Apple Taking Heat for Switching to Custom Screws on iPhone 4 and Portables

[cjmillsnun]

All of you moaning that it's "My phone and my right to take it apart" Did you get it on a subsidised contract?

If you did. It technically isn't yours. It's AT&Ts or whoever your phone company is until the subsidy is repaid in full (your contract period)

 

[iEvolution]

Surprise surprise. Apple keeping a lock down on their devices? NO NEVER! OMG!

That being said, its not like you can't get a screwdriver..hell they sell them on amazon.

 

[melissajenna]

Missing the point...

Surprise surprise. Apple keeping a lock down on their devices? NO NEVER! OMG!

That being said, its not like you can't get a screwdriver..hell they sell them on amazon.

That's the thing, though. You can't purchase the proper driver unless you're a certified repair technician. Any other driver– including the one we (iFixit) sell– is a stop-gap fix. We're doing the very best we can to provide tools to folks who want to service their own devices, but only Apple can provide the "real" pentalobe driver.

mj

 

[MacUser1357]

With Apple on this one

I disagree with the Opinion with the Video. All apple products have warranties, if anybody can open a phone, tamper with it, then put it back together without apple ever knowing about, how can they guarantee the product? Although some users I'm sure do have the knowledge to do so properly, many don't. I wouldn't dare open up my phone.

 

[tjb1]

That's the thing, though. You can't purchase the proper driver unless you're a certified repair technician. Any other driver– including the one we (iFixit) sell– is a stop-gap fix. We're doing the very best we can to provide tools to folks who want to service their own devices, but only Apple can provide the "real" pentalobe driver.

mj

A quick search in google brings up tons of websites selling a pentalobe screwdriver. Im positive you can find one that fits it and the certified repair technician thing doesnt mean crap. You think these laws/rules/copyright/trademark stop china from copying? I just bought a set of Dr Dre Beats Tour from ebay that said 100% Authentic, guess what they are fake and they are using Monster, Dr Dre, and every other thing that doesnt belong to them The only thing stopping people right now is finding the right supplier over there in China. And Torx isnt used because its convenient, its to deter people because its harder to get a Torx screwdriver and most people have a philips laying around. Just like the Security Torx, doesnt stop a single person.

 

[melissajenna]

You broke your rear panel and needed their intervention to fix your mistake - part of the fix includes new screws to keep you from further screwing up your device.

Sounds alright to me.

Are you likening accidental damage to willful tampering? Call me crazy, but that just doesn't work out. Any idiot can replace the rear panel on their iPhone themselves (here's a video of me showing you how: http://www.youtube.com/ifixityourself#p/a/u/0/_z1AjyEaefQ) if they have the proper driver. Why should I have to schlep all the way to the Genius Bar and pay Apple to do it when I can have the part delivered to my door and complete the repair in under a minute myself?

Again, if they want to keep folks out, that's their perogative. However, my phone came with Phillips screws, and I'd like it to be returned to me with the same. Why is that so difficult?

mj

 

[dellar]

I had to stop the video - there is something about this eye-rolling girl that I found unbearably annoying.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

A quick search in google brings up tons of websites selling a pentalobe screwdriver. Im positive you can find one that fits it and the certified repair technician thing doesnt mean crap. You think these laws/rules/copyright/trademark stop china from copying? I just bought a set of Dr Dre Beats Tour from ebay that said 100% Authentic, guess what they are fake and they are using Monster, Dr Dre, and every other thing that doesnt belong to them The only thing stopping people right now is finding the right supplier over there in China. And Torx isnt used because its convenient, its to deter people because its harder to get a Torx screwdriver and most people have a philips laying around. Just like the Security Torx, doesnt stop a single person.

if you really look at those "quick" search ones they are not pentalobe screwdrivers but instead a 5 point phillips head screw driver. The fit is just good enough to remove the screw but it will damage them.

 

[tjb1]

if you really look at those "quick" search ones they are not pentalobe screwdrivers but instead a 5 point phillips head screw driver. The fit is just good enough to remove the screw but it will damage them.

http://www.directfix.com/mm5/mercha...gory_Code=PC&Store_Code=GHT&Affiliate=froogle

and if you watch the video here... - http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/21/pentalobe-screwdriver-see-apples-new-low-tech-tool-in-action/

The screw matches this screwdriver exactly - http://www.amazon.com/Pentalobe-Screwdriver-iPhone-generation-Silverhill/dp/B004IU9EDM

I dont buy any claims that you cant buy this screwdriver, if they make the screw they make the screwdriver.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

http://www.directfix.com/mm5/mercha...gory_Code=PC&Store_Code=GHT&Affiliate=froogle

and if you watch the video here... - http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/21/pentalobe-screwdriver-see-apples-new-low-tech-tool-in-action/

The screw matches this screwdriver exactly - http://www.amazon.com/Pentalobe-Screwdriver-iPhone-generation-Silverhill/dp/B004IU9EDM

I dont buy any claims that you cant buy this screwdriver, if they make the screw they make the screwdriver.

