Apple has just put an end to batch components and unboxed screens

Apple just released the iOS 18 RC update on the morning of September 12 and brought the Repair Assistant feature to the iPhone. This means that iPhone components will be tied to the user's Apple account, and when installed on another device, they will be locked.

Table of Contents

• Apple confirms it will allow iPhones to have third-party batteries and screens replaced
• Apple stops free iPhone repairs if there are small cracks on the screen

In April, Apple announced a new policy for repairs using genuine used parts with a new inspection process, which is performed to confirm each part meets standards.

Apple says that starting later this year, a new process will be implemented on select iPhone models to maintain user privacy, security, and safety. Thanks to an initial factory calibration process, genuine used Apple components are now as functional and secure as new.

In addition, Apple will also apply Activation Lock to components, similar to the lost report feature of the entire iPhone, to prevent the act of disassembling the device and stealing components.

Apple's new policy has been applied to iPhones through the latest iOS 18 beta update, 5 months after its announcement.

After upgrading your iPhone to the latest iOS 18 beta, Apple will verify that the most recent repair part is working properly and configured for your device.

For better compatibility and increased security, this process will calibrate the replacement component on the machine to its factory condition (software-wise).

According to some users, they received a notification that the component was locked to the owner. Thus, Apple has attached this part of the device to the iCloud account, so the company can still detect and prevent its use even if it is removed to transfer to another device.

This message will cause the connection and optimization between the component and the device to be interrupted. Users can bypass it by unlocking the accessory with the Apple ID account that was previously synchronized with it.

Currently, customers can still choose to skip to continue using the device.

Users can view information about components on the device including battery, screen or camera that have been replaced with genuine or unidentified parts in the settings section.

Apple confirms it will allow iPhones to have third-party batteries and screens replaced

In a newly released document, Apple revealed that the iPhone will have better support for third-party displays and batteries by the end of 2024 without feature restrictions.

True Tone is a feature that automatically adjusts the color of the display to match the lighting in your environment. However, this feature is disabled when replacing the screen with a non-genuine one. But with Apple's new policy, True Tone will work with third-party iPhone screens later this year to get the best performance possible. If the screen is not working as expected, users can turn off True Tone in Settings.

The next change in Apple's policy is that later this year, battery health metrics like maximum capacity and number of charge cycles will work with third-party iPhone batteries. But, Apple says it doesn't guarantee the accuracy of third-party battery metrics.

Currently, iPhones with third-party batteries do not display battery health metrics such as maximum capacity and number of charges because the accuracy of these metrics cannot be verified by Apple. An internal Apple analysis found that some third-party batteries were actually used but sold as new, with battery health metrics manipulated to appear new.

Apple did not provide a specific timeline for when these changes would be rolled out in its documentation. Many assumed they would appear in iOS 18 updates later this year, but Apple did not provide a more specific timeline in its documentation.

Apple stops free iPhone repairs if there are small cracks on the screen

According to 9to5Mac, Apple has made some changes to its out-of-warranty repair policy for iPhones and Apple Watches. Accordingly, iPhones and Apple Watches with small cracks on the screen will not be repaired by Apple even within the warranty period.

Apple has sent notices of this updated policy to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers, requiring them to treat single hairline cracks as accidental damage. So, under the new rules, if an iPhone screen develops a small crack, even if there is no other damage, the user will still have to pay for the repair.

This is in contrast to what Apple has allowed up until now, where minor cracks, as long as there is no obvious point of impact causing a crack or other obvious damage to the device, will still be covered by the standard warranty.

Users can use the screen repair calculator on Apple's website to find out how much it will cost to repair the screen. Depending on the model and whether or not the user has purchased AppleCare+, the tool will give an estimated price the user will pay.

Users who purchase AppleCare+ will get “unlimited accidental damage” to the display and other components. However, depending on whether the display or some other hardware component is damaged, Apple will still charge a service fee per incident.

It's unclear why Apple changed its policy, but 9to5Mac notes that repairs for minor cracks are still available for iPads and Macs that are still under warranty.