Apple change iPhone screws to stop DIY repairs or mods

Apple change iPhone 4's to Pentalobe screws - makes it just a little harder to DIY mods.

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Apple are at it again stopping DIYers and modders from messing with their handsets. According to iFixit, Apple has started using propietary tamper-resistant "Pentalobe" screws that resemble familiar Torx screws except they have five rounded points instead of Torx's six.

Apple change iPhone screws to stop DIY repairs or mods | TweakTown.com


"This screw head is new to us. In fact, there isn't a single reputable supplier that sells exactly the same screwdrivers Apple's technicians use -- which is Apple's point. They picked an obscure head that no one would have," iFixit said. "Apple chose this fastener specifically because it was new, guaranteeing repair tools would be both rare and expensive."

Apple reportedly started using Pentalobe screws to secure the mid-2009 MacBook Pro's battery and they're also used on the lower case of the latest MacBook Air models to prevent users from accessing the system's internals.

Most non-US iPhone 4's shipped Pentalobe screws from day one and the new US versions now use the Pentalobe screws. iFixit also notes that any service done to your iPhone by Apple will include the removal of the Phillips screws and the installation of the Pentalobe screws is done.

iFixit however sell an "iPhone 4 Liberation Kit" with everything you'll need to get inside.
NEWS SOURCE:techspot.com

Anthony joined the TweakTown team in 2010 and has since reviewed 100s of graphics cards. Anthony is a long time PC enthusiast with a passion of hate for games built around consoles. FPS gaming since the pre-Quake days, where you were insulted if you used a mouse to aim, he has been addicted to gaming and hardware ever since. Working in IT retail for 10 years gave him great experience with custom-built PCs. His addiction to GPU tech is unwavering and has recently taken a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI) hardware.

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