Apple Empowers iPhone Owners: Repair with Genuine, Pre-Owned Parts Now Possible

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) unveiled on Thursday an upgraded repair protocol, allowing customers and independent repair providers to incorporate "previously used Apple components" in the repair process for specific iPhone models. Set to roll out this fall, this initiative aims to uphold user privacy, security, and safety while broadening consumer choices and extending product durability.

In a statement, Apple emphasized that refurbished genuine parts will deliver the same functionality and security as original factory-calibrated components, mirroring the quality of new genuine Apple parts.

John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, highlighted the company's two-year effort to integrate used Apple parts into repair solutions without compromising user safety, security, or privacy. This endeavor involved significant innovation in product design and manufacturing processes.

During this period, Apple's teams focused on enabling the reutilization of essential components like biometric sensors for Face ID or Touch ID authentication. Moving forward, calibration for both new and refurbished genuine Apple parts will occur on the device post-installation, enhancing the repair process's efficiency and accuracy.

Furthermore, Apple announced the extension of its Activation Lock feature to iPhone parts, aiming to deter theft-related disassembly attempts. This fall, Apple intends to augment its Parts and Service History functionality to indicate whether a component is new or refurbished genuine Apple merchandise.

Over the past five years, Apple has substantially expanded its service network, nearly doubling the number of authorized service providers and independent repair providers with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training. Currently exceeding 10,000 locations, this network ensures widespread access to high-quality repair services for Apple product users.