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Apple expands right to repair

Apple expands right to repair

But program still has big holes in it.

Leander Kahney
February 29, 2024

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.

Apple adds M3 MacBooks and iMac to Self Service Repair program

The Apple Self Service Repair program just expanded to include MacBooks and iMacs with the M3 processor released in 2023.

Don't expect Vision Pro 2 or Vision Air before 2027

Vision Pro may be Apple's only AR headset until 2027. The company has reportedly not yet started work on its replacements.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Stunning deals drop Apple Watch Ultra and other models near new lows

Maybe you couldn't swing spending $800 on Apple Watch Ultra, but how about $500? That and other great refurbished Apple Watch deals await.

William Gibson's sci-fi classic ‘Neuromancer’ comes to Apple TV+

The streaming service is adapting the classic cyberpunk novel, adding another big block to its sci-fi foundation.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

AirPods work even better with Mac, thanks to AirBuddy

With the AirBuddy app for Mac, you can make enhanced connections to AirPods, Beats and other earbuds or headphones.

New documentary trailer: Meet the men who inspired ‘Masters of the Air’

Attention fans of hit World War II drama "Masters of the Air" on Apple TV+. "The Bloody Hundredth" documentary hails those same airmen.

Apple ID could get a branding makeover to Apple Account

Apple might rebrand Apple ID to Apple Account later this year, presumably alongside iOS 18's release.

Tweetz o’ the day

It's funny how all of these icons still show their older, more recognizable designs
iMac doesn't have an Apple logo on the chin anymore, iPad/iPhone don't have home buttons anymore (although Dynamic Island would still make a recognizable icon), and Apple TV doesn't say "tv" now.
— Michael Burkhardt (@mbrkhrdt)
5:43 PM • Feb 29, 2024

This video by @REEKONTools using the Apple Vision Pro might be the coolest application use I’ve seen of it so far
— Uncle Jessy (@UncleJessy4Real)
7:40 PM • Feb 28, 2024

hey Vision Pro early adopters; it’s been a month since launch, how often are you using it?
— Casey Neistat (@Casey)
1:01 AM • Feb 29, 2024

now I have a habit of saying “beep boop beep” every time I put on a Vision Pro like the cyborg I am. Anyway that’s all.
— Linda Dong 🥽 (@lindadong)
11:09 PM • Feb 28, 2024

You can use the AirPods case like that. It holds an iPhone because of magnets.
— Dmitry Novikov (@novikoff)
5:50 PM • Feb 28, 2024

One more thing ...

❝

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.

— Steve Jobs on his education, 2011.

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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