Despite iOS's strict security measures that allow lost or stolen iPhones to be locked and located even when the battery is completely dead, repair smartphones Apple remain a popular target for theft. Even if the thief fails to sell the device in working condition, there will always be those willing to buy it for parts. With the ban on the use of non-original components for Apple equipment repair, such methods are becoming relevant.
With the release of iOS 18, stealing iPhones will become pointless.
Selling iPhone for parts
Apple has officially allowed the use of components from used devices to repair iPhones. This is aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse emissions and carbon footprint. However, everyone is aware that such an initiative could cause a new wave of iPhone thefts for disassembly.
To prevent this, a procedure for checking the origin of components through calibration has been introduced. A special software mechanism will block the spare part if it turns out to be stolen. The service equipment will contact the Apple database, and if the donor smartphone is "clean", the replacement will be allowed.
Is it possible to repair an iPhone using used parts?
Apple is constantly looking for new ways to improve the customer experience while reducing its impact on the planet. A key initiative is to design products that last. The company is currently working on the ability to repair devices using used parts, said John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.
Initially, repairs using used components will be available only to iPhone 15 repair, and then for earlier models. The plan is to allow the reuse of significant components such as screens, Touch ID or Face ID sensors, camera modules and other parts. Service centers will be able to disassemble faulty devices and use their components to repair other devices, which will reduce repair time.
How to protect your iPhone from theft?
Apple is officially planning to launch the new initiative this fall after the release of iOS 18. The new mechanism will reject unverified used parts. The protection is expected to be tied to the Activation Lock tool, which locks the device if lost, allowing the user to remotely enable Lost Mode or delete all data.
Why do you need Activation Lock on iPhone?
After the update, the activation lock will apply not only to the device, but also to its components. A similar technique is used in the aircraft industry, where the manufacturer always knows where its components are used. In the case of Apple, the company will not only know the location of the parts, but will also be able to disable them remotely.
As seen in the aviation industry, sanctions could limit the ability to buy official parts, forcing the use of replicas or components taken from other devices. Apple will be in a similar situation: repairs will only be possible using verified parts, making theft pointless.
