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Infographic with light gray background showing different products laid out in a 4x2 grid. The graphic is titled "It's not just Apple" with the subheading "Lots of products limit repair through paired parts." Below the title is a blue line-art graphic for each respective product, complete with a title and description: Chainsaws Only dealers can update firmware on new parts for Husqvarna chainsaws and automowers. TVs On many TVs, mainboards, t-con modules and panels must be paired via a hidden routine. Xbox One The Xbox disc drive is paired to the motherboard, so replacing one means replacing both. PS4/PS5 Sony took a cue from Microsoft and also paired the PlayStation disc drive with the motherboard. Food Processors When a Thermomix food processor throws an error, only official Vorwerk technicians can get the software to reset it. Washing Machines Many appliances require access to expensive manufacturer software to calibrate replacement parts. Cars Some parts are VIN locked, or paired to a car's serial number, requiring a dealer to program replacement parts. Tractors Replacing some parts on John Deere tractors requires dealers to input a code to get the tractor out of "limp mode."

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Infographic with light gray background showing different products laid out in a 4x2 grid. The graphic is titled "It's not just Apple" with the subheading "Lots of products limit repair through paired parts." Below the title is a blue line-art graphic for each respective product, complete with a title and description: Chainsaws Only dealers can update firmware on new parts for Husqvarna chainsaws and automowers. TVs On many TVs, mainboards, t-con modules and panels must be paired via a hidden routine. Xbox One The Xbox disc drive is paired to the motherboard, so replacing one means replacing both. PS4/PS5 Sony took a cue from Microsoft and also paired the PlayStation disc drive with the motherboard. Food Processors When a Thermomix food processor throws an error, only official Vorwerk technicians can get the software to reset it. Washing Machines Many appliances require access to expensive manufacturer software to calibrate replacement parts. Cars Some parts are VIN locked, or paired to a car's serial number, requiring a dealer to program replacement parts. Tractors Replacing some parts on John Deere tractors requires dealers to input a code to get the tractor out of "limp mode."
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iFixit (ifixit@mastodon.social)'s status on Monday, 24-Feb-2025 07:09:44 JST iFixit

What do these all have in common?
Keurig coffee makers
HP printers
GE refrigerators
John Deere tractors
Apple iPhones
Parts pairing!
Each of these products has a history of restricting which parts or supplies can be used with it.
Let's talk specifics. (1/2)

In conversation about 3 months ago from mastodon.social permalink