But like I said those do not have an exact fit. They will have a loose fit in it. It is nothing more than a star ship but they are not lob on the ends.
Problem I believe is Apple owns the patents on those screws and like hell are they going to licenses the head off. Hence the reason why companies are making close fits to remove them but it does damage the screw in the process.

What it means is you can get something that is close but it is not exact nor is it the correct one.

 

[tjb1]

But like I said those do not have an exact fit. They will have a loose fit in it. It is nothing more than a star ship but they are not lob on the ends.
Problem I believe is Apple owns the patents on those screws and like hell are they going to licenses the head off. Hence the reason why companies are making close fits to remove them but it does damage the screw in the process.

What it means is you can get something that is close but it is not exact nor is it the correct one.

Give China a couple of weeks, there will be an exact copy out. China seems to ignore all copyrights.

 

[JAT]

But like I said those do not have an exact fit. They will have a loose fit in it. It is nothing more than a star ship but they are not lob on the ends.
Problem I believe is Apple owns the patents on those screws and like hell are they going to licenses the head off. Hence the reason why companies are making close fits to remove them but it does damage the screw in the process.

Video of the damages?

They are claiming that driver is tested on the iPhone 4. Guess they could be lying, wouldn't be the first time.

Apple isn't exactly first, either:
http://www.gearhack.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Tool/Screwdriver_for_5-Point_Star_Screw

 

[el-John-o]

You all really CAN'T cry consumer rights here. It's not illegal to open your phone, nobody is going to sue you if you fiddle around with it. Apple does not have to make it easy, and making it tamper proof will stop the thousands of attempted returns because of 12 year old kids trying to see what's inside.

Those who DO have business inside their phones, i.e. actually making a repair, can get the screwdriver no problem.


-John

 

[pr5owner]

LOL @ the illegal comment

funniest brainwash case ive ever seen on this forum

i think they switched to pentalobe because torx isnt "pretty" enough, everything has to look like flowers and rainbows for the emos.

apple never makes changes because of sense or logical reason, only for emotional ones.

 

[Greenman85]

This reminds me of all the faux outrage republicans drone up against obama.


He didn't wear a lapel pin of an american flag!!! Anti American Kenyan Muslim America Hater!!!1111!!!11 ZOMG!!!111!!!!!!111!!

 

[applemagic123]

Classic "make a problem out of nothing" to make sales. Ok, so they have alleged proprietary screws. Just researched "pentalobe screwdriver" and I get over 100 listings for this product.

Well played my friends. Well played!

Yes yes!! Before I EVER buy a product from the first (and probably most expensive) source, I always search my options for better prices. The chick in the video stated that the screwdriver is very expensive...well on amazon it is 8 bucks give or take.

I do think apple is exercising too much control though. I mean, I know that a torque screw can be twisted tighter than a phillips, but to change it to a pentalope? Something smells fishy.

Anyway...if one REALLY REALLY wanted to, they could get a set of various size flathead screwdrivers (the tiny set, it's good to have around as well anyway.) and see which one will turn the pentalope screw without stripping the metal on the inside. It would have to be a perfect fit lengthwise.

 

[boomish]

THAT'S IT!! I will NEVER buy another apple product for as long as I'm alive~=! When my macbook dies, I will buy a new logic board and replace it myself. And when my iMac dies, I will buy a new logic board for it and replace it MYSELF!!

Steve jobs will be getting no money from me. When he dies and apple doesn't care about CONTROLLING their customers anymore, maybe I will change my mind.

Won't be long before you start seeing the pentalobe screwdriver on ebay and amazon. Oh, wait, someone beat me to it: http://www.amazon.com/Pentalobe-Screwdriver-iPhone-generation-Silverhill/dp/B004IU9EDM

As I've said with many other posts: WHAT IS APPLE TRYING TO PROVE? THAT THEY DON'T CARE? OBVIOUSLY.

