The tech giant said the new scheme would apply to ‘select’ models and would begin in the autumn
Apple is to allow iPhone users to fix their devices with used, genuine parts for the first time.
The tech giant confirmed that the new option would be available for “select” iPhone models starting this autumn. Previously, users needed to match the serial number of the device they were repairing with that of a new part, sold by Apple – if a used or alternative component was used, the repaired iPhone in question would display notifications warning the user that Apple could not verify the replaced part.
Now, Apple has upgraded its system so that iPhones can calibrate themselves to recognise genuine Apple parts, whether they’re brand new or have been used before. Apple has promised that “future iPhone releases” will be compatible with recycled biometric sensors.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, said: “At Apple, we’re always looking for new ways to deliver the best possible experience for our customers while reducing the impact we have on the planet, and a key part of that means designing products that last.”
“For the last two years, teams across Apple have been innovating on product design and manufacturing to support repairs with used Apple parts that won’t compromise users’ safety, security, or privacy. With this latest expansion to our repair programme, 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.”
In addition to this, the iPhone manufacturer also revealed that it is extending its Activation Lock feature typically used to prevent a lost or stolen iPhone from being reactivated to iPhone parts within its repair ecosystem.
This means that if a device under repair identifies that a part was sourced from a device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, its calibration with the device will be “restricted”.
