Apple said Thursday that it would relax limits on repairing select newer iPhones with used genuine parts, like screens, batteries, and cameras. Citing environmental benefits, this move will allow customers to choose more affordable repair options with genuine parts, reversing its previous practice of using software to encourage repairs with new Apple-approved parts.
The change in Apple’s policy came just weeks after Oregon outlawed the company’s practice of “parts pairing,” which requires specific replacement parts to be linked with the phone’s software for full functionality. Similar legislation is being considered elsewhere. While Apple expressed concerns about security risks with third-party parts, some argue these parts could offer a more affordable repair option.
So imagine cracking your iPhone 15 screen and wanting to fix it affordably. In the past, this could be a challenge. Previously, iPhones required a process called “parts pairing,” where replacement parts, like screens, had to be linked with the phone’s software to function fully. This meant repairs often relied on Apple-approved parts, which could be expensive.
Apple’s new policy removes these pairing restrictions for the iPhone 15, meaning you can now get your screen (or other genuine Apple parts) fixed with more affordable options without Apple’s involvement. When a genuine replacement part is installed, the phone will work with it automatically. This is good news because it offers iPhone 15 users more flexibility and potentially lower repair costs.
Beginning in January, Oregon’s law will require Apple and others to allow customers to use any part they want in repairs. Otherwise, Apple would be subject to a daily $1,000 penalty for failure to comply with the law.
