Apple to Relax Limits on Repairing iPhones with Used Parts
In a significant shift in policy, Apple announced on Thursday that it would be easing restrictions on repairing newer iPhones with used parts such as screens, batteries, and cameras. This marks a departure from their previous practice of using software to push customers towards using new and more expensive Apple-approved parts.
The change comes in response to recent legislation passed in Oregon that outlawed Apple’s practice of tying parts to software, a practice known as “parts pairing.” Similar bills are being considered in other states, including Colorado. Apple had initially opposed the Oregon legislation, citing concerns about security risks associated with using lower-priced parts from third-party suppliers.
Previously, if an iPhone owner attempted to replace a broken part with a genuine, used Apple part purchased from a third-party source, the replacement would not work properly due to a mismatch in serial numbers. The only way to ensure a fully functioning replacement was to purchase a part directly from Apple. However, with the new policy, Apple will remove these restrictions for the iPhone 15, released last year.
The change will take effect this fall and will apply to genuine Apple parts from iPhone suppliers. When a genuine replacement part is installed, the phone will automatically work with it without the need for a technician to provide a serial number to Apple. This will allow for seamless integration of replacement parts with the iPhone.
This reversal comes after a New York Times analysis highlighted Apple’s increasing restrictions on iPhone repairs, leading to higher costs for consumers. While the change will lift parts-pairing restrictions on Apple-approved parts, it will not apply to parts from third-party suppliers. These third-party parts are typically less expensive and could potentially save customers money on repairs.
An Apple spokesman noted that while customers can still install third-party parts, iPhones will continue to use software to alert them to this change. This is to ensure customer security and safety, as studies funded by Apple have shown that many third-party smartphone batteries have failed safety tests and even caused fires.
Advocates for repair legislation, such as Nathan Proctor from U.S. PIRG, see this move as a step in the right direction. Proctor stated that it never made technical sense for Apple to restrict the use of authentic Apple parts for repairs, calling the previous practice “preposterous and ridiculous.”
Starting in January, Oregon’s law will require Apple and other companies to allow customers to use any part they choose in repairs, even if it is not approved by the original manufacturer. Apple could face penalties for non-compliance with the law starting in 2027.
While Apple has expressed support for repair legislation, they have also raised concerns about the level of consumer protection provided by the Oregon bill. The company continues to emphasize the importance of customer security and safety in all repair practices.
