Apple lets you repair your iPhone with old parts, but there’s a catch

Apple has announced that it will open up its repair process, allowing independent repair providers and customers to install genuine iPhone parts to repair their smartphones. The company offers do-it-yourself repair programs in several regions, allowing customers to use used components for repairs. Smartphone makers will also simplify the process of ordering repair parts. at the same time. Apple announced that the iPhone’s Activation Lock feature will also be extended to individual parts of the smartphone to prevent the use of stolen iPhone parts for repairs.

company point out In a press release on Thursday, a new process for “calibrating” iPhone parts will allow customers and independent repair providers who rely on Apple’s self-repair program, which is available in more than 30 countries, to repurpose genuine iPhones. Used parts. According to the company, the product will be available to users later this year and will support “select iPhone models.”

Calibration will be done on the device once genuine parts from other devices are installed on a customer’s iPhone, Apple said, adding that the components can “benefit from the full functionality and security provided by original factory calibration, just like new and genuine Apple parts are the same. Apple said that future iPhone models will also allow customers to replace components such as the biometric sensors used for Face ID and Touch ID.

Apple also stands by its decision to bundle its devices with individual components or a “pairing” process that involves confirming whether a part is genuine. The company says this process is critical to protecting the privacy, safety and security of its smartphones. The Activation Lock feature that prevents the use of stolen iPhones will soon be extended to its components, which Apple claims will stop thieves from taking apart stolen iPhones to access individual components for repairs.

The iPhone maker also announced that customers will be able to order parts from do-it-yourself repair stores without providing the device’s serial number. In the meantime, customers will be able to access the Parts & Service History section in the iOS Settings app to see details on whether new or genuine used parts were used to repair their device – an improvement that will be coming this year, according to the company Added later.