Apple Launches Program To Repair Old Devices Like the iPhone 4S (9to5mac.com)

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Apple Launches Program To Repair Old Devices Like the iPhone 4S (9to5mac.com)

Posted by BeauHD on Thursday November 1, 2018 @10:50AM from the what's-old-is-new-again dept.

Apple is introducing a new "Repair Vintage Apple Products Pilot" program that will extend the period of time customers can receive repairs for older devices. "The new program at first will include the iPhone 5 and other Apple products that are about to become obsolete, and in the coming weeks will add more products to the list for devices that previously lost repair support," reports 9to5Mac. Some of the devices that will be included on the list include the iPhone 4s and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012). From the report: Apple has long had a 5-7 year lifespan for repairing its products, meaning that owners of an iPhone, iPad or Mac can have repairs performed through Apple or an authorized service provider even when not under warranty. Usually after 5-7 years, products are then classified as "vintage" or "obsolete" (depending on the country and local laws) and Apple staff no longer offers parts or repairs. The company maintains a list of products that are classified as vintage and obsolete on its website.

For the new Pilot program, Apple will only be offering repairs for vintage devices based on part availability. Otherwise customers will be told that inventory isn't available because the product is considered vintage. So the new program doesn't guarantee you a repair, but it's a nice change from Apple's previous policy where it stopped offering repairs entirely after classifying devices as vintage.

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Security Updates by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 10:58 · Score: 1

What is the point, if security updates aren't being provided for versions of iOS that run on the older devices?
1. Re:Security Updates by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:05 · Score: 0
  
  some people don't upgrade to new fangled thingy every 1,3,5 years
2. Re:Security Updates by fluffernutter · 2018-11-01 11:26 · Score: 1
  
  I use an old iphone as a media player at night. If the baddies want my audiobooks, power to 'em.
  
  --
  Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
3. Re: Security Updates by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 16:50 · Score: 0
  
  I've got an iPhone 5c that got a new battery and can go over a month now on a charge if the phone is off. No other phone i have ever owned has lasted even remotely that long. It is able to use 4g too (one of the first models that did).
  It makes a great backup phone or phone to use when going out. If I lose it I am only out about $30 as I got the phone for free and spent that to get the upgrade battery from iFixit.
4. Re:Security Updates by jellomizer · 2018-11-02 01:59 · Score: 1
  
  But that is the point. If your old device isn't getting security updates, your really should upgrade to a device that will get them.
  But I also think security threw obsolescent is in play as well. You are not going to try to make attacks that will hit VMS Vaxes, Solaris systems, or the odd Commodore 64 with a Wi-Fi plugin.
  Can they be hacked? Yes, but they are no longer a target.
  
  --
  If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio... by Ecuador · 2018-11-01 11:04 · Score: 2

Huh, I still have a 4S with a non-working radio (wifi/gps/gyro)... Maybe it can be fixed now?
Interesting story, it was the 3rd in a row, the first was replaced in warranty because it lost its wifi (greyed out), the replacement had the same occur right outside the warranty, so I had to pay for a third one. I am not a masochist mind you, it was for development purposes, so it had to be a 4S. The third one had the same thing happen in about a year and a month (on a 1-year refurb warranty). Apparently, Apple had a thermal sensor in the wireless module that would malfunction easily and think it is overheating and disable the entire module. Ebay at the time was full of iPhone 4 & 4S with non-working wifi, and people could get them to work for a bit with a "thermal shock", i.e. heating the phone with a blowdrier or an oven then putting it in the freezer, but it would fail again. For me the craziest thing was that if you had the original iOS that the iPhone 4 came out with (4 and 4S both had that same sensor) and did not upgrade your OS, the sensor was not read by the system, it was a feature added afterwards, so your iPhone would not fail! Apple could fix it in software if they wanted to, but despite forums full of people with the problem, in typical Apple customer behavior the focus was on how to make them work again with crazy "thermal shock" stunts rather than something productive like demanding that Apple fixes it. Another company would have gotten sued hard...

--
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
Trying to stave off right to repair by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:05 · Score: 5, Insightful

Hi Apple, nice stunt.
How about letting people repair their own devices with your parts as well. They should have this right, and it should be written into law if you're not going to offer it freely. Same for other manufacturers.
1. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by sexconker · 2018-11-01 11:11 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  Yup. See! We offer repair services now! Oh, but the parts are unavailable, sorry.
2. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by Cmdln+Daco · 2018-11-01 11:30 · Score: 1
  
  And the parts aren't available because instead of reconditioning and disassembling old devices to get serviceable parts out of them, we grind them into a powder.
3. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by AHuxley · 2018-11-01 13:10 · Score: 1
  
  Re "your parts" Imagine buying a car and having to go back to the car company for support until the car is recycled.
  
