Apple isn’t letting go of its dominance over hardware parts and repair processes for its devices.
On February 8, 2024, the Oregon State Legislature introduced the SB 1596 bill that challenges the practice of component encryption by manufacturers.
If you don’t know, many companies like Apple tend to encrypt hardware parts to protect customers from stolen data and security risks. This means you can’t perform your own repairs or someone else consequence-free.
According to a report, Oregon’s SB 1596 is different from other states like California. Instead of just questioning the need for companies to provide the documentation, tools, and parts that third-party repair shops and customers require to fix broken products, the legislation also aims at “parts pairing.”
Apple has a proprietary system configuration tool to verify replacement parts. If the screen or battery isn’t verified from Apple, some features like Face ID will be disabled or some notifications will pop on the screen.
Naturally, the company opposed the bill. John Perry, senior member of Apple’s security design team, explained that the new legislation will force manufacturers to let parts from unknown sources, increasing security risks.
Parts pairing also received updates that no longer asks customers to contact Apple support when installing a new part.
Trapped between transparent and risk is price. Owning an iPhone means you have the wallet to support it, including the strict repair process. Owning an Android smartphone means you have more repair choices but you’re at risk of security and data privacy violation.
SB 1596 is currently in legislative hearings.
How’s your experience in Apple’s repair process?
