In a significant step toward sustainability and consumer convenience, tech giant Apple has announced a groundbreaking update to its self-repair process. According to The Verge, starting this fall, select iPhone models will be eligible for repair using used genuine parts, departing from the previous requirement of exclusively using new components.
This policy change addresses a longstanding concern among iPhone users and repair professionals. Previously, Apple's strict parts pairing process mandated that any replacement part must match the device's serial number, leading to compatibility issues and intrusive notifications if aftermarket or used components were used. The Verge notes that crucial functions like Face ID and Touch ID could be compromised with non-Apple parts.
With the upcoming update, Apple assures users that calibration for genuine parts, whether new or used, will occur on the device post-installation. This simplifies the repair process, eliminating the need for serial number matching and enhancing access to genuine parts for users and third-party repair shops.
Initially, the new policy will cover repairs related to displays, batteries, and cameras, with plans to extend support to biometric sensors like Face ID and Touch ID in future iPhone releases. Furthermore, Apple aims to deter theft and unauthorized part usage by extending its Activation Lock feature to individual iPhone components. This feature prevents the installation of parts sourced from devices with enabled Lost Mode or Activation Lock.
