Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Latest iOS Update Shows Apple Can Use Software to Break Phones Repaired by Independent Shops
Vice ^ | 10/13/17 | Jason Koebler

Posted on 10/13/2017 7:22:56 PM PDT by markomalley

The release notes for iOS 11.0.3—an iPhone operating system update pushed to customers Thursday—comes with a not-so-subtle warning: Don't get your phone fixed by anyone who isn't Apple.

The update fixes a few bugs, namely one that caused a loss of touch functionality on a small subset of phones that had been repaired with certain third-party screens and had been updated to iOS 11.

"Addresses an issue where touch input was unresponsive on some iPhone 6S displays because they were not serviced with genuine Apple parts," the update reads. "Note: Non-genuine replacement displays may have compromised visual quality and may fail to work correctly. Apple-certified screen repairs are performed by trusted experts who use genuine Apple parts. See support.apple.com for more information."

This is a reminder that Apple seems to have the ability to push out software updates that can kill hardware and replacement parts it did not sell iPhone customers itself, and that it can fix those same issues remotely.

This message is the latest salvo in an ongoing cold war between Apple and the independent repair world. Apple will only sell official parts to "authorized" repair providers—a program that costs money to join and limits the types of repair that companies are allowed to do. And so independent repair stores have long turned to the grey market, which is made up of largely of Chinese suppliers. Third-party screens do vary in quality—some are just as good as Apple's original parts (many are made in the same factories, according to people in the repair business)—while others are indeed inferior. Replacement screens are also purchased from electronics recyclers and LCD refurbishers.

Though replacement screens vary in quality, most repair shops do their best to get parts that are just as good as the ones Apple uses (there are several Facebook groups where repair pros name and shame bad suppliers).

The point is, you should be able to go to an independent repair shop to get your iPhone fixed if you want to. They're often cheaper and faster than going to the Apple Store.

So let's consider what actually happened here. iPhones that had been repaired and were in perfect working order suddenly stopped working after Apple updated its software. Apple was then able to fix the problem remotely. Apple then put out a warning blaming the parts that were used to do the repair. Poof—phone doesn't work. Poof—phone works again.

In this case, not all phones that used third party parts were affected, and there's no reason to think that, in this case, Apple broke these particular phones on purpose. But there is currently nothing stopping the company from using software to control unauthorized repair: For instance, you cannot replace the home button on an iPhone 7 without Apple's proprietary "Horizon Machine" that re-syncs a new home button with the repaired phone.

This software update is concerning because it not only undermines the reputation of independent repair among Apple customers, but because it shows that phones that don't use "genuine" parts could potentially one day be bricked remotely.

A scare like this happened last year. "Error 53" bricked many iPhones that had third party screen replacements. After widespread consumer outrage, Apple fixed the bug. It's because of situations like this that activists are lobbying states to pass "Right to Repair" laws, which would require Apple and other electronics companies to sell official replacement parts to the masses, and would prevent software locks that could make phones unusable because they include third-party parts. Apple is lobbying against those efforts.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: apple; iphone
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-68 next last

1 posted on 10/13/2017 7:22:56 PM PDT by markomalley
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: markomalley

I agreed to a recent upgrade of an Apple phone.

Never again.

Totally different operating system. Had to learn many commands over again.

Screwed up access to the web. Have to put in password everytme,and certify the same computer over and over and over.

Big mistake.


2 posted on 10/13/2017 7:27:06 PM PDT by marktwain (President Trump and his supporters are the Resistance. His opponents are the Reactionaries.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Doesn’t that constitute destruction of property?


3 posted on 10/13/2017 7:27:16 PM PDT by Bayard
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Apple has the right to do what they wish with “their” iPhones.

After all, those devices are merely being “rented” out to consumers at a price of $500-1000 per year.

People are only paying for the right to use Apple devices. Same with their music platform and apps and storage. You don’t get to “own” anything from Apple.


4 posted on 10/13/2017 7:29:57 PM PDT by adorno (w)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Arthur Fonzarelli was GOD once.

Then he jumped the shark.


5 posted on 10/13/2017 7:32:02 PM PDT by Rome2000 (SMASH THE CPUSA-SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS-CLOSE ALL MOSQUES)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

I updated yesterday - now it’s much slower ...


6 posted on 10/13/2017 7:39:54 PM PDT by 11th_VA (Kudos to President Trump for denouncing ALL violence)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

This should be illegal.
If my phone is out of AppleCare Warranty, and needs repair, I should
be able to take it to a repair shop of my choosing. I purchased the phone.
it belongs to me.


7 posted on 10/13/2017 7:44:16 PM PDT by tennmountainman ("Prophet Mountainman" Predicter Of All Things RINO...for a small fee.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marktwain

Nothing Apple, ever.


8 posted on 10/13/2017 7:48:28 PM PDT by tomkat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Apple may be one or two steps behind when it comes to rebranding the technological innovations that others have come up with... but they most definitely are a corporate innovator. They are always pushing the limits of what a corporation can get away with.

Evading taxes, hiding profits off shore, frivolous lawsuits suing others for making phones that are rectangular with rounded corners, etc... etc... they are close to the leading edge on these types of areas, but this is certainly a shining example that demonstrates that they don’t steal every idea from other corporations. Congratulations Apple, screwing people who have purchased your products with OS updates... I thought that Microsoft was the leader in this type of behavior, but targeting devices repaired by “unauthorized repair centers” that are not paying Apple extortion fees... It is a brilliant twist!!! I hope that Apples army of lawyers will sue other corporations who try to copy this innovation.


