Apple Kills the Ability to Independently Repair New MacBook Pros, iMac Pro [Report]

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Posted October 5, 2018 at 4:55am by Shalom Levytam

Apple has reportedly killed the ability to perform independent repair of the new MacBook Pro and iMac Pro. According to internal documents obtained by Motherboard, Apple has introduced software locks that render the computer 'inoperative' unless proprietary Apple 'system configuration' software is run after certain parts are replaced.

The policy will be applied to all Apple computers with the T2 security chip.

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," says Apple.

The Apple Service Toolkit and Apple Service Toolkit 2 are only available to persons working at Apple-authorized service facilities. This means that users will no longer able to repair their own MacBook and neither will unauthorized repair shops.

Apple Kills the Ability to Independently Repair New MacBook Pros, iMac Pro [Report]

Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, tells Motherboard that "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. Another is security, but I don’t see a security model that doesn’t trust the owner of the device making much sense."

Many states are looking at introduce 'Right to Repair' legislation that would require manufacturers to make parts, repair guides, tools, and diagnostic software available to public. Apple is actively lobbying to block this legislation.

More details in the full report linked below...

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simos - November 1, 2018 at 2:40pm

This is very restrictive. I just can't believe what I am reading. Apple should have a very good reason of taking such a drastic measure. Making more money or having more control on the customer is in my opinion the real reason. I am growing really disappointed in the direction Apple is taking. Is it really sustainable? They don't seem to prioritize their customers' needs, killing the MagSafe, removing useful ports in the MacBook Pro, etc.

mrjazzman - October 7, 2018 at 4:52pm

Okay, time to think thrice about buying these machines

D4xM4Nx - October 6, 2018 at 2:53am

As if Apple were the only company doing this... it’s ultimately up to us - the users - if they can get away with it or not. Now, now, I’m an super happy 2016 MacBook Pro user, haven’t had a single problem. I understand that while Apple may have legit reasons to make sure clients are receiving the service they’re paying for, this gives off the impression that they’re simply screwing with us... transparency is golden.

carlitoi930 - October 6, 2018 at 2:18am

Would I be able to upgrade my hard drive on my 2016 pro still?

nitemare2123 - October 5, 2018 at 9:22pm

Happy with my self built windows Rigs.. Happy using my self built test rig to run MacOS using VMware

salvapost - October 7, 2018 at 5:18pm

Hello, one question, are you running Mac OS directly on VMware or you run it through Window/Hackintosh?

PaulieP - October 5, 2018 at 12:01pm

We all knew this was coming. Apple is a great company but they prioritize profit margins and control. America has a country full of do-it-yourself fixers. Apple could care less about that and they only care about their bottom line. I’ve been debating on buying a new Apple computer, I have my answer. PC is looking really good.

Ace* - October 5, 2018 at 3:16pm

America was not founded on the principle that anyone can do anything. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

stevenlacross - October 5, 2018 at 8:58pm

Ace, it doesn’t matter what America was founded on, but it for sure as hell wasnt founded on greedy corporations making as much money off the poor without letting any other competition into the country.

PaulieP - October 6, 2018 at 6:53pm

Great point Steven, the greed in corporations has gone too far quite some time ago and now it’s just ridiculous how much money they make.

fastandloose - October 5, 2018 at 8:29am

This is Apple, it reminds me when they took that jail breaker to court but the court decided that when you own it you could do whatever you want to it This will hurt a lot of small repair shops and put them out of business

nocci - October 5, 2018 at 5:41am

You guys can have this all to yourselves. I'm still rocking with my latest version MacBook Air and I'm still happy with it. As for the greed, it has been mentioned about security purposes so that's a possibility as to why these new computers are programmed to function. Just imagine a fake part trying to be passing off as a real one and attempts to hack a computer if installed. Not to say that something like this could happen, but you never know.

stevenlacross - October 5, 2018 at 8:55pm

Who’s to say if a tech working at an Apple store can tell if a china small little hack chip has been placed on one of the replacement parts that Apple orders from China? Does Tim Cook personally himself check each and every screen and motherboard and whatever else part that comes into the Usa Apple distro supply chain?

odedoo1 - October 5, 2018 at 5:38am

The greed at Apple never stops, this is just the beginning next are the iPhones and iPads.

1reader - October 5, 2018 at 8:45pm

Then nobody will replace a screen in the mall or around the corner... hm... Apple, apple