[TheKnack]

They are trying to slow down the "right to repair" laws that are being drafted in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. They would rather implement it and be able to set the parameters of it, rather than be forced to follow a government mandated and controlled version.

[ericmay]

Isn't that a win? Public pressure forced Apple to do the right thing here and we don't need additional regulation.

Regulation is not exactly equivalent to "positive". It has risky elements, and is almost impossible to undo even if it's very bad.

[mschuster91]

> Isn't that a win? Public pressure forced Apple to do the right thing here and we don't need additional regulation.

It may be a win on short term but do you see any parts for Mac machines there? Such a "minimal offer" has the danger of public officials being ignorant enough to fall for Apple's propaganda of "we're offering that here, isn't it enough?". Also, it does not seem to offer the special tools that Apple uses for calibration or pairing of components.

We need comprehensive regulation covering all kinds of technology self-repair, from phones over laptops and computers to cars and trucks. Anyone should be able to perform the same quality and level of repair service that official Apple stores can.

[ericmay]

> It may be a win on short term but do you see any parts for Mac machines there?

Not yet. But I'm pretty sure they are heading down that path as well. They sell a lot more iPhones so it probably makes sense to go that route first. I disagree with your starting point of really awful cynicism, especially given that Apple has a demonstrated track record (albeit sometimes slow and despite their initial intentions) of doing environmentally friendly things. They don't have to power their operations via renewable energy, or build products made of recycled metals. "Fall for Apple's propaganda"? Sorry I'm not buying the negative case.

[mschuster91]

It took Apple well over fifteen years and the threat of lawsuits and regulation to come up with this portal. Their products still consistently score shit on repairability comparisons.

Yes Apple does do decent things in operations, but anything involving the consumer facing side has been "only Apple knows best" for decades. Operating systems being locked down? That shit started with Apple, Microsoft and Android only followed suit. Hardware using special screws, no 3.5mm socket, or glue? Peripheral sockets needing MFi chips? Again, Apple pioneered that consumer hostility, and look how they're fighting tooth and nail to keep Lightning instead of switching over to USB-C and offering an USB-C to Lightning adapter utilizing a custom Alt mode to offer backwards compatibility fot old accessories.

The only notable progress originating at Apple was the introduction of USB.

[Nullabillity]

As you say, it's much easier for Apple to roll back these voluntary measures once the pressure dies down. Proper legislation would help prevent that.

[ericmay]

But that’s assuming Apple doesn’t want to have people repair their own equipment - it would contradict their sustainability mission that they loudly espouse and take action on.

Like why would they do this, if they didn’t want to, and then roll it all back? It would just bring legislation up again. It seems like a lot of work just to “trick you”.