Apple: Difference between revisions

Apple had numerous design failings in the 2010's, and these were often brushed under the rug, and people experiencing such an issue would be normally charged exorbitant amounts for repair. [https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks], the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable [https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer skimping scandal], [https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design 2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards], the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's [https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html SSD failures] and more are design flaws Apple have, as they have often, dodged accountability for and continue to do.^Sources?

Apple have attempted recent changes to their products that have made them better, but [https://www.ifixit.com/News/106300/macbook-pro-m4-pro-teardown-new-model-same-repair-situation still not on par] with some [https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/laptop-repairability-scores#Laptop-Scores other manufacturers] for pro-consumer behavior. Many believe this to be driven by [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules changing legislation]. This includes:

*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16] and [https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 iPhone 16 Plus].

It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version other than the absolute latest. On Macs with T2 chip or Apple Silicon, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>https://support.apple.com/102522</ref>

Users often complain of new OS versions slowing down their device. Once a new version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to jailbreak the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

Many parts are not available directly from Apple. Those that are available directly from Apple may be more expensive than paying Apple to repair your device. Parts available to certified repair centers are extremely limited. Apple does not stock current generation iPad parts within GSX (See Certified Repair Centers). A limited selection of iPad parts are available from iFixit, however this can exclude some flex PCBs necessary for repairing headphone jacks.

Calibration software for some Apple devices has only recently become available to end users. End user calibration tools have only become accessible in iOS 18. Similar calibration tools have been available to Certified Repair Centers, but are generally limited as many parts are serialized ie; lid sensors on Mac Books.

Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as; diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified.  GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool) Some videos of GSX can be found online. See:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY