Durable devices

Apple uses components from old iPhones for repairs

It will soon be possible to repair iPhones with spare parts from other manufacturers, including displays and batteries.(Bild: WICHAN SHOP - stock.adobe.com)

Apple will soon allow the use of components from used devices for iPhone repairs. iPhones will be able to recognize when someone tries to use a part from a stolen or lost phone.

The new feature will make it possible to use cameras and the biometric modules for FaceID facial recognition or the fingerprint sensor for TouchID from old devices for repairs, for example.

When the devices are assembled, the components undergo a calibration process. Essentially, the optimum parameters for the operation of this specific part are determined. iPhones will now retrieve this data stored in the cloud during repairs if they recognize a previously installed and calibrated original part.

Repairs with spare parts from iPhone15
It should generally be possible to use the used spare parts from iPhone 15 onwards, but this will only be possible with the biometric modules from the next iPhone generation in the fall. So far, Apple has only allowed the sensors to be paired with the main processor once - for security reasons.

It will soon be possible to repair iPhones with spare parts from other manufacturers, including displays and batteries.(Bild: WICHAN SHOP - stock.adobe.com)

Longevity as a goal
Apple has been repeatedly criticized in recent years by advocates of better repairability of devices. Basically, long-lasting devices are the goal. 

The trend towards chip systems that take over more and more functions on a single board, which were once distributed across several components such as graphics cards or memory modules, is also good for sustainability.