Beware Apple's MobileSentrix recommendation
Needing a Mac Pro (2019) power supply, I started at Apple's Self Service Repair Store.
Only the Mac Pro (2023) PSU was listed, so I clicked Find Out About Self Service Repair, which states that "Genuine Apple parts can also be purchased from a Genuine Parts Distributor":
"To repair Apple products, purchase genuine Apple parts from a Genuine Parts Distributor and reference the repair manual for your device.
...
"In the United States, parts can be purchased from this Genuine Parts Distributor:
"A Genuine Parts Distributor may require account creation or sign-in prior to order placement. See the distributor’s site for more information."
Not finding the part listed on MobileSentrix, I clicked the prominent chat bubble and asked whether it was available. I was informed that:
"At this time, in order for us to assist you with sourcing this part, you would first need to create an account with us. Since we operate on a B2B basis, we require valid business documentation to verify your account. Unfortunately, without this verification, we are unable to assist with sourcing the Mac Pro (2019) power supply."
No problem; I am a business customer and happy to create an account (though the B2B requirement seemed a little odd in light of Apple's "To repair Apple products, purchase genuine Apple parts from a Genuine Parts Distributor and reference the repair manual for your device."):
"Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate your willingness to set up an account. Once you have completed the account setup, please return to this thread and let us know. We will be more than happy to assist you with sourcing the Mac Pro (2019) power supply and any other parts you may need."
Great! Set up the account as requested and was then informed:
"Please send your business license and government-issued ID to our onboarding team. Once your account is approved, we can proceed with sourcing the part for you. Please keep us updated once approval is complete."
I asked why a personal government-issued ID was required for a corporate account and was told that it "is a required part of the onboarding process even for corporate accounts."
OK, redacted the most sensitive bits on my driver's license with Preview and watermarked via iWatermark+ (for what it's worth), then sent along with the business registration.
Five days later, received this message:
"Thank you for sending over the requested documents. Unfortunately, we are strictly business to business wholesale suppliers who only service established brick and mortar phone repair shops. Due to this, we are unable to have your account approved. I apologies [sic] for any inconvenience that this may cause you"
True, my business does operate exclusively onsite and remotely; it might've been nice for Apple or MobileSentrix to mention a brick-and-mortar store requirement somewhere along the way before submitting sensitive documentation.
If only I had read Replace the power supply in your Mac Pro (2019) more carefully; it clearly states, "If you need to order a replacement power supply, contact Apple." Sure enough, they happily sold me the unlisted PSU by phone, no waiting, ID, or business documentation required!
❧ 2026-01-03