Apple has announced that both customers and independent repair shops will soon have access to used genuine Apple parts for repairs, starting later this year. Initially, this policy will cover parts for iPhone 15 models and newer, including screens, batteries, and cameras, with plans to eventually extend to used biometric sensors for Face ID and Touch ID. A parts “pairing” process will ensure the authenticity of used parts.
In the fall, calibration for both new and used genuine Apple parts will occur on the device after installation. iPhones that have undergone repairs will display a “Parts and Service History” section in the Settings app, providing information on whether a part is new or used.
Apple also announced that customers and service providers will no longer need to provide a device’s serial number when ordering parts from its self-service repair store, except for repairs involving the logic board.
To deter stolen iPhones from being used for parts, Apple will extend its Activation Lock feature to iPhone parts. This feature will restrict calibration capabilities for parts obtained from devices with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled.
According to Apple’s hardware engineering chief, John Ternus, this new policy aims to extend the lifespan of parts while maintaining safety, security, and privacy standards. The company expects this initiative to be more environmentally friendly by facilitating the reuse of genuine Apple parts.
Apple has confirmed that this policy will apply to future iPhone models as well.
