Apple Care

Apple could make your Macs inoperative, sparking right to repair debate

Episode 1529

According to a story that broke this week, software in the new macOS will render your Macs inoperative if you have your computer repaired by a third party. Leo says that iFixit says that it's premature statement. Apple claims it's a security procedure to protect the secure enclave and other proprietary hardware. While the software does exist, Apple hasn't deployed it just yet. But Leo says that it's still problematic, as it goes to whether or not you have the right to repair your computers, or if you even own it.

How can I get my iPhone repaired?

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

Episode 1392

Bob from Santa Barbara, CA

Larry dropped his iPhone 7 Plus and now the screen is completely shattered. He has since found out that Apple doesn't use Gorilla Glass to protect the screen. Leo says he doesn't believe that. More likely, Apple doesn't want to boast that they use Gorilla Glass. Even then, it's not indestructible. The harder a material is, the easier it is to shatter when it lands just right. That's why Apple was looking at Sapphire screens, but they are very expensive to make.

How can I get Apple to replace my iPhone?

Apple iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

Episode 1288

Kim from San Diego, CA

Kim dropped her iPhone and broke the screen. Apple said she has to buy a new phone because it's bent and the display won't seat. She hears that it's a common problem. Does she have any recourse? Leo says not really. Metal phones can be bent and Apple has not acknowledged any potential flaw. This is why buying Apple Care is a good investment. They will treat her better if she's bought it. Leo says that Apple gives a lot of leeway to Geniuses to replace phones, but she'll catch more flies with sugar then vinegar. But these devices are fragile and they can break.

Should I buy phone insurance?

Episode 1236

Ed from San Diego, CA

Ed says he likes mobile phones, but they're slippery and he's worried about breaking them. He doesn't know what phone insurance program to buy. Leo says that the devil is in the details. There's usually a deductible and a limited number of times he'd be able to use it. Leo advises adding the deductible to the cost of the insurance and see if it's worth investing from that perspective.

Is my laptop worth fixing?

Apple MacBook Pro

Episode 1233

Sandra from Los Angeles, CA

Sandra has a MacBook Pro and some liquid spilled on it. Is it beyond repair? Leo says the first thing to do is remove power. But even then, once that liquid gets in there, the keyboard is ruined and the liquid has likely seeped into it and shorted it out. The computer itself is likely dead. But that doesn't mean she's lost her data. If she has to replace the computer, she can pull out the hard drive and get the data off it.

Is Apple Care worth it for iPhones?

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Episode 1135

Mark from Riverside, CA

Mark is thinking about trading in his iPhone 5S to get a 6 Plus. He's thinking about buying Apple Care Plus. Worth it? Leo says it depends on what the deductable is. He'll get two incidents a year and the deductible is $79 per incident. So if he drops his phone a lot, it's worth it. But it's a money generator for most. Leo doesn't use Apple Care, preferring to self insure. But he also says that for kids, it's a must.

Should I buy Apple Care for my iPad?

Apple iPads

Episode 1123

Roger from Lomita, CA

Roger bought a new iPad and he's heard that Apple is going to announce an iPad Pro with a larger screen. Leo says nobody really knows because it's a rumor, but the rumors have been pretty accurate of late. If Apple does come out with it, should he buy Apple Care? Leo says only if he's prone to breaking things and he wants to get Apple Care Plus, which will offer replacements of broken devices. Regular Apple care will not. But if he's only going to use it at home, he probably doesn't need Apple Care.