Lock Adapter to Secure Mac Studio Coming Soon

[Ronald Reagan]

But will this lock adapter include it’s own polishing cloth? If a separate purchase is required, it’s a no-go for me.

 

[darngooddesign]

Digital security is different from physical security. Cable locks provide no meaningful security of either variety. Bolt cutters strong enough to cut these tiny cables fit in a backpack. I once had a bike stolen that was locked with half inch steel chain. Could tell from looking at it lying on the ground that they were able to snip straight through it. Physical security could involve putting computers in a highly visible area, key card access, security cameras, having find my device turned on, and training.

I will say though, retail locations are probably the one type of location that needs cable locks, just because the incidence rate for thefts is so high.

Cable locks prevent crimes of opportunity.

 

[laptech]

I have no doubt that there are certain environments (education establishments and public librarys) where these computers MIGHT be used and thus the need to prevent some cretin from running off with one underneath their arm.

 

[Spock]

Notebooks tend to be mobile devices. For example, they go home with their owners at night.

Desktops tend to be stationary devices... often left behind. 7" x 7" x 4" for upwards of $8K will be very tempting targets.

Thats true, but its easier to purchase a locking cabinet that a desktop can be placed in and still be used. A notebook, not so much.

 

[klasma]

It’ll be so expensive you’ll need a Kensington lock for your Kensington lock

It’s Kensington locks all the way down.

 

[klasma]

Ya I have no idea how they put the computer inside the enclosure then!

Enclosures that snap close during assembly but can’t easily be opened again are unfortunately quite common in consumer devices.

 

[Enlightened Doggo]

The point of locks is not to deter a determined thief, but to make opportunistic thieves steal the stuff that isn't locked first. Plus, if you have to cut the lock, it kinda removes any defence you might have if you get challenged.

A high-end computer like this shouldn't even be in a place where random members of the public have access without authorization in the first place. The only obvious exception would be retail. Authorized individuals should be extremely unlikely to yoink something so obvious just because it's unlocked at the point of the desk, and in the off-chance they do you'll know exactly who did it given the other precautions. I spent plenty of time around iMacs that weren't chained to their desks back in university, and only heard of one ever being stolen, and it was from an office that was routinely left completely unlocked and unattended.

 

[klasma]

I won't be happy until they make an Apple Desk which comes as an option for your Apple Mac. The Mac will come factory fitted to the Apple Desk, which a certified Apple technician will bolt to the floor for you. Both will obviously come with fluid spill sensors, in case you invalidate your AppleCare warranty by spilling coffee on the Apple Desk.

The standard Apple Desk will not be height adjustable but there will be a paid for option for a height adjustable Apple Desk. There are rumours of an option for tasteful RGB lighting in any colour you like as long as it's white.

I sort of hope for an Apple Cider somewhere down the line.

 

[klasma]

Kensington Lock to USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) Adapter incoming... ?

They should make a Kensington lock that works like the original MagSafe connectors.

 

[djc6]

It’ll be so expensive you’ll need a Kensington lock for your Kensington lock

 

[zarmanto]

Until iFixit or someone do a teardown, this doesn't look any less open-able than the Mac Mini. ...

Concur; I've Googled for that teardown twice today already, and am anxiously waiting for it to drop.

 

[Hyperchaotic]

I never used one, but I've never put a computer where the public can easily get to it!

Public? My office was once visited during the night by several individuals, it was suspected they had managed to steal a lock card for the door and walked straight in. 10+ laptops were stolen as the software devs often don't take their laptops home.

Commercial "non-public" premises are often targeted.

 

[Hyperchaotic]

Notebooks tend to be mobile devices. For example, they go home with their owners at night.

Desktops tend to be stationary devices... often left behind. 7" x 7" x 4" for upwards of $8K will be very tempting targets.

Well, in my office the developers often left their laptops in the office, which is why thieves one night had a party and swiped more than 10. But yeah, a Mac Studio is a nice convenient package to carry off.

 

[mikethemartian]

The real question is why not just put it at the back like everything else? Including older macs

So they can sell you a third-party adapter.

 

[SidricTheViking]

Oh noes, what will everyone one here do about locking their Mac Studio, like they do their other computers?

Will planet Earth rotate into the Sun's rays tomorrow?

FYI…..planet Earth is rotating into the sun’s rays, every second of every day…???