Am afraid I haven't really followed this thread but I did feel for this guy, mate it's only some screws, I doubt it's Steve's decision, just some manufacturer dept. Maybe it's a request from an insurance firm to make them more secure, maybe it's a request from the Airlines who knows. Maybe some started a new screw manufacturing company
Apple as the whole company aren't trying to stiff you..there are still tons of people just trying to make great computers for us to make great things with etc etc.

 

[Slurpy2k8]

All of you, just shut the hell up. People keep responding with ********, not reading any of the past posts. I unscrewed the things with a damn knife in a few seconds. The screwdriver is $3. There's a million other ways to open them. Complete and total non-issue. Spend your time advocating for actual worthy causes that help the world, this isn't one of them. This doesn;t have a tangible effect on a single consumer, except iFixit who have cynically exploited their chance to make some money with BS hysterics- which predictably worked on you. Jesus.

 

[Burger Thing]

if you really look at those "quick" search ones they are not pentalobe screwdrivers but instead a 5 point phillips head screw driver. The fit is just good enough to remove the screw but it will damage them.

Out of curiosity, what is a 5 point phillips head screwdriver?

All of you, just shut the hell up. People keep responding with ********, not reading any of the past posts. I unscrewed the things with a damn knife in a few seconds. The screwdriver is $3. There's a million other ways to open them. Complete and total non-issue. Spend your time advocating for actual worthy causes that help the world, this isn't one of them. This doesn;t have a tangible effect on a single consumer, except iFixit who have cynically exploited their chance to make some money with BS hysterics- which predictably worked on you. Jesus.

A bit crudely put but nevertheless spot on.

 

[CFreymarc]

Anyway...if one REALLY REALLY wanted to, they could get a set of various size flathead screwdrivers (the tiny set, it's good to have around as well anyway.) and see which one will turn the pentalope screw without stripping the metal on the inside. It would have to be a perfect fit lengthwise.

Exactly my friend. Any fancy screw tooling will fit a flat-head screwdriver as long as there is not security post in the center. If Apple wanted to really discourage access, they could have easily used that type.

I'm still saying that this pentalope screw type is to speed up automated assembly.

 

[tjb1]

Exactly my friend. Any fancy screw tooling will fit a flat-head screwdriver as long as there is not security post in the center. If Apple wanted to really discourage access, they could have easily used that type.

I'm still saying that this pentalope screw type is to speed up automated assembly.

How does this pentalobe screw speed up assembly? The robot/machine can grab a torx or philips just as easy...

 

[hayesk]

How does this pentalobe screw speed up assembly? The robot/machine can grab a torx or philips just as easy...

One of the reasons torx was invented was because they slip less than phillips. The only type worse than phillips is flat head.

 

[tjb1]

One of the reasons torx was invented was because they slip less than phillips. The only type worse than phillips is flat head.

Still doesnt speed up assembly and try using the right size phillips screwdriver...you would be surprised how well it works then

Drumroll......

http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/716_IPR_serie.htm

http://www.europeantools.com.au/products/Hazet/images/HAZET_Page128_jpg.jpg

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=MK-4010&CTMP=1&LowCt=0

Wait...at least 3 different places that sell this elusive 5-point torx? So hard to get...

 

[CFreymarc]

How does this pentalobe screw speed up assembly? The robot/machine can grab a torx or philips just as easy...

When you measure "average screw head to screw tip settle time" down to milliseconds, a pentalobe screw-head is actually faster.

The curved protrusions of a pentalobe has a statistically less chance of a 100% no-fit, collision than a sharp angled Torx or Philips screwdriver when a screw head is inserted blindly into a machine screw as in assembly machines used for consumer electronics.

You typically don't really notice a bottom line on a fine-points like this 'til you are talking about assemblies of a dozen parts or so at volumes of 100,000 units or more.

 

[tjb1]

When you measure "average screw head to screw tip settle time" down to milliseconds, a pentalobe screw-head is actually faster.

The curved protrusions of a pentalobe has a statistically less chance of a 100% no-fit, collision than a sharp angled Torx or Philips screwdriver when a screw head is inserted blindly into a machine screw as in assembly machines used for consumer electronics.

You typically don't really notice a bottom line on a fine-points like this 'til you are talking about assemblies of a dozen parts or so at volumes of 100,000 units or more.

Yes I understand assembly, machining, production times...blah blah blah. I still dont see where you get a pentalobe settles faster? You have 5 lobes that have to align perfectly before it settles in, a philips will essentially settle itself due to the angles and with spring pressure against the driver it will settle faster and drive. And were not talking ft-lbs here, its a 1/16" screw.