  --
  Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
4. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by viperidaenz · 2018-11-01 13:22 · Score: 1
  
  Imagine buying a car and having the software updated to fix a critical issue, only to have it stop working because you didn't have an authorised repair agent fix the quarter glass after someone broke in to steal your stuff.
5. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 22:57 · Score: 0
  
  And if someone else imports these unavailable, genuine Apple parts, we claim they're counterfeit and seize them.
6. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:03 · Score: 1
  
  Hi Apple, nice stunt.
  How about letting people repair their own devices with your parts as well. They should have this right, and it should be written into law if you're not going to offer it freely. Same for other manufacturers.
  Sure. Go right ahead. Apple could care less, seriously.
  Might have a little trouble finding that Ax SoC at Fry's, though...
7. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:05 · Score: 1
  
  Yup. See! We offer repair services now! Oh, but the parts are unavailable, sorry.
  Actually, the reason they decided to "Un-Vintage" select products was because they apparently found they had enough parts-inventory to make it practical to offer (non-warranty) repair.
8. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:06 · Score: 1
  
  And the parts aren't available because instead of reconditioning and disassembling old devices to get serviceable parts out of them, we grind them into a powder.
  At least they aren't letting them just fill-up the Landfills, like Samsung, LG, HTC, Hawei, etc, etc, et FUCKING CETERA...
  Your turn.
9. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by sexconker · 2018-11-02 04:46 · Score: 1
  
  Actually, no. They've always had enough parts. Do you really believe they suddenly found a long lost trove of ancient Apple parts?
10. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by bblb · 2018-11-02 05:33 · Score: 1
  
  Except that all those get ground up for recycling too... Did you actually think that iPhones were the only old cell phones being recycled? That's so silly it's sorta adorable in a child/santa claus kinda way.
11. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 09:16 · Score: 1
  
  Actually, no. They've always had enough parts. Do you really believe they suddenly found a long lost trove of ancient Apple parts?
  No, I don't.
  Those models were about to automatically go on "Vintage" status based solely on their age, and I think Apple took a look at their global parts inventory and said "We can keep supporting these on repair for now." So we are, for the time being, "deferring" their "Vintage" Status until it becomes impractical due to lack of parts-inventory.
  They have expressly said "While supplies last. We aren't making anymore parts for these (probably really couldn't for some of them. Molds wear out, components become unavailable, etc.). When they're gone, they're gone."
  So, it is a much more consumer-friendly decision than just scrapping the parts and taking a tax-writeoff, which is what a LOT of companies do.
12. Re:Trying to stave off right to repair by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 09:28 · Score: 1
  
  Except that all those get ground up for recycling too...
  Did you actually think that iPhones were the only old cell phones being recycled? That's so silly it's sorta adorable in a child/santa claus kinda way.
  No, I don't think they are being so CAREFULLY recycled. Apple's robot is purpose built to DECONSTRUCT iPhones (and iPads, I think) and does useful stuff like saving the screws, rather than just grinding everything up into dust, like all those "we recycle your used compute-ors" guys. I think they grind the chassis into dust; but that's kind of the best you can do; and since they are now building new production units with 100% recycled aluminum (likely primarily from this recycling robot), rather than just selling the aluminum-dust to the scrap metal dealer, it's pretty clear to see the direct benefits, both to Apple, and the planet.
13. Re: Trying to stave off right to repair by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 07:38 · Score: 0
  
  Sure, and those screws are used for your mom, because she gets screwed every night by a different robot too
14. Re: Trying to stave off right to repair by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 07:41 · Score: 0
  
  Yeah, like your mom. She's pretty old but keeps getting used. Just when you think she can't go on any more, she does.
  It's impressive.
  As a side note, i see you've trusted every single word coming out of apples mouth. You're not a reasonable person. Remember, "no reasonable person would believe" us. Lololol
AC beat me to it by TimHunter · 2018-11-01 11:09 · Score: 5, Funny

Well, I was going to say that I would be waiting for /.'ere to explain to me why this is yet more evidence that Apple sucks but I see that AC has already started it.
If Tim Cook personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors from their favorite movie star (upon request, of course) somebody here on /. would figure out how that was bad, that Apple sucks, that Steve Jobs would've done it better, and Samsung did it first.
1. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:23 · Score: 1
  
  What If Tim Cook just personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors
2. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:25 · Score: 0
  
  If Tim Cook personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors from their favorite movie star (upon request, of course) somebody here on /. would figure out how that was bad
  
  Well, to be honest, Paul Scofield is my favorite movie star and since I'm neither a homosexual or necrophiliac.... well, you understand.
3. Re:AC beat me to it by bkmoore · 2018-11-01 12:06 · Score: 1
  
