All you nerds seem kind of confused about this repairability stuff. Engineering in the ability for your run of the mill nerd to fix something as complex and crammed together as a modern smartphone is would make the cost skyrocket, the reliability plummet and the size explode. If you want a phone you can fix, go take an electronics course and build one from scratch. Shit, think of the fun you'll have fixin' that sucker every night after supper.
If Apple wants to prevent lithium batteries catching fire with private repairs, then they should provide high quality replacement batteries that don't catch fire.
I replaced the batter in my iPod and it wasn't a big deal. Yes, it would be more difficult in an iPhone but not impossible.
They're obviously attempting to create a repair monopoly.
But they probably won't have the skill to. You tell them to use a #0 Phillips screwdriver, and they'll take their butter knife. Ask them to pry and they'll use a chisel.
If you're lucky, you'll just have a scratched up case. But more likely than not, they'll have screwed things up worse.
That's the real problem.
Speaking as a former electronics tech, I can tell you that the very LAST thing a repair tech wants to see is a piece of equipment that the owner attempted to fix on their own.
It's true that there is some merit in the argument that using custom components or things like glue instead of screws allows for making devices that are better in some way, but there is precious little evidence that the those improvements are significant or wanted by the market.
I think Apple's sales figures provide all the evidence that is required.
As someone who quit happily removed a screen assembly from a Galaxy S5, then carefully separated the micrometer thin OLED panel from the glass supporting structure, then carefully UV glued it back together, and then successfully reassembled the phone,... the use of glue in the device doesn't phase me.
Not being able to get a replacement part would have phased me. How well did it turn out for people who had their fingerprint scanners repaired on the iPhone 5 when Apple decided they will brick them all with an update?
Dumbass, that was a Security Patch that kept someone from stealing/confiscating a phone, replacing the TouchID sensor (which holds the fingerprint info INSIDE it), and then being able to UNLOCK the phone with THEIR fingerprint.
Apple has been making its devices hard to repair since forever. The original Macintosh (and Mac Plus, and so on) had screws recessed so far that no normal hex wrench would fit. Then 3rd-party repair kits came out with a super-long wrench, so they changed the head. It was a stupid little arms race requiring $10 wrenches for each new model, which meant if you were prepared to face the struggle, you could overcome the barriers pretty easily. They claimed it had to do with safety and compatibility (what? you want to add an internal hard disk? no way, not until we say you can!)
But it is all about control. It's in Apple's DNA to try to control the consumer and limit what can be done with and to the device. The object is profit. I was sick of it already in 1987, and 30 years later I am triply sick of it. Throw the book at them!
You're full of it. It has nothing to do with brand consumption. The truth is that the tradeoff for cheap, reliable, waterproof and sort of shock resistant is to make things with glue and not with screws. Anybody could make a nice repairable phone with lots of little tiny screws for you to play with and loose as you spent 28 hours replacing a 27 cent component. It's just you'd complain that it was too heavy and expensive and unreliable. The lack of repairability is not some kind of conspiracy. It's just the result of an optimization process to get the most bang for the buck. Sorry, but when one runs that experiment it comes out glue and not screws.
Sometimes, glue is the only practical way to affix something. Displays are notorious for being glued, because the only other alternative is some sort of sub-chassis that adds incredible amounts of thickness (often, tens of millimeters).
I've designed products that used adhesive to affix the display, and it had nothing to do with repairability, and everything to do with "no real place to put a screw, let alone a screwDRIVER".
Rarely is the issue a BGA package, usually it's a capacitor or soic package which can be replaced by hand even if it's not the easiest component to replace. A multimeter is still the most useful diagnostic tool especially when the most common component, a VRM or capacitor in the power supply has gone, knowing what the potential difference should be across various points of the board helps in identifying such issues. Memory test failure and similar software errors could literally be that the memory didn't get enough power cause part of the power supply has gone dead.
Some vendors are really nasty and rub the id codes off or re-badge(own brand and id instead) on what is otherwise off the shelf components making it even more of a nightmare to tell what is wrong.
Bullshit.
It is OFTEN the BGA package. Witness all the video cards and smartphones ("Touch Disease", anyone?) that had BGA packages that developed cracked solder joints causing intermittent (or just plain failed) operation.
Most people can't even fix a kitchen faucet, let alone desolder and resolder even a simple SMT component.
What, exactly, beyond battery power, is a typical multimeter going to help you with in a smartphone design? Hell, you can't even probe less than about 3 pins at a time with a meter-probe. And if it's a BGA or other "leadless" package, then exactly WHERE do you probe?
You're so full of shit, it's running out of your ears.
Modern electronics is not like electronics used to be. You can't always just poke the multimeter around, identify the burned-out component and replace it any more, especially in ultra-compact designs like mobile phones. There are more specialised chips, often bespoke parts. Often an entire PCB must be replaced, because even if the faulty part is a commodity one it's impossible to resolder something like a BGA package, or because it's a faulty processor that incorporates proprietary firmware. Diagnostics, when you can get it, is no longer just something you read with a multimeter - you need to be able to look up really obscure error codes and determine that something like 'error 12912.2' is actually a secret manufacture code that means, say, memory test failure.
All of which means, yes, fixing a device now does mean you need the service manual. And often spare parts specific to that device.
And an SMT desoldering station. And a Reflow oven. And...
You're right. It is certainly not the same as popping the tubes out of the TV set and heading down to the drugstore. But the no-minds that are backing this antideluvian legislation don't know the difference between an octal tube socket and a BGA package.
I thought Apple was a pretty capable company, but they can't design a phone that isn't a hazard to repair?
Why are you assuming this isn't by design.
Apple could make an easy to repair phone like other companies, but where's the profit in that? How will they sell the next version if old phones keep working for years on end and there aren't any significant improvements.
Apple deliberately makes them hard to repair to generate repeat sales. That's why they're fighting against your right to repair.
WTF are you talking about?!?
WHO is this mythical company that makes "easy to repair" phones?
Apple from the days of the 128k Mac has discouraged consumer tampering. They want to control the repair eco system. That's not incompetence it is policy.
After the warranty, Apple wants only authorized shops to be able to repair, and the repair consists mostly of replacing entire boards, oh, and yeah, data on the device is not retained in the Apple-blessed process.
You are posting on Slashdot. If you don't have a backup quit posting here. I replaced Apple devices several times (sometimes out-of-warranty repair, sometimes because someone wanted a better phone), and the process was turn on - enter your Apple ID - wait a few minutes until your data is restored, and a few more minutes until all your apps are downloaded again.
Open it up before that and it's on you. If it breaks in that time send it in for free.
It doesn't always work that way with Apple products. Sometimes it breaks before the end of the warranty, and you will have to pay something anyways, because the customer is blamed for breaking it (e.g. accidental damage).
After the warranty, Apple wants only authorized shops to be able to repair, and the repair consists mostly of replacing entire boards, oh, and yeah, data on the device is not retained in the Apple-blessed process.
And that is different from every other manufacturer in what way?
they do want to charge for repairs, but really prefer you just buy a new device.
They (Jobs) has always wanted and sometimes kept the devices from being upgradable.
With glue, they win.
They are truly anti freedom and anti Green.
Think different, as long as it;s how they tell you.
Everyone uses glue. Have for years and years.
Sometimes it really is the only practical fastener.
Apple are a cult purchase for the masses. The truth is that they have been making excess profits for rather a long time and are no better and in some respects worse than other companies. They do not allow battery replacement because their designs sacrifice repair-ability in order to enhance the appearance of their devices. It also means that they make a fat profit on repairs. I hope they lose this court case as it will benefit the consumers they are gouging.
it has nothing to do with hazzards, other than the 'hazzard' of the company losing BIG PROFITS from captive repair bills.
apple is really looking bad, here. there is nothing credible they could state to defend this 'you shall not be allowed to repair things you actually own' bullshit.
So how did Nokia candy bar phones with their black and white screens, ugly (by todays "standards") cases, and thick dimentions sell so well in 2002?
I suspect this is all about the sheep being brainwashed into thinking " thin phone is seXXXy, go buy thin phone or you are a loser dork!!!!"
Yeah, I would not go with a circa 1980s cell phone because those were
truly cumbersome to carry around and use, but I would not cry and fawn and lose sleep because my smartphone is an extra 2mm thick either.
(I swear, this world needs a big collective bitch slap to wake it up
from it's stupor)
They sold well in 2002 because there weren't smartphones then.
Here's tip: Just don't GLUE it.
Just the space required for glue makes it thicker.
Wrong, wrong, wrong.
If the battery is not glued, it must be fastened by some other means. Typically, this is a plastic mounting bay within the device.
My old Samsung Google phone has a removable battery.
A user-removable battery is even more of a challenge. There must be clearance for the battery to move freely (perhaps only a millimeter or two, but still a bit of space).
There must be a removable hatch to provide access---with either clips and/or a hinge to fasten it. These mechanisms invariably take up more space than glue.
As the body is now weaker due to the opening, thicker panels and stronger construction are necessary.
Unibody construction offers some size, weight, and cost benefits, but it is difficult to employ when key structural panels must have large holes for battery access.
I am not a fan of the "thinner/lighter at all costs" trend, but there are complex tradeoffs behind the design. These issues cannot be hand-waived away by an internet know-it-all.
Thank you, but I'm smart enough to avoid it. The same way I can avoid it in Windows. By your username I might think you're a troll but anyways that's what I think
That's what everyone thinks.... Until they get bit.
Wait, what? I didn't know this. I'm astonished and excited.
But it looks like the sideloading is via pretending to be the developer of said application. How do I distribute a side-loaded application? Can I still use the app-store for IAPs? Any more details on how to actually deliver sideloaded apps as a developer?
Other people publish the Cydia Impactor (.ipa) Packages on their websites. Here's a tutorial for using Impactor to install f.lux from their.ipa file.
I don't think this affects your ability as an iOS Developer to submit offerings for the iOS App Store. But I would check with some other iOS Devs. to be certain.
Slashdot Mirror
All you nerds seem kind of confused about this repairability stuff. Engineering in the ability for your run of the mill nerd to fix something as complex and crammed together as a modern smartphone is would make the cost skyrocket, the reliability plummet and the size explode. If you want a phone you can fix, go take an electronics course and build one from scratch. Shit, think of the fun you'll have fixin' that sucker every night after supper.
LOL, PERFECT!!!
Those repair manuals say "Don't fuck with the battery, dumbass".
EXACTLY!!!
If Apple wants to prevent lithium batteries catching fire with private repairs, then they should provide high quality replacement batteries that don't catch fire.
I replaced the batter in my iPod and it wasn't a big deal. Yes, it would be more difficult in an iPhone but not impossible.
They're obviously attempting to create a repair monopoly.
Bullshit.
But they probably won't have the skill to. You tell them to use a #0 Phillips screwdriver, and they'll take their butter knife. Ask them to pry and they'll use a chisel.
If you're lucky, you'll just have a scratched up case. But more likely than not, they'll have screwed things up worse.
That's the real problem.
Speaking as a former electronics tech, I can tell you that the very LAST thing a repair tech wants to see is a piece of equipment that the owner attempted to fix on their own.
It's true that there is some merit in the argument that using custom components or things like glue instead of screws allows for making devices that are better in some way, but there is precious little evidence that the those improvements are significant or wanted by the market.
I think Apple's sales figures provide all the evidence that is required.
As someone who quit happily removed a screen assembly from a Galaxy S5, then carefully separated the micrometer thin OLED panel from the glass supporting structure, then carefully UV glued it back together, and then successfully reassembled the phone, ... the use of glue in the device doesn't phase me.
Not being able to get a replacement part would have phased me. How well did it turn out for people who had their fingerprint scanners repaired on the iPhone 5 when Apple decided they will brick them all with an update?
Dumbass, that was a Security Patch that kept someone from stealing/confiscating a phone, replacing the TouchID sensor (which holds the fingerprint info INSIDE it), and then being able to UNLOCK the phone with THEIR fingerprint.
Apple has been making its devices hard to repair since forever. The original Macintosh (and Mac Plus, and so on) had screws recessed so far that no normal hex wrench would fit. Then 3rd-party repair kits came out with a super-long wrench, so they changed the head. It was a stupid little arms race requiring $10 wrenches for each new model, which meant if you were prepared to face the struggle, you could overcome the barriers pretty easily. They claimed it had to do with safety and compatibility (what? you want to add an internal hard disk? no way, not until we say you can!)
But it is all about control. It's in Apple's DNA to try to control the consumer and limit what can be done with and to the device. The object is profit. I was sick of it already in 1987, and 30 years later I am triply sick of it. Throw the book at them!
Bullshit.
You're full of it. It has nothing to do with brand consumption. The truth is that the tradeoff for cheap, reliable, waterproof and sort of shock resistant is to make things with glue and not with screws. Anybody could make a nice repairable phone with lots of little tiny screws for you to play with and loose as you spent 28 hours replacing a 27 cent component. It's just you'd complain that it was too heavy and expensive and unreliable. The lack of repairability is not some kind of conspiracy. It's just the result of an optimization process to get the most bang for the buck. Sorry, but when one runs that experiment it comes out glue and not screws.
Sometimes, glue is the only practical way to affix something. Displays are notorious for being glued, because the only other alternative is some sort of sub-chassis that adds incredible amounts of thickness (often, tens of millimeters).
I've designed products that used adhesive to affix the display, and it had nothing to do with repairability, and everything to do with "no real place to put a screw, let alone a screwDRIVER".
Rarely is the issue a BGA package, usually it's a capacitor or soic package which can be replaced by hand even if it's not the easiest component to replace. A multimeter is still the most useful diagnostic tool especially when the most common component, a VRM or capacitor in the power supply has gone, knowing what the potential difference should be across various points of the board helps in identifying such issues. Memory test failure and similar software errors could literally be that the memory didn't get enough power cause part of the power supply has gone dead.
Some vendors are really nasty and rub the id codes off or re-badge(own brand and id instead) on what is otherwise off the shelf components making it even more of a nightmare to tell what is wrong.
Bullshit.
It is OFTEN the BGA package. Witness all the video cards and smartphones ("Touch Disease", anyone?) that had BGA packages that developed cracked solder joints causing intermittent (or just plain failed) operation.
Most people can't even fix a kitchen faucet, let alone desolder and resolder even a simple SMT component.
What, exactly, beyond battery power, is a typical multimeter going to help you with in a smartphone design? Hell, you can't even probe less than about 3 pins at a time with a meter-probe. And if it's a BGA or other "leadless" package, then exactly WHERE do you probe?
You're so full of shit, it's running out of your ears.
Yes.
Modern electronics is not like electronics used to be. You can't always just poke the multimeter around, identify the burned-out component and replace it any more, especially in ultra-compact designs like mobile phones. There are more specialised chips, often bespoke parts. Often an entire PCB must be replaced, because even if the faulty part is a commodity one it's impossible to resolder something like a BGA package, or because it's a faulty processor that incorporates proprietary firmware. Diagnostics, when you can get it, is no longer just something you read with a multimeter - you need to be able to look up really obscure error codes and determine that something like 'error 12912.2' is actually a secret manufacture code that means, say, memory test failure.
All of which means, yes, fixing a device now does mean you need the service manual. And often spare parts specific to that device.
And an SMT desoldering station. And a Reflow oven. And...
You're right. It is certainly not the same as popping the tubes out of the TV set and heading down to the drugstore. But the no-minds that are backing this antideluvian legislation don't know the difference between an octal tube socket and a BGA package.
I thought Apple was a pretty capable company, but they can't design a phone that isn't a hazard to repair?
Why are you assuming this isn't by design. Apple could make an easy to repair phone like other companies, but where's the profit in that? How will they sell the next version if old phones keep working for years on end and there aren't any significant improvements. Apple deliberately makes them hard to repair to generate repeat sales. That's why they're fighting against your right to repair.
WTF are you talking about?!?
WHO is this mythical company that makes "easy to repair" phones?
Apple from the days of the 128k Mac has discouraged consumer tampering. They want to control the repair eco system. That's not incompetence it is policy.
Bullshit.
Apple doesn't want to design a phone that isn't a hazard to repair.
Bullshit.
After the warranty, Apple wants only authorized shops to be able to repair, and the repair consists mostly of replacing entire boards, oh, and yeah, data on the device is not retained in the Apple-blessed process.
You are posting on Slashdot. If you don't have a backup quit posting here. I replaced Apple devices several times (sometimes out-of-warranty repair, sometimes because someone wanted a better phone), and the process was turn on - enter your Apple ID - wait a few minutes until your data is restored, and a few more minutes until all your apps are downloaded again.
Exactly.
Open it up before that and it's on you. If it breaks in that time send it in for free.
It doesn't always work that way with Apple products. Sometimes it breaks before the end of the warranty, and you will have to pay something anyways, because the customer is blamed for breaking it (e.g. accidental damage).
After the warranty, Apple wants only authorized shops to be able to repair, and the repair consists mostly of replacing entire boards, oh, and yeah, data on the device is not retained in the Apple-blessed process.
And that is different from every other manufacturer in what way?
they do want to charge for repairs, but really prefer you just buy a new device. They (Jobs) has always wanted and sometimes kept the devices from being upgradable. With glue, they win. They are truly anti freedom and anti Green. Think different, as long as it;s how they tell you.
Everyone uses glue. Have for years and years. Sometimes it really is the only practical fastener.
Apple are a cult purchase for the masses. The truth is that they have been making excess profits for rather a long time and are no better and in some respects worse than other companies. They do not allow battery replacement because their designs sacrifice repair-ability in order to enhance the appearance of their devices. It also means that they make a fat profit on repairs. I hope they lose this court case as it will benefit the consumers they are gouging.
Bullshit.
its a lie.
it has nothing to do with hazzards, other than the 'hazzard' of the company losing BIG PROFITS from captive repair bills.
apple is really looking bad, here. there is nothing credible they could state to defend this 'you shall not be allowed to repair things you actually own' bullshit.
Bullshit.
So how did Nokia candy bar phones with their black and white screens, ugly (by todays "standards") cases, and thick dimentions sell so well in 2002? I suspect this is all about the sheep being brainwashed into thinking " thin phone is seXXXy, go buy thin phone or you are a loser dork!!!!" Yeah, I would not go with a circa 1980s cell phone because those were truly cumbersome to carry around and use, but I would not cry and fawn and lose sleep because my smartphone is an extra 2mm thick either. (I swear, this world needs a big collective bitch slap to wake it up from it's stupor)
They sold well in 2002 because there weren't smartphones then.
I guarantee they wouldn't sell so well right now.
Here's tip: Just don't GLUE it. Just the space required for glue makes it thicker.
Wrong, wrong, wrong.
If the battery is not glued, it must be fastened by some other means. Typically, this is a plastic mounting bay within the device.
My old Samsung Google phone has a removable battery.
A user-removable battery is even more of a challenge. There must be clearance for the battery to move freely (perhaps only a millimeter or two, but still a bit of space).
There must be a removable hatch to provide access---with either clips and/or a hinge to fasten it. These mechanisms invariably take up more space than glue.
As the body is now weaker due to the opening, thicker panels and stronger construction are necessary.
Unibody construction offers some size, weight, and cost benefits, but it is difficult to employ when key structural panels must have large holes for battery access.
I am not a fan of the "thinner/lighter at all costs" trend, but there are complex tradeoffs behind the design. These issues cannot be hand-waived away by an internet know-it-all.
Well put, sir!
Tesla is ALWAYS blamed, no matter how stupid the user/driver is acting.
Thank you, but I'm smart enough to avoid it. The same way I can avoid it in Windows. By your username I might think you're a troll but anyways that's what I think
That's what everyone thinks.... Until they get bit.
Wait, what? I didn't know this. I'm astonished and excited.
But it looks like the sideloading is via pretending to be the developer of said application. How do I distribute a side-loaded application? Can I still use the app-store for IAPs? Any more details on how to actually deliver sideloaded apps as a developer?
Well, some people just publish the Source on Github.
.ipa file.
Here's a tutorial from the User's point-of-view on using XCode to install f.lux for iOS.
Other people publish the Cydia Impactor (.ipa) Packages on their websites. Here's a tutorial for using Impactor to install f.lux from their
I don't think this affects your ability as an iOS Developer to submit offerings for the iOS App Store. But I would check with some other iOS Devs. to be certain.
You can only side load using a developer account to a device specifically registered with that developer account.
That's the way it USED to be.
Now, you can "Trust" a Developer.
Really hi-lights the differences between the 2 companies.
Yes it does.
One company (Apple) cares about its Users.
The other company (Google) cares about its Users... Data.