3 ms·

The real question is why is Apple (and other companies) able to sell a product without publishing schematics (and gerbers) for it.

• phyzix5761 1y ago
  Trade secrets. They've existed since the beginning of time. If they publish the schematics their competitors can make similar products which reduces their incentive to innovate and they go spend money somewhere more profitable. Or worse, they patent the design and sit on new tech for 20 years which stifles innovation for other companies. I guess an argument can also be made for security. Publishing schematics makes it easier bad actors.
  • snvzz 1y ago
    >If they publish the schematics their competitors can make similar products Copyright applies, even with schematics published. Somehow, the repair people end up with schematics through back channels. It is ridiculous they have to use these channels. I'd argue the public interest is above any benefits Apple gets with this layer of obfuscation. >Or worse, they patent the design and sit on new tech for 20 years which stifles innovation for other companies. Don't companies do that anyway? Or do you mean steal ideas and then patent them? Prior art invalidates this. >I guess an argument can also be made for security. Publishing schematics makes it easier bad actors. Security through obscurity isn't a thing. Actual security requires a good design, not obfuscating a flawed one.
• mrheosuper 1y ago
  why would you need gerber files ?
  • snvzz 1y ago
    Click on board, see wires and BoM cross-referenced. Extremely helpful for both repair and modding.