Apple T2 Security Chip Will Block Unauthorized Repairs on Macs

• Apple hardware enthusiasts and third-party repair stores will soon be unable to fix the company’s devices.
• The new T2 security chip comes with a lockdown mechanism preventing unauthorized repairs.
• The new chip has been introduced in new Mac devices and will make it to other hardware too possibly.

Apple introduced its T2 security chip last year with the iMac Pro, and it was slowly incorporated into newer devices as well. If you are someone who loves to repair your own devices or choose to get your devices repaired by third-party solutions, Apple has some bad news for you. The tech giant’s new security chip will lock down devices if it doesn’t recognize authorized replacement parts.

The T2 security chip acts as a system controller for Macs, and it controls the mic, speakers, SSD and cooling system at the hardware level. It is capable of facilitating secure boot features and encrypts storage through hardware bridges. But the implementation of a device lockdown was unknown until recently.

The new policy by Apple was revealed last month after a new document was distributed amongst service providers. To replace components like the Touch ID sensor or the logic board on the latest Mac devices, providers need to run an official diagnostic software called “AST 2 System Configuration”.

The internal document revealed "For Macs with the Apple T2 chip, the repair process is not complete for certain parts replacements until the AST 2 System Configuration suite has been run. Failure to perform this step will result in an inoperative system and an incomplete repair.”

The software is available with Apple’s own stores and authorized repair centers only. Individuals or third-party repair stores risk device lockdown completely when attempting to replace parts in new Mac devices. Apple has not revealed why they chose to go ahead with the policy and did not reveal any details on which components are affected.

Apple implemented the lockdown feature either to have more control over repairs for its devices and the price on their parts or simply wants to ensure proper repair components are used for Macs. A similar implementation may be made on future iPhone and iPad devices as well.

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