Used Parts for iPhone Repairs?
Apple announced today a significant enhancement to its repair processes that will enable customers and independent repair providers to utilize used genuine Apple parts when repairing select iPhone models starting this fall. This move aims to increase product longevity, provide more repair options, and minimize environmental impact.
The new repair process, which has been in development for the past two years, will ensure that used genuine Apple parts benefit from the same functionality, security, and calibration as new parts straight from the factory. According to John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, “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.”
One key aspect of this initiative is a new parts calibration process that will be introduced this fall. After installation, both new and used genuine Apple parts will undergo on-device calibration, ensuring they meet Apple’s stringent standards for performance and reliability. Additionally, future iPhone models will support the use of used biometric sensors, such as those used for Face ID and Touch ID, in repairs.
A More Streamlined Process
To streamline the repair process further, customers and service providers will no longer need to provide a device’s serial number when ordering parts from the Self Service Repair Store. This change aims to simplify the process and increase accessibility to genuine Apple parts.
In a move to deter the use of parts from lost or stolen iPhones, Apple will extend its Activation Lock feature to iPhone parts. Requested by customers and law enforcement officials, Activation Lock was designed to limit iPhone theft by blocking a lost or stolen device from being reactivated. If a device undergoing repair detects that a supported part was obtained from another device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, the calibration capabilities for that part will be restricted.
As device longevity increases, Apple believes it’s crucial for second or third owners to have access to a device’s full repair history. The company is the only smartphone manufacturer that transparently shows owners whether their device has been repaired and provides information about the repair process. This fall, Apple will expand its “Parts and Service History” section in the Settings app to indicate whether a part is new or used.
A Move to Improving Access to Safe and Affordable Repairs
This latest enhancement to Apple’s repair processes is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving access to safe and affordable repairs. In the last five years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, now exceeding 10,000 Independent Repair Providers and Apple Authorized Service Providers.
For those with experience repairing electronic devices, Apple’s Self Service Repair program provides access to manuals, genuine Apple parts, and tools used at Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Provider locations. Launched in 2022, Self Service Repair now supports 40 Apple products in 33 countries and regions, and 24 languages.
FAQ
Q: Which iPhone models will be eligible for repairs with used parts?
A: The new repair process will initially be available for select iPhone models starting this fall, with plans to expand to future iPhone releases.
Q: How will Apple ensure the quality and security of used parts?
A: Used genuine Apple parts will undergo the same calibration process as new parts, ensuring they meet Apple’s standards for functionality, security, and privacy. Additionally, Activation Lock will be extended to iPhone parts to deter the use of parts from lost or stolen devices.
Q: Will I be able to tell if my iPhone has been repaired with a used part?
A: Yes, Apple will expand its “Parts and Service History” section in the Settings app to indicate whether a part is new or used.
Q: How does this initiative benefit the environment?
A: By enabling the reuse of genuine Apple parts, this initiative aims to increase product longevity and minimize the environmental impact of repairs by reducing the need for new parts production.
Q: Will independent repair providers have access to used parts?
A: Yes, both customers and independent repair providers will be able to utilize used genuine Apple parts in repairs.
Q: How can I access Apple’s Self Service Repair program?
A: For those with experience repairing electronic devices, Self Service Repair provides access to manuals, genuine Apple parts, and tools used at Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Provider locations. It currently supports 40 Apple products in 33 countries and regions, and 24 languages.
With this latest expansion to its repair program, Apple aims to provide more choice and convenience for customers while promoting sustainability and extending the life of its products and their parts. The company continues to innovate and improve its repair processes, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
