Serviced iPhone 4 Handsets Get Torx Screws - To Prevent Tampering?
by Joe White
November 20, 2010
Serviced iPhone 4 handsets have been returning from Genius Bars with Torx screws (above) instead of the handset's original screws, according to a recent report by 9to5Mac.
It is expected that the reason for this is due to the recent appearance of "custom white" iPhone 4 handsets on eBay. The iPhone's original screws are easy to remove, allowing "entrepreneurs" to convert the color of an iPhone 4 handset and then sell it. Torx screws, however, are notoriously difficult to remove.
Several days ago, Apple started requesting the removal of "custom white" iPhone 4 handsets from eBay, labeling the product as being a "counterfeit."
Following this, several internal sources at Apple have told 9to5Mac that it is now Genius Bar policy to replace a faulty iPhone's original screws with Torx screws. Currently, we're not sure whether Apple will be selling new iPhone 4 handsets with Torx screws, though it seems likely this will happen in time.
One thing is certain: many Apple fans want a white iPhone 4, and they're willing to do almost anything to get one. But, is traveling over to China one step too far? Let us know in the comments below.