If your iPhone keeps breaking down, a new Apple update will make it much cheaper and easier to repair your device.
From this autumn, ‘certain iPhone models’ will be able to receive used parts – such as a screen or a camera – from another iPhone, as long as they are ‘genuine’ Apple parts.
Currently, when someone puts a used part into their iPhone, the device rejects it by limiting functionality and sending notifications about an “unknown part.”
It marks a positive step forward for the ‘right to repair’ movement, which is putting pressure on tech giants to make it easier to repair their phones.
However, one expert said the multibillion-dollar company is only making the change under pressure from lawmakers.
Apple is making it easier for iPhone owners when it comes to making simple repairs by letting owners install used parts
In a blog post, Apple says the update is coming to “select iPhone models,” although TechCrunch reports this refers to the iPhone 15 and the upcoming iPhone 16. Pictured is the iPhone 15 released last year
In a blog postApple said the update is coming to “select iPhone models,” although TechCrunch reports this refers to the iPhone 15 and the upcoming iPhone 16.
“Used Genuine Apple Parts will now benefit from the full functionality and safety provided by the original factory calibration, just like new Genuine Apple Parts,” Apple says.
Currently, Apple requires customers to undergo a controversial process called “parts pairing” if they want to put new parts into their iPhones.
When you buy an iPhone, the phone’s software is coded to recognize the serial numbers of its various components, such as the screen and battery.
As a result, several iPhone features will not function properly if the iPhone is equipped with components with serial numbers that the software does not recognize.
Additionally, users are receiving notifications that the phone cannot determine whether the newly installed battery or screen “is a genuine Apple part.”
According to a test by iFixit, with the current restrictions on part pairing, key features like the front camera, face ID, and auto-brightness will stop working when a broken iPhone 15 screen is replaced with an identical one.
Currently, Apple requires customers to undergo a controversial process called “parts pairing” when they want to put new parts into their iPhones
That’s because the phone recognizes each part ‘associated’ with it and limits the ability to replace parts without a proprietary process to restore functionality.
With the new update, it seems that Apple is taking the first step away from linking components.
Starting this fall, calibration for Genuine Apple Parts, new or used, will occur on the device after the part is installed, the company said in the blog post.
However, it’s unclear whether a repaired iPhone will have full functionality starting this fall; MailOnline has contacted Apple for more information.
Apple has defended the linking of components, describing it as “critical to maintaining the privacy, security, and safety of iPhone.”
But advocates of the right to repair say it fuels the world’s e-waste problem by making perfectly functional components replaceable.
Nathan Proctor, senior director of the Public Interest Research Group’s Right to Repair Campaign, said Apple is under increasing pressure from lawmakers to end the practice.
The move coincides with a bill heard in the Colorado Senate that would ban companies from limiting repairs using a devious tactic known as “parts pairing.”
“Make no mistake, the reason Apple is doing this is because the right to repair is moving forward, thanks to the efforts of state lawmakers and our coalition of tinkerers, repairers, makers, and environmental and consumer advocates,” Proctor said.
‘Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world and represents a global crisis.
Big tech companies that make devices difficult to repair are creating a mountain of electronic and electrical waste, wasting resources and poisoning the environment, say green campaigners
The tech giant’s Self Service Repair program ships replacement parts and tools to people’s homes for a fee so they can fix their broken iPhones and Mac computers
‘Companies that use software to prevent compatible spare parts from fully functioning are making this problem worse, while harming consumers and undermining local repair shops.
“Lawmakers should ban these repair restrictions entirely, not just a few devices from one manufacturer.”
Proctor emphasized that this doesn’t mean the linking of parts is coming to an end, adding that it will “certainly continue” based on this announcement.
“Apple does not outline the steps you need to take to restore functionality to used or traded Apple parts, only that it will be allowed on select iPhone models starting this fall,” he said.
“Apple still strongly opposes bills to restrict the linking of components.”
Apple has a Self Service Repair program that sends replacement parts and tools to people’s homes for a fee so they can fix their broken iPhones and Mac computers.
According to the edgethe new change means that users no longer have to bother providing their phone’s serial number when placing an order.
Apple launched the service in the US in 2021 and in Britain the following year, although it has been criticized for being too complex and having ‘disastrous’ results.
However, Apple said the program is only suitable for “customers who are experienced in the complexities of repairing electronic devices.”
