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Apple swaps iPhone screws to prevent you from tampering with it
Sean Fallon
Apple is adding special security screws to the iPhone - even ones brought in for repairs
Apple swaps the screws on the iPhone 4 to prevent tampering
Published on Jan 20, 2011
Apple is introducing "Pentalobe" tamper-proof screws on the newest iPhone 4 models to roll off the production line - screws that have no readily available tool that can be used to remove them, iFixit reports.
The idea, of course, is to prevent you from tampering with the hardware you rightfully own and should be able to modify and repair as you see fit.
But that's not even the worst part. If you bring your current iPhone in for service, they will stealthily replace the Phillips screws with Pentalobe.
It's important to note that these screws have turned up in various forms on 2009 MacBook Pros and current MacBook Airs. It's also been standard on many iPhone 4 units outside of the US since day one.
Fortunately, there is a solution. iFixit is currently selling an iPhone Liberation Kit that includes a Pentalobe driver, two replacement Phillips screws, and a regular #00 Phillips screwdriver so you can return your iPhone to a serviceable state.