  ....If Tim Cook personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors from their favorite movie star....
  Living or deceased?
4. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 12:45 · Score: 1
  
  Well, I was going to say that I would be waiting for /.'ere to explain to me why this is yet more evidence that Apple sucks but I see that AC has already started it.
  If Apple wanted to not suck, they'd not have the ability to repair "vintage"* devices hinging entirely on if they still have old stock of components and make them available to their authorized repair shops. They'd just give out the specs on the device so that anyone could repair, clone, etc defective parts. I know Apple has been pushing really hard to make their devices one solid lump so it's very much a "throw it all away if it breaks", but unauthorized repair shops have shown how often things are repairable with components a lot more available than Apple's limited old stock list.
  But, yea, ACs are just hating because they dislike Apple. It has absolutely nothing to do with how little, how late, and how underwhelming this new really is: "we'll fix it, maybe, if we feel like it". I mean, yea, that's a huge step up from "oh, you have a problem so you should just buy a whole new machine" for every problem that comes in. It's so well below just about any other company.
  Hell, recently I bought a "new" old Core 2 Duo off ebay to add virtualization support to a 2008 laptop from Dell, and Dell still has rather nice manuals to make the whole process incredibly painless (even if they were ever so marginally inaccurate). I don't expect to use the system to play any serious games, crunch numbers, or even do much heavy virtualization. Yet, a $4 upgrade (give or take) 10 years later (in Apple speak is that an eon?) is so beyond anything Apple seriously offers in any fashion.
  * Seriously, 5-7 years is vintage? How Apple was going, people were generally concerned that their latest Macbook Pro was going to fall into "vintage" without any replacement. But tech isn't moving fast enough that 5-7 years on a top of the line laptop is in any meaningful way "vintage".
5. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 16:05 · Score: 0
  
  If Apple wanted to not suck, they'd not have the ability to repair "vintage"* devices hinging entirely on if they still have old stock of components and make them available to their authorized repair shops. They'd just give out the specs on the device so that anyone could repair, clone, etc defective parts.
  For the vast majority of parts in a smartphone that is totally impractical, that's why nobody does it.
6. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 19:40 · Score: 0
  
  Apple sue people for repairing their products and they have legitimate Apple parts sized by customs when coming in to the USA, even when bought legitimately. Now they're offering a limited repair service for some problems on some devices that are as young as five years old.
  Tim Cook had better start making those promises some time soon otherwise people might actually figure out that Apple are super, super shady.
7. Re:AC beat me to it by thegarbz · 2018-11-01 22:09 · Score: 1
  
  somebody here on /. would figure out how that was bad
  Disrespectful to women?
  I'd say that was easy, but realistically in the era of SJWs I'm more impressed that you had the balls to make that statement in the first place.
8. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 00:22 · Score: 0
  
  What If Tim Cook just personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors
  All that post does is tell the world you have a secret fetish for sex with elderly men.
9. Re:AC beat me to it by cmdr_klarg · 2018-11-02 01:27 · Score: 1
  
  If Tim Cook personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors from their favorite movie star (upon request, of course) somebody here on /. would figure out how that was bad, that Apple sucks, that Steve Jobs would've done it better, and Samsung did it first.
  Mmmm... Jessica Chastain. I'd have to own an Apple product first, unfortunately.
  
  --
  THE SOFTWARE, IT NO WORKY!!!
10. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 01:43 · Score: 1
  
  Movie Star is a strictly female term now?
  Or are all Apple users men?
  I'm confused how this was aimed more at one gender than another.
11. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 02:31 · Score: 0
  
  For the vast majority of parts in a smartphone that is totally impractical, that's why nobody does it.
  Except for the parts people do repair/replace in smartphones (the battery and screen) which at least the latter Apple has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to block 3rd party repair. But the fact is that this behavior also extends to Apple laptops and desktops where they try, as much as possible, to integrate as many components into one board and then require authorized dealers to ship whole components (so CPU, RAM, and storage if there's a motherboard problem) first before getting replacement to remove the risk of any possible repaired components circulating outside their control.
  So, when "vintage" time comes, there aren't a lot of after market stuff except from salvaged systems or 3rd party components. That's, of course, Apple's right. It's just obviously sucky behavior to control and corner the market as much as possible on stuff that, until this announcement, they absolutely refused to do anything about except sell you a newer model. Can you imagine if most other PC repair shops were under all the constraints I mentioned? Is it any wonder that Apple is the biggest target of 3rd party "knock-off" components, given there's basically no "official" new components in the wild?
12. Re:AC beat me to it by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:09 · Score: 1
  
