Update:iFixit testing
has found that Apple’s software locks are not yet operative. “This
service document certainly paints a grim picture, but ever the
optimists, we headed down to our friendly local Apple Store and bought a
brand new 2018 13” MacBook Pro Touch Bar unit. Then we disassembled it
and traded displays with our teardown unit from this summer. To our
surprise, the displays and MacBooks functioned normally in every
combination we tried. We also updated to Mojave and swapped logic boards with the same results.
That’s a promising sign, and it means the sky isn’t quite falling—yet.”
iFixit
concludes that Apple has a “kill switch” in the new MacBook Pros. The
service bulletin Apple sent to AASPs is genuine, but is not yet
operational. The original story follows below:
Apple
has introduced software locks that will effectively prevent independent
and third-party repair on 2018 MacBook Pro computers, according to
internal Apple documents obtained by Motherboard. The new system will
render the computer “inoperative” unless a proprietary Apple “system
configuration” software is run after parts of the system are replaced.
According to the document, which was distributed to Apple’s Authorized Service Providers
late last month, this policy will apply to all Apple computers with the
“T2” security chip, which is present in 2018 MacBook Pros as well as
the iMac Pro.
The software lock will kick in for any repair
which involves replacing a MacBook Pro’s display assembly, logic board,
top case (the keyboard, touchpad, and internal housing), and Touch ID
board. On iMac Pros, it will kick in if the Logic Board or flash storage
are replaced. The computer will only begin functioning again after
Apple or a member of one of Apple’s Authorized Service Provider repair
program runs diagnostic software called Apple Service Toolkit 2.
“For
Macs with the Apple T2 chip, the repair process is not complete for
certain parts replacements until the AST 2 System Configuration suite
has been run. Failure to perform this step will result in an inoperative
system and an incomplete repair,” the document reads. MacRumors reported the new policy earlier today.
Image: Apple
A
separate internal training presentation obtained by Motherboard about
how to use the diagnostics states that the “Apple Service Toolkit and
Apple Service Toolkit 2 are available only to persons working at
Apple-authorized service facilities.” This means that it will become
impossible for you to repair your new MacBook Pro at home, or for an
independent repair provider to repair it for you. [Do
you know more about Apple's new repair policy? Are you an Apple
Authorized Service Provider or an independent repair professional who
will be affected? You can reach the reporter via email at
jason.koebler@vice.com or securely on Signal: 347-513-3688.]
The
AST 2 System Configuration suite is a diagnostic software that Apple
uses to ensure that the computer is functioning properly. It includes
the Mac Resource Inspector, which does a “quick health check of hardware
and software,” as well as tools that check the system’s memory,
display, power adapters, cooling system, and other aspects of the
computer. It functions only if connected to Apple’s Global Service
Exchange (GSX), a Cloud-based server that Apple uses to handle repairs
and service. It requires a login from Apple to access.
Image: Apple
This is a repair model that is similar to that used by John Deere
and auto manufacturers, who often prevent owners from repairing their
own tractors or cars without specific diagnostic codes or software that
allow a replacement part to connect with the rest of the device. Apple
took a similar tact with Touch ID on recent iPhones—the Touch ID feature
would not work with replacement home buttons until it went through a so-called “Horizon Machine,” which Apple uses to re-map a new Touch ID button with the old device.
But this move goes further than that, effectively preventing most independent repairs on new MacBook Pros.
Image: Apple
“There’s
two possible explanations: This is a continued campaign of obsolescence
and they want to control the ecosystem and bring all repair into the
network they control,” Kyle Wiens, the CEO of iFixit, told me on the
phone. “Another is security, but I don’t see a security model that
doesn’t trust the owner of the device making much sense.”
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Currently, 19 states are considering so-called “Right to Repair”
legislation that would require device manufacturers to make repair
parts, tools, repair guides, and diagnostic software available to the
public. Apple is fighting this legislation; public records show that
Apple is lobbying against the bill in New York, where lobbying records
must be disclosed to the public.
Wiens
said that, currently, there is a thriving independent market for
MacBook repair, and that this move fundamentally threatens many small
businesses and, down the line, may impact school districts, which often
have to repair computers used in classrooms at scale. Not everyone lives
near an Apple Store or authorized service provider, so it may also make
repair much less accessible for people living in underserved areas.
“This
is a portion of the ecosystem that has been very healthy. Independent
repair companies have been fixing MacBooks undaunted by the user-hostile
activities Apple has taken,” Wiens said. “It could be really
detrimental to schools, to people who live in rural areas. If they stick
with this, it seems like a huge argument in favor of right to repair.”
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