Apple is finally making it easier for users to repair their iPhones with used parts. In an update on Thursday, the company announced that owners of “select” iPhone models will be able to repair their devices with used original parts this fall while retaining full functionality.
When repairing a phone, Apple requires iPhone users to go through a process called part pairing, in which they match their device’s serial number to that of a new part sold by Apple. When a user replaces a part with an aftermarket or used component, the iPhone displays annoying notifications stating that Apple cannot verify the newly installed part. For Face ID and Touch ID sensors, the part may not work at all.
This change should eliminate these notifications for used parts, as Apple says, “Calibration for genuine Apple parts, whether new or used, occurs on the device after the part is installed.” This also means that users and repair shops No longer need to provide the serial number of the device they are repairing when ordering most parts from the Self Service Repair Store.
The change applies to displays, batteries and cameras at launch. Apple says “future” iPhone releases will come with support for used biometric sensors like Face ID or Touch ID.
At the same time, Apple also takes tracking used iPhone components seriously. The company announced that it will extend its Activation Lock, designed to prevent thieves from using a lost or stolen device, to iPhone parts. “If a device under repair discovers that a supported part was obtained from another device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, calibration options for that part will be limited,” Apple says.
If you do end up repairing your iPhone with a used part, the device stores this information in the Parts and Service History section of the Settings app on iOS. Apple doesn’t specify which iPhone models will be supported this fall, but the company said TechCrunch it will be the iPhone 15 and newer.
“With this latest expansion of our repair program, we are pleased to offer our customers even more choice and convenience while helping to extend the life of our products and their parts,” said John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering at Apple, it said in a statement.
Even though Apple still hasn’t expanded its approval to aftermarket iPhone parts, the change is huge for repair shops and do-it-yourselfers who have had to pay higher premiums for new iPhone parts.