  Well, I was going to say that I would be waiting for /.'ere to explain to me why this is yet more evidence that Apple sucks but I see that AC has already started it.
  If Tim Cook personally promised each and every Apple user sexual favors from their favorite movie star (upon request, of course) somebody here on /. would figure out how that was bad, that Apple sucks, that Steve Jobs would've done it better, and Samsung did it first.
  So True!
13. Re:AC beat me to it by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:11 · Score: 1
  
  If Apple wanted to not suck, they'd not have the ability to repair "vintage"* devices hinging entirely on if they still have old stock of components and make them available to their authorized repair shops. They'd just give out the specs on the device so that anyone could repair, clone, etc defective parts.
  You REALLY don't understand the level of technology going on in a modern Smartphone or Tablet, do you?
  Idiot Freetard.
14. Re:AC beat me to it by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:14 · Score: 1
  
  * Seriously, 5-7 years is vintage?
  Hell, Samsung thinks that TWO YEARS is "Vintage"!
  And if you've ever had a Toshiba ANYTHING, they simply stop making parts or ANYTHING available after about that same amount of time.
15. Re:AC beat me to it by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:19 · Score: 1
  
  For the vast majority of parts in a smartphone that is totally impractical, that's why nobody does it.
  Except for the parts people do repair/replace in smartphones (the battery and screen) which at least the latter Apple has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to block 3rd party repair. But the fact is that this behavior also extends to Apple laptops and desktops where they try, as much as possible, to integrate as many components into one board and then require authorized dealers to ship whole components (so CPU, RAM, and storage if there's a motherboard problem) first before getting replacement to remove the risk of any possible repaired components circulating outside their control.
  So, when "vintage" time comes, there aren't a lot of after market stuff except from salvaged systems or 3rd party components. That's, of course, Apple's right. It's just obviously sucky behavior to control and corner the market as much as possible on stuff that, until this announcement, they absolutely refused to do anything about except sell you a newer model. Can you imagine if most other PC repair shops were under all the constraints I mentioned? Is it any wonder that Apple is the biggest target of 3rd party "knock-off" components, given there's basically no "official" new components in the wild?
  For example, have you ever seen the Motherboard for the MacBook Air? Without oodles and gobs of custom silicon, that product would NEVER have existed!
  https://www.ifixit.com/Store/M...
16. Re:AC beat me to it by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:20 · Score: 1
  
  Apple sue people for repairing their products
  Citation?
17. Re: AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:34 · Score: 0
  
  No we understand it quite well.
  It's Apple who actively blocks us from repairing our shit,
18. Re: AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:35 · Score: 0
  
  What
  About
  Ism.
  We are discussing Apple.
19. Re: AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:35 · Score: 0
  
  Is Samsung seizing parts and calling them counterfiet? When they aren't?
20. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:51 · Score: 0
  
  For example, have you ever seen the Motherboard for the MacBook Air? Without oodles and gobs of custom silicon, that product would NEVER have existed!
  Yea, you'd have ended up with something slightly bigger and heavier. Of course, once built there's no reason to shred everything unless you're taking the Swinger model. Yea, sewing machine makers. The best way to limit the extant supply of rival quality goods is to destroy as many old models in part exchange as you can.
21. Re:AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-03 05:00 · Score: 0
  
  What if your parent poster is an eldergay?
22. Re: AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 07:49 · Score: 0
  
  Yup, it's so fucking hard for a typical repair shop to have a soldering station to remove and replace many of the parts
  Totally impractical and we should all listen to the fucking whore sucking on apples teat
23. Re: AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 08:01 · Score: 0
  
  You seem to be confused about per all hard core going fan boys.
  We're talking hardware repair here, not software.
  Samsung supports their hardware for much longer, until they run out of parts. You know, what apple just did. I mean, why would you stop? It'll cost you more to dispose of it than send it to a local shop.
  Doesn't make any business sense unless you wanted to gouge your userbase (which Samsung doesn't do).
  Additionally, Samsung has not yet blocked any 3rd party refurbished unit of anything. I even picked up a 3rd party Galaxy s5 display because i didn't want to pony up for an amoled on such an old phone.
  Oh right, you're a fan boy who thinks everything they do is unique.
24. Re: AC beat me to it by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 08:29 · Score: 0
  
  Bricking products instead of simply disabling that portion. You remember error 55, yes?
  Absolutely no reason for a commercial device that has a dozen "secure" ways to log in to disable the whole phone because of one replaced component
Re:Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio.. by NuclearCat · 2018-11-01 11:09 · Score: 2

Why not, but for a price of new XS (or almost). I guess they brought this program to counter Louis Rossmann https://apple.slashdot.org/sto...
"Mac" desktops by Guspaz · 2018-11-01 11:10 · Score: 2

