blocks some third-party repairs to MacBook Pro and iMac Pro, iFixit DIY has evaluated the problem to determine if the new strategy was not yet available. active.
IFixit staff swap MacBook Pro screens to test Apple's new repair policy. | Source: iFixit
On Thursday, the disclosed Apple support network documents described a new process that authorized service providers must follow to repair Macs containing the T2 security chip, currently limited to the 2018 MacBook Pro and iMac Pro.
Apple said the repair personnel had to run the "Apple Service Toolkit 2" system configuration software after replacing the screen, top-case, logic board, or Touch ID card on a MacBook Pro and the logic board. or flash storage on an iMac Pro. . The lack of execution of the software suite makes the host system unusable, explains Apple.
According to iFixit, however, the repair policy is not yet in force. In evaluating Apple's claims, the DIY company bought a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with touch bar and exchanged screens with an identical MacBook Pro model, subject to annual disassembly in July. iFixit has also updated the old machine for macOS Mojave and the commercial logic boards.
In each scenario, both MacBook Pro models worked normally after repairs.
"We believe this software tracks serial numbers and other piece data so that Apple can verify that the AASP are performing the repairs properly," iFixit said in a blog post. "It can also perform a calibration or just keep its network authorized.This basically means that Apple owns your device and not you and that it could possibly disable it remotely if it detects unauthorized repairs. "
AST-2 adds that the AST 2 procedure could be a part tracking system used in the Apple Authorized Repair Network. Alternatively, this could be a method that allows Apple to control the quality of repairs or track replacement rates.
"It is possible that the units with replaced parts are working normally, but still report an error in Apple's diagnostic tests for the installation of" unauthorized components ", as did previous units on earlier versions AST for third-party hard drives / SSDs, memories and batteries "iFixit said.
The new policy was widely commented after its release on Thursday, with some concern that AST 2 played in so-called "programmed obsolescence" strategies. For example, depending on the deployment of the system, Apple may, for example, stop receiving repair assistance for T2-equipped machines at the end of their life, forcing customers to buy a new machine.
Others, including iFixit, are reflecting on the impact of Apple's strategy on – or could be impacted by – the "right to repair" legislation being developed in a number of US states. The laws seek to compel high-tech companies like Apple to provide consumers and third-party repair centers with access to repair information, diagnostic equipment and parts.
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