Apple announces policy change allowing iPhone repairs with pre-owned parts
What's the story
Apple has announced a policy shift that will allow iPhone users to repair their devices using pre-owned, authentic parts without affecting the device's full functionality.
This change will be implemented later this year, and will apply to certain iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 and subsequent devices.
The new policy marks a departure from Apple's previous requirement for buyers to match the serial number of their device, with a new part purchased from Apple, a process known as parts pairing.
Simplified repairs
New policy eliminates need for parts pairing and alerts
The updated policy from Apple will remove the need for parts pairing when using pre-owned ones.
It will also do away with alerts that previously appeared when a user replaced a component with an aftermarket/pre-owned part.
"Calibration for genuine Apple parts, new or used, will happen on device after the part is installed," Apple explained.
This means users and repair shops won't have to provide the device's serial number when buying most parts from the Self Service Repair Store.
Future expansion
Company to expand support for pre-owned biometric sensors
Initially, the policy change will be applicable to screens, batteries, and cameras.
However, Apple has plans to extend support for pre-owned biometric sensors like Face ID or Touch ID in future iPhone models.
Despite this shift in policy, Apple maintains that part pairing is "critical to preserving the privacy, security, and safety" of iPhones.
This indicates that while the company is making changes to facilitate easier repairs with pre-owned parts, it continues to prioritize user privacy and device security.
Improved tracking
Apple enhances tracking of pre-owned components
In addition to the policy changes, Apple is also enhancing tracking of pre-owned iPhone components.
The company plans to extend its Activation Lock feature to iPhone parts in an effort to prevent stolen iPhones from being dismantled for parts.
"If a device under repair detects that a supported part was obtained from another device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, calibration capabilities for that part will be restricted," Apple stated.
Repair history
iPhones to record repairs with pre-owned parts in Settings
iPhones that have been repaired using pre-owned parts will now record this data, in the Parts and Service History section of the Settings app on iOS.
John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion of the repair program.
He stated, "We're excited to be adding even more choice and convenience for our customers, while helping to extend the life of our products and their parts."