Uh... The last time I checked, the Apple II was not a "Mac desktop"...
1. Re:"Mac" desktops by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:22 · Score: 0
  
  Who the fuck cares?
2. Re:"Mac" desktops by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:54 · Score: 0
  
  Some of you bitches will find anything to complain about. What a fucking joke.
  Seriously douchebag.... it gets old fast.
3. Re:"Mac" desktops by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 12:18 · Score: 0
  
  The last time I checked, the Apple II was not a "Mac desktop"...
  I read TFS and skimmed TFA but I saw no reference to any suggestion that an Apple II was a Mac. What makes you think that someone would mistake one for the other?
  Are you perhaps thinking of the GS/OS desktop possibly being mistaken for a classic Mac desktop? If so, that was intentional on Apple's part.
4. Re:"Mac" desktops by Guspaz · 2018-11-01 14:58 · Score: 2
  
  I'm referring to Apple's list of obsolete hardware that this article links to, which includes the Apple II and the Apple III under the headline "Mac desktops". The Lisa didn't get any love, however.
  The link was https://support.apple.com/en-c...
5. Re:"Mac" desktops by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 15:49 · Score: 0
  
  I'm referring to Apple's list of obsolete hardware that this article links to, which includes the Apple II and the Apple III under the headline "Mac desktops".
  Ah, missed that. Thanks.
"Vintage"? by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:12 · Score: 0

God, wasn't it hipster enough to own a *current* iphone?
1. Re:"Vintage"? by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:17 · Score: 0
  
  My StarTac works better though my beard, honestly.
4S by antdude · 2018-11-01 11:12 · Score: 1

Same here, but it is very slow, limited, and many non-Apple apps don't run these days especially when developers removed their older versions from App Store. Local iTunes doesn't even back them up since iOS v9! :(

--
Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
1. Re:4S by MrKaos · 2018-11-01 11:30 · Score: 1
  
  Same here, but it is very slow, limited,
  
  My still works, though I don't have use any apps. I simply didn't install any of apple's software updates and the phone still works pretty well and has decent battery life.
  It's a pretty solid phone.
  
  --
  My ism, it's full of beliefs.
2. Re:4S by antdude · 2018-11-01 11:46 · Score: 1
  
  What do you use it for then?
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
3. Re:4S by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 13:18 · Score: 0
  
  He said "a pretty solid phone". Have you forgotten what a "phone" is?
4. Re:4S by Ecuador · 2018-11-01 13:22 · Score: 2
  
  Same here, but it is very slow, limited, and many non-Apple apps don't run these days especially when developers removed their older versions from App Store. Local iTunes doesn't even back them up since iOS v9! :(
  That's very annoying. I develop some weather & astronomy apps and I go out of my way to support devices as far back as possible, even keeping them updated with new features. I had managed to keep iOS 6 compatibility until this June, and now I am still releasing iOS 7 compatible updates, until Apple makes that impossible as well.
  
  --
  Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
5. Re:4S by antdude · 2018-11-01 13:52 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, please keep those old versions in App Store. What are the names of your old apps? :)
  Another thing that bugs me, developers that don't code their apps correctly to upgrade. "This app does not support this device." when trying to update the app. Months later, not fixed. Biatch!
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
6. Re:4S by Ecuador · 2018-11-01 14:33 · Score: 2
  
  They are kind of niche apps. Xasteria is a weather app with features for amateur astronomers and Polar Scope Align is mainly for polar aligning equatorial telescopes, along with some tools for observers and astrophotographers.
  
  --
  Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
7. Re:4S by antdude · 2018-11-01 14:40 · Score: 1
  
  Neat apps even though I am not an astronomer type! I wonder how well your apps run on an old iPhone 4S (iOS v9.3.5). Hopefully, not so slow like some apps. Argh.
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
8. Re:4S by MrKaos · 2018-11-01 18:19 · Score: 1
  
  What do you use it for then?
  To make phone calls.
  
  --
  My ism, it's full of beliefs.
9. Re:4S by antdude · 2018-11-01 18:22 · Score: 1
  
  Ah. Just wanted a simple phone then. ;)
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
10. Re:4S by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 22:09 · Score: 0
  
  Thanks. I make sure they run fine on the 4S (the defective one I have). Until this June when it was possible, I was even testing them on an ancient iPhone 3GS. The animating was not smooth on that one, but I put effort in making it quite usable.
11. Re:4S by MrKaos · 2018-11-01 23:28 · Score: 1
  
  Ah. Just wanted a simple phone then. ;)
  hahaha - I didn't buy it, it was supplied.
  
