Recently, an internal Apple document was published that explains future repairs on new Macs.
The document is said to have been leaked to MacRumors and Motherboard. According to the document, the T2 chip will partially prevent repairs by third parties in the future. The T2 coprocessor is responsible for managing the SSD, encryption and the "Hey Siri" function, among other things. Its tasks also include storing the biometric data from Touch ID.
Apple diagnostic tool required
If a device with the chip in question is repaired, Apple's diagnostic tool is required at the end of the process. The special software carries out a complete diagnosis after the repair - if this is not done, the device can no longer be started. However, this step is only necessary when replacing certain components.
On the Macbook, this includes the display, the logic board, the top case and the Touch ID bar. The affected parts on the iMac Pro are the logic board and the flash memory. Such repairs can therefore only be carried out by Apple directly or by authorized service providers (Apple Authorized Service Providers). This means that there is no need to go to independent workshops, which often offer such services at a lower price.
iFixit did the test
The specialists at iFixit repaired a MacBook Pro 2018 model in a test.
Despite the exchange, no diagnosis had to be made. Apple does not appear to have activated the function yet. It is also suspected that this tool can, among other things, trace the newly installed components and check the respective replacement part for its authenticity. It could also be used to calibrate the components.
