• iPhone 15 just got a big repairability boost and it's good news f

    From TechnologyDaily@1337:1/100 to All on Fri Apr 12 04:15:05 2024
    iPhone 15 just got a big repairability boost and it's good news for future models, too

    Date:
    Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:00:26 +0000

    Description:
    This fall, Apple is going to allow people to fix their device with genuine used parts while ensuring the same level of quality.

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    Apple is easing up its self-repair policy, allowing iPhone owners to fix their devices with used parts instead of forcing them to buy new
    replacements. The tech giant told The Washington Post the update will apply
    to screens, batteries, and cameras among other things.

    Apple states in its announcement post that they have plans to grow the
    program to include biometric sensors. The changes are scheduled to take
    effect this autumn, starting, Apple confirmed with TechRadar, with the iPhone 15 and future models.

    Parts pairing, where the serial number of a component is matched with the iPhone, remains an important aspect of the repair process. Apple states the technology is important in determining whether a part is genuine and critical to preserving the privacy, security, and safety of iPhone. They will,
    however, relax some of the restrictions surrounding parts pairing.

    Neither customers nor service providers will need to give Apple a phones serial number when ordering replacements so long as youre not fixing the logic board, in which case then you do. Calibration will occur right on the iPhone after the genuine part has been installed. Maintaining quality

    This is a big deal because, as The Washington Post explains, attempting to
    use components harvested from other iPhones results in performance problems. Colors on fixed displays may not look as vibrant as they once did.

    But all that changes several months from now. You can expect the same level
    of quality regardless of whether a part is used or right out of the factory. The policy change could even be helpful for users who cant afford out-of-warranty costs or dont have an Apple Store near them.

    Alongside the update, Apple is going to expand the availability of its Activation Lock tech to iPhone parts. The feature was originally designed to limit theft by preventing access to lost or stolen devices. Moving forward,
    if an iPhone under repairs notices a part has either Activation Lock or Lost Mode activated, calibration for that replacement will be disabled. Whats
    more, the company plans to upgrade an iPhones Parts and Service History to show information about whether a part is new or used.

    No word on how much these parts will cost or where people can buy them. Presumably, itll all be done through the companys Self Service Repair Store. Weve reached out for info and well update this story if we hear back. Potential future changes

    Aftermarket parts built by third parties will not be allowed. The Washington Post states that if you try to install one of those components, youll receive a warning stating the part isnt legitimate and certain features won't work such as the battery health readout.

    Of course, things can always change. Apple was once famously against the
    right to repair , and yet here they are, providing the parts themselves. We could see additional repair policy changes later in the year moving into
    2025. Parts pairing, in particular, is currently caught in the crosshairs. Oregon recently banned the practice back in late March although the law wont take effect until January 2025. The EU is considering doing the same , but nothing is set in stone.

    John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple, defended parts pairing in an interview with TechCrunch by calling the practice not evil. However, if theres one thing weve learned is that with the right motivation, Apple can change its mind.

    Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best iPhones for 2024 . You
    might also like Best iPhone deals for April 2024: free devices, trade-ins,
    and cheapest unlocked prices Will there still be an iPhone Ultra? Can't
    afford an iPhone 15? Then don't forget the iPhone 13



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    Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/iphone-15-just-got-a-big-repairability -boost-and-its-good-news-for-future-models-too


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