  --
  My ism, it's full of beliefs.
12. Re:4S by antdude · 2018-11-02 03:50 · Score: 1
  
  Ah. I got mine for free too since the previous owner didn't want it anymore and I was using a dumb phone, Motorola Razor 3(?), that I rarely used.
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
13. Re:4S by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 03:59 · Score: 1
  
  Same here, but it is very slow, limited, and many non-Apple apps don't run these days especially when developers removed their older versions from App Store. Local iTunes doesn't even back them up since iOS v9! :(
  I bet the iTunes running on my G5 Tower will still back them up! ;-)
14. Re:4S by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:00 · Score: 1
  
  Same here, but it is very slow, limited, and many non-Apple apps don't run these days especially when developers removed their older versions from App Store. Local iTunes doesn't even back them up since iOS v9! :(
  That's very annoying. I develop some weather & astronomy apps and I go out of my way to support devices as far back as possible, even keeping them updated with new features. I had managed to keep iOS 6 compatibility until this June, and now I am still releasing iOS 7 compatible updates, until Apple makes that impossible as well.
  Good for you! Kudos!
15. Re: 4S by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:29 · Score: 0
  
  No, it wontZ
16. Re:4S by MrKaos · 2018-11-02 12:51 · Score: 1
  
  I heard there was a way to convert them to android. I think the hardware is ok, I'm just not very comfortable with the attitude that comes with the software.
  
  --
  My ism, it's full of beliefs.
Good by PPH · 2018-11-01 11:24 · Score: 1

Maybe I can get this old Apple I fixed and unload it at a garage sale or something.

--
Have gnu, will travel.
1. Re:Good by Cmdln+Daco · 2018-11-01 11:32 · Score: 1
  
  I have three SE/30s, and a Powerbook 165c. I suspect they don't have a 2.5" SCSI hard drive for it, though. *sigh*
2. Re:Good by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:23 · Score: 1
  
  Maybe I can get this old Apple I fixed and unload it at a garage sale or something.
  If you REALLY have an Apple 1 (like I do), you would be REALLY stupid to sell it at a Garage Sale.
  They generally go for about $400,000 these days. One even sold for $950k.
  So, PLEASE let me buy yours at Garage Sale Prices. I won't even make you fix it first!
3. Re: Good by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:39 · Score: 0
  
  Shut the fuck up you Apple cuck. They are selling on eBay for $600-$4000
4. Re: Good by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 09:15 · Score: 0
  
  So what you're saying along with the AC post is that Apple fanatics are fucking idiots for paying 500k plus for something found on eBay for 5000?
  THANKS FOR MAKING THIS SO EASY
Hardly "vintage" by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:33 · Score: 0

Terms like "vintage" and "antique" have actual meanings, being "greater than 50 years old" and "greater than 100 years old" respectively. Not even the original iPhone is approaching "vintage" yet.
Go suck a lemon, Apple.
1. Re: Hardly "vintage" by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 20:13 · Score: 0
  
  No they donâ(TM)t. Certainly not according to the dictionary. Perhaps youâ(TM)re referring to some specific local laws your in your jurisdiction?
2. Re:Hardly "vintage" by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:24 · Score: 1
  
  Terms like "vintage" and "antique" have actual meanings, being "greater than 50 years old" and "greater than 100 years old" respectively. Not even the original iPhone is approaching "vintage" yet.
  Go suck a lemon, Apple.
  "Antique" cars are generally considered anything beyond 25 years old; so you are an idiot.
3. Re:Hardly "vintage" by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-03 08:36 · Score: 0
  
  Your parent poster was actually correct. These are most likely legalese terms for certain types of old cars: 'antique' is in the ballpark of 100 years old, like the Model T Ford, but can also be anything that's pre-WWII. 'Vintage' is 50 years or more, such as all the "classic American cars", like the Edsel.
4. Re: Hardly "vintage" by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 09:17 · Score: 0
  
  He's an apple fan boy, you have to forgive him for being a fucking idiot. He just can't help himself... Or more likely herself (the demographic for iusers is mostly women)
Re: Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio. by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 11:39 · Score: 0

I am not a masochist mind you
That's what she said
I only use it for development purposes
That's his alibi
I'd think with Apple's billions by darthsilun · 2018-11-01 11:55 · Score: 1

They could do some limited production runs of the parts most commonly needed.
They've certainly got the bargaining clout to make the prices affordable too. Or so I imagine.
Sure, it's a long time ago, but fer cryin' out loud, in 1978 or so I could still buy (some) parts at the dealer for my 1962 model year car.
It was almost as if they built the cars and practically gave them away, just so they could sell parts. Like shavers and blades, and printers and ink. I'm honestly surprised Apple and the others can't make a business case for doing the same with phones: circuit boards, batteries, cases, and screens. Four parts.
1. Re:I'd think with Apple's billions by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 16:20 · Score: 0
  
  Sure, it's a long time ago, but fer cryin' out loud, in 1978 or so I could still buy (some) parts at the dealer for my 1962 model year car.
  For most cars you can still do that, why do you think smartphones are analogous to cars?
  
