Imagine the start of a hypothetical summer Monday, some time in the future. You bought it, but you don't really 'own' it But there are ways that consumers and policymakers can push back on this corporate attempt to redefine what it means to 'own' a product. Companies are just beginning to monetize this control, with dystopian methods and the assistance of America's unbalanced copyright laws. Modern software allows manufacturers to tether product users to them, forever. In other instances, corporations require people to pay for ongoing subscription to access basic features of the goods. In some cases, companies force customers to use their repair services, disabling the product if they try to fix it themselves. As more devices in our lives run on software, manufacturers have started to exert more control over their products even after the customer has taken them home. But why does anyone need Apple's blessing to fix their phone? You already paid for it - you own the phone, you should be able to fix it on your terms.Īpple isn't the only company to put restrictions on goods that people have already bought. But the phone still warns users the screen is not genuine unless they use an 'Apple-authorized' repair provider.

It often indicates a user profile.Įventually, Apple rolled out a software update that allowed FaceID to work after a screen repair. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.

Pocket of money