Published on November 13, 2023, 1:20 pm
Image source: Fox News
TLDR: Apple has been found to include code in iPhones that detects when repair components are purchased from third-party sources and intentionally causes malfunctions if non-Apple parts are used. This strategy not only drives customers towards AppleCare+ for repairs but also generates significant revenue for the company. Certain iPhone components, such as Face ID sensors and displays, can trigger issues during repairs, even if replaced with identical parts. Similar practices have been employed by companies like HP, Tesla, and John Deere. Legislators, such as Oregon's state senator Janeen Sollman, are attempting to make it illegal for Apple to restrict repairs. While Apple argues that these practices ensure customer safety and brand protection, critics argue that they limit consumer choice and push users towards expensive official repair services.
Apple’s Repair Toolkit Raises Concerns Over Right to Repair Movement
According to The New York Times, it has been revealed that iPhones are equipped with code that can identify when repair components are purchased from Apple and intentionally fail if alternative parts are used. While Apple has appeared to be more open to repairs through its own service and support initiatives, the publication claims that the company has taken steps to ensure that only its own parts can be utilized for repairs.
The motivation behind this strategy is two-fold: not only does Apple profit from selling its own parts, but it also drives customers towards AppleCare+, which generates an estimated $9 billion in annual revenue for the company. The publication explains that unlike cars, which can often be repaired with generic parts by independent mechanics and shops, new iPhones have specific coding that recognizes the serial numbers of original components. Any changes made to these parts may result in malfunctions.
According to iFixit, a company specializing in iPhone component analysis and DIY repair part sales, there are seven iPhone components that can trigger issues during repairs. These components include Face ID or Touch ID sensors, displays, batteries, front cameras, LiDAR sensors, taptic engines, and rear cameras. Surprisingly, even swapping a malfunctioning part with an identical one from another iPhone does not always resolve the issue.
The New York Times refers to this issue as “parts pairing” and claims it is a software problem that causes problems during repairs. Only approved parts and authorized repairs have been able to avoid these issues in recent years. It should be noted that although the article mentions cases of original Apple parts failing when transferred between iPhones, it does not delve into details about this phenomenon.
While it doesn’t explicitly state whether Apple acknowledges or admits to implementing these practices, the publication suggests that companies like Hewlett Packard (HP), Tesla, and John Deere have employed similar techniques in their respective products. This practice is defended by Apple and other companies on grounds of customer safety and brand protection.
Oregon’s state senator, Janeen Sollman, is one of several lawmakers attempting to make it illegal for Apple to restrict repairs. Despite being invited to Apple Park and discussing the importance of repairs in terms of security and safety, Sollman remains unconvinced. She argues that if Apple retains ultimate control over repairs, it cannot truly be considered a right to repair.
In 2022, Apple introduced its Self Service Repair program for iPhones and expanded it to include Macs in 2023. Under this program, users must purchase iPhone components from Apple and also acquire the necessary tools for making the repairs.
In conclusion, the discovery of code in iPhones that identifies repair components purchased from Apple and purposely causes malfunctions with alternate parts has raised concerns regarding the right to repair movement. While companies like Apple argue that such practices are necessary for customer safety and brand protection, critics believe they limit consumer choice and drive users towards expensive official repair services. Ultimately, the battle between technology manufacturers and the right to repair advocates continues.
Original article posted by Fox News