  I'm honestly surprised Apple and the others can't make a business case for doing the same with phones: circuit boards, batteries, cases, and screens.
  It's not worth it, re-tooling the production line just for a limited run of low-cost to repair a device that's worth maybe $150 on the second hand market that can otherwise be recycled. How much exactly would you be willing to pay for the 4 components you list there?
2. Re:I'd think with Apple's billions by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-03 08:43 · Score: 0
  
  The Nokia of old did that until its phone business was sold to Microsoft. Now, HMD, the exclusive licensee of the Nokia brand, has longer-term software support for its Nokia-branded Android phones. I hope, that HMD will support Android phones for much longer. The talk has so far been of two years Android letter updates, and three years of security updates. But it's impossible to say, if it's 2+3 years, or 3 years consisting of two years of letter updates and one more year of security updates as part of the three-year period. So, that's an unknown.
3. Re: I'd think with Apple's billions by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 09:19 · Score: 0
  
  Apparently, many third party Chinese factories don't seem to have any problems.
  I just picked up a cdn$35 (shipping included) Galaxy s5 SLCD screen that's compatible with the phone which originally had an AMOLED.
Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by bkmoore · 2018-11-01 12:04 · Score: 4, Insightful

AC beat me to it. It's a legal stunt to stave off Right To Repair's main argument that Apple won't even repair their own products once they reach an age where they're most likely to need repair. I suspect Apple will price any older model repair far beyond the value of the device, making the service uneconomical. Then they can argue in court, there's no demand for older-model repairs, so "right to repair" is unnecessary.

"The environment and our consumers are very important to us, At Apple we're pleased to offer repairs on all our products from the Apple III on up. Once consumers see the great trade in value we give them as a reward for their continued loyalty, most opt for one of our new cutting-edge products..."
(I'm not that good at corporate speak.)
1. Re:Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:07 · Score: 1
  
  Apple will price any older model repair far beyond the value of the device, making the service uneconomical.
  Prove it, or STFU.
2. Re:Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by bkmoore · 2018-11-02 04:48 · Score: 1
  
  Apple will price any older model repair far beyond the value of the device, making the service uneconomical.
  Prove it, or STFU.
  Anecdotally Apple quoted $950 to repair my 2015 MacBook Pro, but they would "recycle" it for free. Not obsolete, but beyond its retail value in working condition. I parted it out.
3. Re:Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 09:21 · Score: 1
  
  Apple will price any older model repair far beyond the value of the device, making the service uneconomical.
  Prove it, or STFU.
  Anecdotally Apple quoted $950 to repair my 2015 MacBook Pro, but they would "recycle" it for free. Not obsolete, but beyond its retail value in working condition. I parted it out.
  No doubt, since Apple does pretty much exclusively "module-level" (or board-level) repair (like MANY companies), they no doubt determined that your repair would require a main logic board replacement, and that's unfortunately about right for that, regardless of the OEM.
  Parting it out was probably a good idea, and likely would have gotten you most of the way to the purchase of a replacement MacBook Pro, if not with money to spare...
  How much total DID you make? Just curious.
4. Re:Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by bkmoore · 2018-11-02 15:57 · Score: 1
  
  Yea, it was a logic board failure. I went to a third party for a logic board repair, but they were unsuccessful. I don't remember how much I got for all the parts, but it was enough to buy an almost-new 2017 MacBook Air with zero money out of pocket. I'm still using that Air as my main computer.
5. Re:Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-03 04:17 · Score: 1
  
  Yea, it was a logic board failure. I went to a third party for a logic board repair, but they were unsuccessful. I don't remember how much I got for all the parts, but it was enough to buy an almost-new 2017 MacBook Air with zero money out of pocket. I'm still using that Air as my main computer.
  Well, so it sounds like Apple wasn't trying to unnecessarily "pump up" the repair. That's nice to know.
  That's one good thing about Apple; their stuff gets really good "used" prices. Great that you were even able to get that for the parts!
  So, all in all, sounds like you were able to turn lemons into Applejuice!
  Good job!
6. Re: Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 07:44 · Score: 0
  
  Lmfao, only a fucking fanboy would think 950 for a main board repair is "normal".
  Ask all these people how much a main board replacement \ repair should be:
  https://www.google.ca/search?ie=UTF-8&q=main+board+laptop+replacement+cost
Re:Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio.. by viperidaenz · 2018-11-01 13:19 · Score: 1, Informative

Send it in to be fixed, that will be $300, thanks.
Soldered SSD + Soldered Battery = Disposable by BrendaEM · 2018-11-01 13:29 · Score: 1

These are the two cellphone construction techniques that make generate e-waste.

