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Earlier this week, a report explained a new repair policy for the MacBook Pro and iMac Pro models with the new Apple T2 chip inside. In summary, Apple distributed a new repair document to its authorized service providers, explaining that a machine would be "unusable" after a repair unless its proprietary system configuration software was running. This requirement would mean the death of the Mac Independent Repair in many cases.
iFixit took a closer look at the new repair policy and got a mix of results.
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In a blog post, iFixit explains that its laboratory tests revealed that "independent repairs (and DIY jobs) are alive and well, but at risk." The repair experts describe the new system configuration requirement as a kind of "AND" phone. "house" type requirement:
AST 2 is only provided to Apple stores and to a very small number of "Authorized Apple Service Providers" (AASPs) subject to strict confidentiality and commercial contracts stipulating which components they can use and what they charge. This change will leave third – party repair shops dry, not to mention the rest of us who are used to repairing our own equipment.
To test the new system requirements, iFixit bought a new MacBook Pro 2018, disassembled it and replaced the screens with another MacBook Pro 2018 device. After this repair, both MacBook Pro worked normally, even when the update to Mojave.
After this success, iFixit exchanged logic cards between MacBook Pro and got the same results. This signals a hope of repair independent of the Mac, at least for the moment.
This service document certainly paints a dark picture, but while optimistic, we headed to our friendly local Apple Store and bought a brand new 2018 13-inch MacBook Pro Touch Bar. Then we disassembled and exchanged displays with our disassembly unit this summer. To our surprise, the screens and MacBooks worked normally in all the combinations we tried. We also updated Mojave and exchanged logic boards with the same results.
In the end, iFixit explains that even though Apple has introduced its new requirement in a document sent to technicians this week, it does not seem to be online yet. Of course, it is possible that a very close software update retroactively renders the "incomplete repairs" inoperative, notes the site.
iFixit speculates that the software used by Apple for post-repair tracking of serial numbers and other piece data is a way to "keep its network authorized online." In other words, independent repair by Mac may soon no longer be.
What do you think of Apple's impending repair changes? Is this the right choice for security reasons? Let us know in the comments!
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