Apple is making big changes to its iPhone repair program: What it means for users

iphone repairs

Apple has made a significant announcement related to its existing repair process for iPhone users. A big change is that customers as well as third-party repair providers will be able to utilise used Apple parts in repairs

According to Apple, the new process is designed to maintain an iPhone user’s privacy, security, and safety, while offering consumers more options, increasing product longevity, and minimising the environmental impact of a repair. “Used genuine Apple parts will now benefit from the full functionality and security afforded by the original factory calibration, just like new genuine Apple parts,” said Apple in a press release.

Furthermore, Apple will also enable the reuse of parts such as biometric sensors used for Face ID or Touch ID. Later this year, calibration for genuine Apple parts, new or used, will happen on the device after the part is installed. Older iPhone models will now support used biometric sensors as well.

Apple will also inform users about the full part and repair histories of their devices. There will be a tab titled Parts and Service history — located within Settings on iOS — which will show owners whether their device has been repaired and provides information about the parts used. Apple will expand Parts and Service History to additionally show whether a part is a new or used genuine Apple part.

John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, said, “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 program, 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.”