New Macs have a software lock that prevents unauthorized repairs
Apple has been an outspoken opponent in the growing move for right to repair laws. Right to repair legislation would ensure that third-party repair houses have the instructions and components necessary to properly fix consumer devices and better allow people to make fixes on their own.
Recent macOS devices, however, appear to fight that idea. It includes a software lock that renders the device unusable until Apple’s proprietary system configuration software is run after a hardware replacement.
Motherboard obtained a document shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers that outlines the details of this software lock. The 2018 MacBook Pro computers and Mac Pros are currently the only devices this software lock applies to, as they are outfitted with a new “T2 security chip.”
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