9 posted on 10/13/2017 7:49:17 PM PDT by fireman15
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

People buy Apple because they don’t understand anything about the technology and don’t want to learn, they just want all their stuff to work. So they have to play by Apples rules. They own the game.


10 posted on 10/13/2017 8:12:22 PM PDT by bigbob (People say believe half of what you see son and none of what you hear - M. Gaye)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: adorno

Apple is a software company with a hardware delivery model. That’s why they support old iPhones with updates long after older Androids are long forgotten. Selling you music, videos and apps is a big business, so it’s in their interest to have as many working iPhones out in the wild and have them secured from jailbreaking, which costs them money, and nefarious hackers, who present their own form of business risks.

Of course, it’s also in their interest to sell you new $1000 phones and accessories. That’s why their batteries are sealed, headphone jacks are removed and have a proprietary charging port. That’s also why they don’t want you going to cheaper shops for repairs.


11 posted on 10/13/2017 8:13:59 PM PDT by MountainWalker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: fireman15

So, for my next smart phone, should I get a galaxcy note 8 or what?! Which mobster company is better than Apple?! Or,Which smart phone company is not a bunch of crooks?


12 posted on 10/13/2017 8:15:40 PM PDT by Trumpet 1 (US Constitution is my guide.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: tennmountainman

Lets take that thought and run with it

“your phone, repair it how you like”. So you repair a security enclave component, say the thumbprint scanner with a Chinese knock-off. It’s half price, and just 2 weeks later your thumb print and Visa card are on the net.

Who do you blame? Why, naturally it’s that “damn Apple”, right? You saved a few bucks and Apple takes hundreds of Millions in lost revenue because they are forced to support bogus components.

Sorry, some things are secure and some things are not. Buy anyone’s battery. Buy anyone’s screen and microphone. Buy anyone’s camera. But if it’s a security enclave component you have little choice; because if you are vulnerable then I am vulnerable.


13 posted on 10/13/2017 8:19:33 PM PDT by Hodar (A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.- Burroughs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Trumpet 1

Depends upon what you want.

Both phones will serve you well.

If you want to KNOW that your financial, personal and business information is kept confidential then your only choice is Apple.


14 posted on 10/13/2017 8:22:41 PM PDT by Hodar (A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.- Burroughs)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Trumpet 1
better than Apple?! Or,Which smart phone company is not a bunch of crooks?

I've had very good luck with Blu. My current one is the BLU Life One X2 Mini.

64 GB onboard storage (also supports external micro-SD)

4 GB RAM

8 core processor

Supports LTE (including band 12 LTE)

Dual SIM

etc.

The key advantage is the price: normally $179. (much better than $800-$900 for an iphone 8 or $600-$700 for a Samsung Galaxy S8+)

15 posted on 10/13/2017 8:23:41 PM PDT by markomalley (Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good -- Leo XIII)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: MountainWalker
Apple is a software company with a hardware delivery model.

Actually, you have that backwards.

Apple is a hardware company, which has to offer software to support their devices. Providing the OSes and apps/applications and services, is also a way of keeping their customers locked-in to everything Apple.

The software company which also offers hardware, is Microsoft, but Microsoft does not attempt to keep their customers locked-in to MS stuff exclusively.

It's a good thing that Apple supports their phones for a bit longer than most Android phones, but then, for the price of one iPhone, one could pay for an Android phone and 2 years later pay for another Android phone, and still have some cash left over. IOW, I could purchase the latest-and-greatest hardware from the Android ecosystem, a couple of times (or more), and that hardware and software would be more up-to-date than what Apple would be offering.
16 posted on 10/13/2017 8:24:51 PM PDT by adorno (w)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: markomalley

Homo Tim Cook is your basic corporate thug. With unlimited access to lawyers, we will always lose to them.


17 posted on 10/13/2017 8:26:18 PM PDT by King Moonracer (Bad lighting and cheap fabric, that's how you sell clothing.....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Trumpet 1

That’s the ultimate question isn’t it? It’s easy to say Apple sucks, it’s an evil company etc (which believe me I don’t completely disagree with such assertions), but what’s better?

Samsung that sells exploding batteries?

Google that sells/maintains an OS that can’t be/isn’t updated regularly across the myriad of third party devices that run it? And it’s own phone that won’t receive updates a year past the purchase date?

Windows/Microsoft that can’t make a smartphone that can run any app?

Ultimately I’ve become convinced that if I’m going to use a smartphone (and I’m so dependent on it now it’s not feasible to believe otherwise) I’m going to have to keep using Apple. Mainly for security concerns.

But I sure as heck don’t like it, not one bit, believe me. I had the worst experience earlier this year with AppleCare Plus, the “Genius” Bar and their phone tech service. An experience so bad it would make your toes curl. But no one can beat an iPhone (that works). Just pray it never breaks down that’s all I can say. Cuz you’ll be screwed trust me.


18 posted on 10/13/2017 8:33:17 PM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: adorno

Yep. Won’t be renting their products anymore.


19 posted on 10/13/2017 8:40:05 PM PDT by Nuc 1.1 (Nuc 1 Liberals aren't Patriots. Remember 1789!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: ShadowAce

ping


20 posted on 10/13/2017 8:51:28 PM PDT by bitt (The press takes him literally, but not seriously; his supporters take him seriously, but not literal)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-68 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson