Apple just added the latest M3 Macs to its self-service repair program, significantly expanding the number of machines that can be fixed by customers at home.
It’s quite the turnaround for the company, which for years fought right-to-repair initiatives.
I’m not sure Steve Jobs would approve — he famously hated customers tinkering with his machines, in contrast to the homebrew hack mentality of Steve Wozniak, his fellow Apple co-founder.
But it’s in line with the vibe of our times, when customers want to wrest back a bit more control over their devices from the companies that make them.
It’s laudable that Apple continues to expand its DIY repair offerings, but there are still a couple of big holes to fill to complete the lineup of eligible devices.
Also in today’s newsletter:
This is puzzling: Apple reportedly isn’t planning to update the Vision Pro headset for several years! Say what??
Woot!’s big sale on Apple Watches is still on. Score an Apple Watch Ultra for as low as $500.
Sci-fi fans are rejoicing that William Gibson’s classic Neuromancer is finally getting a TV adaptation. Personally, I always thought his short story collection Burning Chrome was better.
I’ve been really enjoying Masters of the Air, Apple TV+’s hit WWII drama, and will definitely be checking out the documentary about the doomed bomber squadron.
AirBuddy is the Bluetooth/AirPods controller that should be built right into macOS. It’s one of the few apps I immediately buy and install on a new machine, and it’s currently on sale.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
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I encountered authority of a different kind than I had ever encountered before, and I did not like it. And they really almost got me. They came close to really beating any curiosity out of me.
Today’s poll
Have you repaired your own Apple gear?
Results from yesterday’s poll: Is focusing on generative AI a smart move for Apple?
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