Technology content trusted by users in Australia and around the world.
5,015 Articles | 30,530 Posts
Select Your Edition:  
Giveaway time thanks to AMD! Win one of five A Series A8 6600K 3.9GHz CPU's 
Tweakipedia
A wealth of
tech information!

AU EditionYou are located: Home > All News > Mobile Devices News > Apple change iPhone screws to stop DIY repairs or mods

Apple change iPhone screws to stop DIY repairs or mods

By: (more) | Mobile Devices News | Posted: Jan 21, 2011 1:41 am

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.

 

 

"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.

 


SOURCE #1

Related Tags



Further Reading: Read and find more Mobile Devices news at our Mobile Devices news index page.

TweakTown News RSS FeedDo you get our news RSS feed? Get It! Got a news tip? Tell Us!

Post a Comment about this news



Check out our
RSS feeds!


Mobile Devices News Posts

View More Mobile Devices News Posts


TweakTown Web Poll

Question: Now you have the facts, which is your next-gen gaming console?

Microsoft Xbox One

Sony PlayStation 4

I'm a PC gamer, or not interested, or buying something else

or View the Results

View More Polls

Forum Activity

View More Forum Posts

Mobile Devices Press Releases

View More Mobile Devices Press Releases