 

[InuNacho]

Has Apple ever set foot in an educational institution where their computers are being used?
My film scanner came from a local university and had this massive security device connected to it. All the iMacs for sale had similar devices attached to the back.
Charging exorbitant amounts for something that a bolt on device can achieve is pure Apple over-engineering to reinvent the wheel.

 

[bobcomer]

Public? My office was once visited during the night by several individuals, it was suspected they had managed to steal a lock card for the door and walked straight in. 10+ laptops were stolen as the software devs often don't take their laptops home.

Commercial "non-public" premises are often targeted.

That definitely does happen, I agree. We had one laptop walk off still in the box it came in. The receiving people didn't get it to me quick enough.

 

[John Bachini]

I find it odd that they add security to a desktop machine and not the notebooks that are more commonly stolen.

its almost as if they aren't bothered if you have your macbook stolen and then have to buy a new one from them......

 

[zarmanto]

The real question is why not just put it at the back like everything else? ...

So they can sell you a third-party adapter.

I disagree. I think a slight variation on Hanlon's Razor could apply here: in this case, "Do not attribute to greed that which can easily be attributed to a lack of planning."

Which is to say, until iFixit proves otherwise, I am still convinced that the primary use of this hole is as an access port for Apple repair techs, and using it to accommodate a security cable as well was an afterthought.

But hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the most game-changing products were afterthoughts. According to one story I heard, the iPhone came into existence somewhat by accident, while they were floundering in early attempts to develop what eventually became the iPad. Steve suddenly decided one day that they should just shrink down their tablet prototype and make it into a phone... and with that, he changed the world.

 

[theluggage]

I spent plenty of time around iMacs that weren't chained to their desks back in university, and only heard of one ever being stolen, and it was from an office that was routinely left completely unlocked and unattended.

...my gran used 20 bits of anecdotal evidence every day, and she lived to be 97.

I worked in a university, and the reality was that anybody could, and did wander in. There were so many students coming in and out that there could be no practical access control. Offices for research staff were (stupidly, because reasons) intermixed with teaching rooms. Rooms were frequently booked out to outside parties, societies, kids' summer schools etc. It wasn't a daily occurrence, but computer equipment could, and did get nicked from offices. Kensington-type locks were the ideal solution to discourage this - and, yeah, they were mainly belt-and-braces for those times when you popped out and forgot to lock your office.

Plus, I've frequently been minding exhibition stands etc. with software demos on them, with crowds milling around, and it's a choice between (a) fit locks and (b) experimental gene splicing so that you can develop eyeballs in the back of your head.

NB: a Mac Studio is a lot smaller than a 27" iMac and will slip nicely into a modestly sized "manbag".

 

[44267547]

I doubt this will probably get used much, but it’s there if one chooses to. I’d rather have the option of having something like this than not. But I’d say most people in their current situation, would never have to use the lock.

 

[darngooddesign]

Enclosures that snap close during assembly but can’t easily be opened again are unfortunately quite common in consumer devices.

Sure, but Apple needs be able to make warranty repairs so there is no way the case is sealed.

 

[hoodafoo]

There was a hilarious thread on reddit of ppl speculating what that hole is for

 

[citysnaps]

I doubt this will probably get used much, but it’s there if one chooses to. I’d rather have the option of having something like this than not. But I’d say most people in their current situation, would never have to use the lock.

Spot-on.

It is, though, an opportunity for some to have a nice whine and feel good/empowered for the rest of the day.

 

[Enlightened Doggo]

I worked in a university, and the reality was that anybody could, and did wander in. There were so many students coming in and out that there could be no practical access control. Offices for research staff were (stupidly, because reasons) intermixed with teaching rooms. Rooms were frequently booked out to outside parties, societies, kids' summer schools etc. It wasn't a daily occurrence, but computer equipment could, and did get nicked from offices. Kensington-type locks were the ideal solution to discourage this - and, yeah, they were mainly belt-and-braces for those times when you popped out and forgot to lock your office.

Plus, I've frequently been minding exhibition stands etc. with software demos on them, with crowds milling around, and it's a choice between (a) fit locks and (b) experimental gene splicing so that you can develop eyeballs in the back of your head.

You've been lured into a false sense of security. A small cable is going to be just as ineffective at securing a $5000 computer as it is at securing $5000 bicycles. It's not wrong to think you need physical security. The issue is the protection cable locks provide are far below what's required to secure high value goods. These are the kind of locks you use to secure $100 bicycles.