iFixit announced at the moment it would be part of forces with Microsoft to fabricate and promote official restore instruments for some Surface fashions. The partnership will kick off with a show debonder, a show rebonder, and a battery cowl.

The fashions these Microsoft-sanctioned instruments are designed for aren’t the friendliest to at-home tinkering. Many — just like the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Pro 7+ — have neither guides nor repairability scores from the iFixit. This would possibly clarify why, at the least for now, these pro-grade instruments aren’t being supplied to shoppers. 

“iFixit Pro independent repairers, Microsoft Authorized Service Providers, Microsoft Experience Centers, and Microsoft Commercial customers,” would be the solely entities allowed to make use of these new units, in line with iFixit. “While not necessary to complete a DIY repair, these new tools are designed to prevent damage and will help technicians performing a high volume of repairs, and assist in improving accuracy and matching factory-level adhesion.”

According to The Verge, it was Microsoft that approached iFixit about becoming a member of forces, regardless of (and due to) iFixit’s vocal criticism of the Surface line’s poor repairability. Wider availability of official restore instruments, and the event of latest ones, could possibly be on the horizon if each firms see constructive outcomes.

Microsoft is the newest firm to associate with iFixit. Previously the right-to-repair advocate has labored with HTC and Motorola as an official components supply for Vive headsets and smartphones, respectively.