Apple confirmed to journalists The Verge, in some cases, the repair chip T2 prevents uncertified repair laptops and computers.
We are talking about repairing the motherboard and fingerprint scanners Touch ID, but the exact list of components, repairs are complicated, the company did not disclose.
We will remind, in October it became known that Apple has implemented new proprietary software to diagnose MacBook Pro and iMac Pro. The services should use it during repairs, or the device becomes inoperative. It’s all in the chip T2 with Apple’s Secure Enclave, which provides an extra level of protection. If a third-party repair service will undertake a laptop or desktop with this chip, you will not be able to complete the repair and the computer will remain inoperable. Proprietary software is available only in Apple stores and authorized service centers.
Since Apple released MacBook Air and mini PC Mac mini. Them the repair, too.