--
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrendaEM
1. Re:Soldered SSD + Soldered Battery = Disposable by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 18:52 · Score: 0
  
  Solder kits were given out to kids in the 50's as Christmas presents.
2. Re:Soldered SSD + Soldered Battery = Disposable by thegarbz · 2018-11-01 22:12 · Score: 1
  
  These are the two cellphone construction techniques that make generate e-waste.
  
  Cellphones don't have SSDs, also there aren't a hell of a lot of products out there with soldered in batteries. The iPhone is no exception, even on dense models like the XS both batteries have a small connector.
  Now the MacBook's use of glue to hold the batteries in place is another story for another complaint.
3. Re:Soldered SSD + Soldered Battery = Disposable by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:31 · Score: 1
  
  These are the two cellphone construction techniques that make generate e-waste.
  
  Good thing Apple has a Plan for that:
  https://www.theverge.com/2018/... ...and Witness the Result:
  https://appleinsider.com/artic...
  So, tell me: What are the OTHER Computer/Cellphone OEMs doing in this regard?
4. Re:Soldered SSD + Soldered Battery = Disposable by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-03 09:03 · Score: 0
  
  The only other one that does that, is Xerox, but it's only a copy machine company. They began doing such recycling well more than ten years ago.
5. Re: Soldered SSD + Soldered Battery = Disposable by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 09:23 · Score: 0
  
  http://pages.samsung.com/recycling/index.jsp
  You mean programs like this? Tbh, the best recycling you could do is to reuse the device in it's entirety since little extra energy is needed to remake the components.
Starting to worry about e-waste? by thogard · 2018-11-01 16:22 · Score: 1

If they are worried about e-waste they could give new life to older machines. They could offer 32->64 firmware updates for a bunch of old macs. The hackintosh community already figured out the hard part.
1. Re: Starting to worry about e-waste? by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:42 · Score: 0
  
  Because it's all virtue signaling.
What's the point? by guacamole · 2018-11-01 17:26 · Score: 1

The iPhone 4S is ridiculously slow. By now it's only useful as a messaging and call device (e.g. phone, without smart).
1. Re:What's the point? by CanadianMacFan · 2018-11-02 00:12 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, who would want to use their phone as an actual phone in 2018?!?! /s
2. Re:What's the point? by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:18 · Score: 0
  
  An original 4S which has had ZERO updates runs as smooth as fast as it did when new.
Vintage Apples Are Now Collectible... by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 19:55 · Score: 0

This one has a fine patina Sir, should fetch a few shillings!
Stock take... by garf · 2018-11-01 20:08 · Score: 1

Apple obvious done a stock take on parts and realised that they have parts on the shelves for vintage products. Think on a plan to make money on all those parts destined for the bin....yeah, sell 'em at high profits. Trebles all round.
I bet they won't sell the parts to third party repair shops.

--
H&Ks Garf
AAPL hammered aftermarket by Tough+Love · 2018-11-01 20:32 · Score: 1

AAPL hammered aftermarket, down by 6% because a) I-phone unit sales are down and b) Apple announced on the concall that they won't report unit sales any more. Could be Peak Apple.

--
When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
My iPhone 4 works PERFECTLY! by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-01 21:56 · Score: 0

Sady the apps I need do not since Apple refuses to release new OS versions for it. :-( I use android now.
1. Re:My iPhone 4 works PERFECTLY! by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 04:32 · Score: 1
  
  Sady the apps I need do not since Apple refuses to release new OS versions for it. :-( I use android now.
  How's that "Support" on Android workin' out for ya?
  Idiot.
2. Re: My iPhone 4 works PERFECTLY! by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-02 06:44 · Score: 0
  
  What about Ism is all you have left:
  You are basically admitted "Apple is no better than android"
  My how that must suck to be you. You went from Apple > android to Apple == android in 1 reply post to an aC. You are a stone cold liar.
  No one believes you. Fuckin fruit.
Re:Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio.. by Freischutz · 2018-11-02 00:19 · Score: 1

Send it in to be fixed, that will be $300, thanks.
[citation needed]
Re:Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio.. by TheFakeTimCook · 2018-11-02 03:58 · Score: 1

Why not, but for a price of new XS (or almost).
I guess they brought this program to counter Louis Rossmann https://apple.slashdot.org/sto...

Louis Rossman is a lying Click-Whore. Nothing more.
Re: Huh, I still have a 4S with non working radio. by Anonymous Coward · 2018-11-05 07:35 · Score: 0

Your mom is a fucking whore too, but you don't see anyone complaining about it