Individual parts lock against thieves: Apple allows used parts to be activated from iOS 18

With the availability of iOS 18 today, Apple will also introduce a controversial new feature aimed at ensuring that stolen iPhones can no longer be exploited so easily. It is now officially allowed to use original parts used to repair iPhones. At the same time, measures are also taken to make their installation impossible if it is known that they came from stolen devices. The well-known iOS activation lock is also extended to components – at least some central ones.

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“Innovation in product design and product manufacturing”

“If a device under repair detects that a supported part is from another device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, calibration capabilities for that part will be limited,” Apple already described it in April. Apple teams have been driving “innovation in product design and manufacturing” for the past two years to support repairs using used Apple parts that don’t compromise users’ safety, security, and privacy.

With iOS 18, the individual components of the iPhone receive a special serial number that is linked to the user’s Apple ID (in the future: Apple account). The components affected include, in particular, security-relevant components such as Face ID and Touch ID sensors for biometrics. Other central parts such as the battery, camera, display or touchscreen are also calibrated – an overview is still pending. This function was already tested as part of the beta phase of iOS 18. If calibration is not possible, the components may not work correctly and the user will see a warning.

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Function works like activation lock

Apple also plans to rely on Activation Lock or “Lost” mode when implementing this. Components can be marked as stolen or at least “missing” to restrict calibration. There is a new “Parts and Service History” in System Settings to show which components have been installed. Basically, with the new function, Apple is, for the first time, providing an official way to reuse used components without calibration difficulties.

It will also be opened up to independent workshops. With iOS 17.5, Apple last May introduced “Find My?” tracking of devices without the need to turn them off even during repairs.

(B.Sc.)