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According to documents obtained by Motherboard, new Macbook Pros and iMac Pros can't be repaired or modified without authorization from Apple. Both of the company's new computers contain a "T2" chip that handles storage, facial recognition, the touch bar, and the fingerprint sensor, among other things. But that same chip also locks users out of the system when it detects "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 documents say that the computer can only be unlocked by running proprietary Apple software, which Motherboard claims is only available to "persons working at Apple-authorized service facilities."
"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."
"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."