Apple Allows Used Part Repairs Starting with iPhone 15
Activation Lock Feature Also Extended to Parts
Due to high costs, iPhone repair fees, once dubbed a 'money-eating hippo,' are expected to become relatively cheaper. This is because Apple, the manufacturer of the iPhone, has allowed repairs using non-genuine used parts for some iPhone models.
On the 11th (local time), Apple announced that it has improved the existing repair process, allowing repairs with used genuine parts starting from the iPhone 15, released last year. Repairable parts include not only the display, battery, and camera but also the biometric sensors of future iPhone models.
Until now, Apple maintained a structure where iPhone users had to purchase new genuine parts through a 'parts pairing' process when repairing their devices. If parts that did not match the device's serial number were used, a notification would appear indicating that the newly installed part could not be verified. In some cases, certain functions would stop working entirely if the parts were not genuine.
With this improvement, Apple has completely removed such notifications for used parts, and users no longer need to provide the device's serial number when ordering parts at repair shops. iPhones repaired with used parts will save this information in the Parts and Service History section of the Settings app, helping to prevent potential issues during future secondhand transactions.
Additionally, Apple has extended the 'Activation Lock' feature, which prevents device use if the iPhone is stolen, to cover parts as well. Apple explained, "If parts obtained from another device with Activation Lock enabled are used for repairs, the functionality of those parts will be restricted."
John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, stated, "Over the past two years, we have continuously innovated our product design to enable repairs with used parts without compromising user security and privacy. With this expansion of the repair program, we can offer customers more choices and convenience while extending the lifespan of our products and parts."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
