Apple has a staunch stance on repairs: your Apple products are not really yours, it’s theirs, they just let you use it. That means that, when something like your iPhone breaks, you don’t always get to decide who repairs it. Usually, you have one choice: Apple. Anywhere else could be using inferior products to repair your devices, but, often, they’re using the same equipment as Apple. With choice, you can shop around for parts and services to save money or learn to tinker. Apple doesn’t want you doing that.
The latest MacBook Pro and iMac computers have the T2 chip in it. This is Apple’s own silicon, and secures your device as well as operates the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro. Apparently, Apple also uses it to brick your Mac if you do any unauthorized repairs.
As someone who has repaired her previous Macs, as well as repairs for friends and family, and someone who is typing this on a 2018 MacBook Pro, I’m concerned.
What Can Apple Do?
Apple’s guide says this software is required to make devices work.
Motherboard and MacRumors obtained leaked internal repair documents from Apple. These documents show that, after repairing a new Mac, an Apple employee must run proprietary “system configuration” software after the repair is complete. This will verify the parts used. If the parts aren’t genuine Apple parts, the device will be locked, incapable of doing anything. If the repair technician isn’t from Apple, and therefore doesn’t have access to this system configuration software, the computer will be locked down as well. This forces Apple customers to go to Apple for repairs, buying their expensive repair components and expensive service. It removes any freedom of choice or potential for upgrades.
Only Apple has access to the console, only they can complete a repair.
The T2 chip brings a bit of Apple’s iPhone architecture to the Mac. It manages the hardware, operates as an image signal processor, audio controller, and SSD controller. Furthermore, it allows on the fly encryption, improving security. If it were to shut down, the entire device would become unusable. It seems Apple has given it this ability, though hasn’t activated it yet, at least not for all repair types.
Which Repairs Require Apple’s Software?
Technically, none yet. However, every 2018 MacBook Pro and iMac with a T2 chip have a “kill switch” that Apple can use to disable your machine. Currently, Apple tells technicians that the device won’t work unless the repairs are validated and registered with Apple through Apple’s private software. Likely, they’ll only use the kill switch to turn off devices where a technician has replaced a core security component, such as the Touch ID sensor or Face ID. This could improve security of these devices. However, Apple’s documents say that replacing anything but the battery could disable the Mac.
iFixit put this to the test. They were able to take apart their MacBook Pro and swapped displays for another part. Despite being recognized as a part that wasn’t installed by an Apple technician, the device still works perfectly. The display assembly should have been enough to shut down the Mac permanently, but it instead works perfectly fine. This proves that, while Apple has a kill switch and is educating team members about it, they’re not using it yet.
Without access to Apple’s software, third party shops and individuals can never complete repairs.
Another possibility that iFixit has suggested is that Apple could simply be tracking repairs. They may want to keep a registry of repairs, ensuring that they’re done properly and that authorized parts are being used. This could be most useful in third party repair shops, as well as Apple’s own stores, where Apple parts could be sold online and inferior—and cheaper—parts are installed into customers’ computers. However, considering Apple’s ongoing fight against consumers’ right to repair, Apple’s likely using this to control repairs.
Will Apple Allow Third Party Repairs in the Future?
Apple has fought right to repair laws for years. If they ever win the absolute right to block repairs, they could switch this functionality on with an update. Given Apple’s work to prevent consumers from having control over the products they supposedly own, Apple will likely block third party repairs as soon as they can. Many of Apple’s customers don’t mind the fact that they can’t repair their own products or choose their repair shop. As a result, we can’t rely on the market forcing Apple’s hands. Instead, legislation in the form of a federal right to repair law is the only thing that can protect consumers. For now, we’re safe. But Apple built a kill switch into our devices, and they can’t wait to use it.
Sources:
- Jason Koebler, Motherboard
- Adam O’Camb, iFixit
- Joe Rossignol, MacRumors