Apple to Allow Repairs with Used iPhone Parts

Apple Inc. has announced a policy shift that will enable the use of genuine used parts for iPhone 15 repairs, a move that departs from its previous stance of requiring new, company-approved components. This decision, set to take effect this fall, follows the recent passage of a law in Oregon that prohibits the company’s practice of “parts pairing,” where software ties replacement parts to a specific iPhone. The policy change is a response to legislative pressure, with similar bills under consideration in Colorado and other states.

The company’s previous policy mandated that replacement parts, such as screens and batteries, had to be new and sourced directly from Apple to ensure full functionality, as the software would otherwise not recognize the part due to mismatched serial numbers. This practice has been criticized for driving up repair costs and limiting consumer choice. However, with the upcoming policy change, iPhone 15 users will be able to install genuine Apple parts, even if they are pre-owned, without the need for the parts’ serial numbers to be registered with Apple’s database.

The significance of this policy change lies in its potential to lower repair costs for consumers and increase the viability of third-party repair services. It also reflects a growing legislative trend towards “right to repair” laws, which aim to give consumers and independent repair shops more freedom to fix electronics. Apple’s decision to adapt its repair policy for the iPhone 15 could set a precedent for the industry, as lawmakers continue to push for greater repairability of electronic devices.