Hey, Apple: Jump before you're pushed

Time to get on the right side of Right to Repair.

Author

Leander Kahney
November 20, 2024

Apple already made some pretty remarkable and important changes to its stance on Right to Repair, the burgeoning grassroots movement to enable consumers to fix stuff they own.

Apple’s Self Service Repair, for example, offers pretty comprehensive access to manuals, parts and tools to help you repair your iPhone, Mac, MacBook or Apple display. There are some big gaps — cough iPad cough — but it’s a big change from just a couple of years ago.

But in other respects, Apple is also taking steps backward.

Take the ability to upgrade the storage in a new Mac mini, for example. Teardowns show that the storage in these machines is theoretically user-upgradeable, but there’s a catch: You need parts no one sells!

Our writer Ed Hardy discusses the situation in today’s top post, and he raises several nonobvious reasons why it would be good for both users and Apple itself to get ahead of the issue.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Apple released updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS. Even though they appear to be minor point-release updates, you should definitely install them. They fix security holes that are being actively exploited!

  • Yesterday I went on a Shazam spree. Perhaps I helped the music-recognition service reach a pretty remarkable milestone.

  • I finally ditched my ancient Intel-based MacBook Air for a discounted 13-inch M2 model, and today the machine I really wanted — the M3 15-inch MacBook Air — is seriously discounted to just over $1,000. WTF! Wait, I can still return mine!

  • This looks like another great deal: A pair of Find My-compatible trackers for just $35.

  • Here’s a good tip: Learn how to AirDrop pics to anyone, bypassing a system setting that Apple added to prevent abuse.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Why Apple should start selling Mac mini SSD storage upgrades

The option to buy high-capacity replacement storage SSDs would be a win for M4 Mac mini users and Apple itself.

Remove serious security threats to Mac, iPhone and more with new OS updates

Apple releases iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 and visionOS 2.1.1 to deal with security threats to Macs, iPhones, etc.

How to set AirDrop to share iPhone photos with anyone [Pro Tip]

Trouble sharing iPhone photos over AirDrop? Turn on the "Everyone for 10 Minutes" setting to make things work the way you want.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

15-inch MacBook Air hits its best price yet after massive 20% discount

The 15-inch MacBook Air — the world's slimmest laptop — drops to its lowest price.

Iconic band Fleetwood Mac tells its own story in new Apple TV+ doc

For the first time, a film will delve into the legendary rockers' history using the band members' own words.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Get a pair of AirTag-style tracking tags for just $35

Tired of hunting down lost keys? Find them with an Ethos Smart Tracker, an affordable AirTag alternative that works with Apple's Find My app.

Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds: A glimpse into portable audio’s future [Review] ★★★½☆

Our hands-on review of Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds finds a lot to like in the xMEMS microspeaker, but they're average otherwise.

Today in Apple history: iTunes bags its first exclusive movie

iTunes movie distribution began on November 20, 2007, when "Purple Violets" became the first feature film to launch on Apple's platform.

Gamer gears up for ‘World of Warcraft’ action with new Mac mini [Setups]

Today's slick dual-monitor setup is purpose-built as a Mac mini gaming station, thanks to M4 Pro. Who says Macs aren't good for gaming?

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

My job is to say when something sucks rather than sugarcoat it.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

How do you rate Apple on Right to Repair?

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Results from yesterday’s poll: Are you interested in the rumored iPhone Air?

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