Apple 'User-Proofing' iPhones With Unremovable Screws, Sources Say [ Apple Screws ]

Fox News ^ | 1-22-11 | Reuters

[NoLibZone]

Apple is replacing iPhone screws -- but it may be the consumers who are really getting screwed.

In line with its infamous philosophy of maintaining absolute control over its products, sources said U.S. Apple stores are replacing screws on iPhone 4s brought for servicing with tamper-proof screws to prevent anyone else from opening the device.

Kyle Wiens, chief executive of iFixit, a prominent Apple repair and parts supplier, said the purpose of the new screws is to keep people out of the iPhone and prevent them from replacing the battery. He said he noticed in November that screws were being switched.

"If you took your car in for service and they welded your hood shut, you wouldn't be very happy," he said, comparing it to shutting owners out of their iPhones.

IFixit, based in San Luis Obispo, California, has become famous in the technology world for performing "teardowns" of Apple devices, often within hours or minutes of a new product launch. The company promotes repair to cut down on electronic waste that goes to landfills.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/01/21/apple-iphones-unremovable-pentalobe-screws/#ixzz1BnwEDmfc

[The Cajun]

Note to Apple:
Don't challenge retired techs like me, we consider this great fun!

[B4Ranch]

dapa dapa ding

[Carley]

People other than Apple were selling batteries for less than the $79. Apple was not amused. They fixed the iPhone so that it could not be opened by anyone other than an authorized Apple resource.

[seton89]

How to change an iPhone 4 battery:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-iPhone-4-Battery/3141/1

[AFreeBird]

Personally, I don’t see what all the hub bub is about. It’s a closed non-user serviceable device. It’s sold that way, and everyone knows it.

If you want to get it open, and thus violate the warranty, fine, have it. Just don’t go bitching to Apple because your phone does not work right after that and they want to charge you to make it right again.

For those that worry about being tracked through your phone. Easy, leave it at home when you don’t want to be tracked, or shield it from the net with an RF blocker. Either option is the same as removing the battery.

[LayoutGuru2]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317931_200317931

[Revolting cat!]

[taildragger]

Lovely, Microsoft's products suck, and Apple are control freaks who want you hooked to their system/drug.

Is it me or are these two just like the Republicans and Democrats.

Time for a Tea Party Hardware/Software Combo....

[null and void]

Time to go down to Harbor Freight and buy a package of security bits. They sell a large set of all the common security screw bits for about $10.

I have such a set. The pentalobe "apple blossom" bit is notably missing.

[Dr. Sivana]

One way that you can be tracked as to your movements is through your cell phone. The only way you can’t be tracked is to remove the battery. Interesting.

A lead lined case for said phone will do the trick.

[Jack Hydrazine]

They are using pentalobe screws that require pentalobe screwdrivers? Sounds like the people at Apple are a bunch of Ferengi - putting profits first, customers second!

[Dr. Sivana]

The original Macintoshes, Mac Pluses and Mac Se's and Mac Classics used a torx bit, recessed in the case 8" deep to eliminate using ordinary torx drivers. I worked at a school where we used the security torx screws. Those could be defeated with a quick strike of a regular (8"+ long torx) handle to break off the inherently weak security pin.

For this pentalobe, a five point phillips is the current weapon of choice. I would also try VERY small Allen wrenches. Even the right sized flat-blade eyeglass repair driver might do the trick. You should have fresh normal screws to use in place.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

“A lead lined case for said phone will do the trick.”

Can’t you just use window screen to make a Faraday Cage?

[Dr. Sivana]

As users became more adept , Apple’s closed architecture made PC hobbyists move to what was called an IBM PC.

IBM PCs were well-established before the Mac and even Lisa. What hurt the Mac in the early days was not only the closed architecture, but the cost of configuring a business class machine, and the insistence of Apple to not play nice at the data level with the already established PCs. Mac versions of PC apps were often crap, in part because of Apple's interference (and I am NOT just talking about user interface guidelines). Lotus Jazz and dBase:Mac being two important examples.

[SeeSac]

A lead lined case for said phone will do the trick.

lead is for X-rays.

[Dr. Sivana]

Sounds like the people at Apple are a bunch of Ferengi - putting profits first, customers second!

They would argue that they don't want people taking the cases arpart to change the color or whatever, messing up the unit, and thus voiding the warranty, without Apple knowing, and being forced to pass the cost onto other customers. I don't buy it, but that would be their response.

[Dr. Sivana]

lead is for X-rays.

Lead is for pretty much anything. Xrays, microwaves, RF, Kryptonite.

[SeeSac]

IBM PCs were well-established before the Mac and even Lisa. What hurt the Mac in the early days was not only the closed architecture, but the cost of configuring a business class machine, and the insistence of Apple to not play nice at the data level with the already established PCs. Mac versions of PC apps were often crap, in part because of Apple's interference (and I am NOT just talking about user interface guidelines). Lotus Jazz and dBase:Mac being two important examples.

The first ones were so dang slow. I remember having to take a coffe break just to change the disk.

[Cicero]

I should think tinfoil would do it.

[shadowcat]

www.harborfreight.com