Apple Switching To New Tamper-Resistant “Pentalobe” Screws For iPhone To Prevent DIY Repairs?
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Apple Switching To New Tamper-Resistant “Pentalobe” Screws For iPhone To Prevent DIY Repairs?
Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, sent us an email to point out that Apple is switching to a new type of tamper-resistant “Pentalobe” screws instead of the standard Phillips screws, which makes it more difficult for users to open and repair an Apple device as screw drivers that can remove it are not readily available.
According to iFixit, Apple had initially shipped iPhone 4’s with Phillip screws but it has started using the tamper-resistant screws in iPhone 4.
iFixit reports:
Comments
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Looks like im going to be buying that kit :/
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Haha that wont stop anyone hahaha
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iPhone is screwed this time...
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These screw drivers will be on deal extreme soon for 2 dollars
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This is annoying but not the end of the world - those drivers will be readily available quickly enough. But man, it's completely obnoxious of Apple. If I ever had to bring my iPhone in for repair I would demand the normal screws back.
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I have a tool kit for her!
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Wow Apple really really doesn't want people to have control of the toys they spend their hard-earned money on. Perhaps it is Karma, Steve Jobs!
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Iphone is sold in china. Right? I believe the screwdriver will be available for USD$2 sooner than you think!
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You can buy the driver online for $9. Lame.
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Shouldn't there be a law created to protect consumers from companies specifically designing things so the average person can't fix it? For example: Its not fair to sell a device the average person can't replace a battery for, and they have to mail it to apple, pay big money, and receive somebody else's scratched beat up device off the referb shelf.
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happy face
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No. The government already has their noses in places they have no business in. Apple isn't the first to do this type of tamper prevention and they won't be the last.We, as consumers, have the right to not buy their products. For the majority, this is not even an issue. Simply put, if you can't afford a product and the costs that may be involved in its maintenance, then it's best not to buy it.
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Sounds like apple plans to have the device fail and are trying to force u to bring it to them so they can charge u out the ass to fix it.
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Eh, doesn't really bother me. I don't take me iPhones apart anyhow nor do I do anything to harm it to have to.
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Agreed, we get a good amount of tools from China and around there, and usually they send us the tools at no cost when getting parts.Seems just need to ask our manufacturers to produce some me thinks....
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These screw drivers aren't going to be a problem... We know a few in our area who can supply and our overseas suppliers can as well...Apple is more than likely using it so more edges and less chance of stripping the screw itself... Either that, or stop end users who never repaired things, to repair and make our lives harder when they mess up haha
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What a waste of screws! Dude! We are on the 21st. Century, what made they think nobody will be able to open the iPhone shell.So bizarre, what an insult, I will order screw drivers from china as Soon as the screws are changed.This is just another vibe of negativeness towards iPhone users. SCREW YOU APPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >: <
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What is wrong with Apple? They want to control everything.
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We all love CrApple products and fight with others who don't and they (CrApple) constantly searching way to make our lives harder and harder.Already know few ppl (formerly CrApple_brain_washed_guys) who throw iphone & mac away and buy Adroid and PC.Sooner or later that will broke CrApples head!
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! Whats the point of that... That wont stop anyone...If they want something to protect the opening of the iphone they shod use hardware key unlock mini magnetic locks.
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Mine came from the factory with two stripped screws on the bottom, by the speaker.I think they are probably going to be changed because the small size of the phillips screws are too easy to strip out, not to prevent "Unauthorized access".
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I suspect that apple safari on my macbook pro is blocking ifixit can any confirm :(
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No offence but Apple did have started this since November. Instead of a standard philip, they started using the 5 point tamper-resistent screws. Which a philip screwdriver will not work. It is like * if you look at it closely.
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Mine already has the tamper resistant screws. Bought in December.
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Must be a supper slow day in iPhone tech if they are bringing up screws.
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Loll,just looking at the screw a simple flat screwdriver with the right widht will easely unscrew it, a simple trick and it work 100% i am shure.
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I got your pentalobe right here!
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Try "Torx Plus Tamper Resistant" and/or "Torx Plus TR" on google.Wiha makes/sells the bits. So do other companies. Also, maybe try "5-star bits" on Amazon.
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who cares. she's kind of hot. I'd let her fix my anything... MJ baby i know you can do it.