Manzana has never been a budget brand, but rather an “aspirational” one. Its products, for many, denote a certain social status and a higher price than other similar ones is justified by the perception that users have of the brand. It is something that Apple has worked on, over several decades, through marketing and relying on the quality of its devices and which justifies its high prices. This approach is not limited to new devices, but also to the parts that are used to repair thembut the company has decided to open its hand a little and has announced that will allow the use of second-hand parts to replace defective iPhone components, which will make them more affordable.
When a service technician or owner using the self-service repair service needs to change a component, they must perform a pairing process. That is, the serial number of the device must match that of the new part sold by Apple to ensure its correct operation, thus avoids reusing components.
Current prices for these are found in the usual Apple line. For example, a new screen can cost from 165 euros if it is for a first generation iPhone SElaunched in 2016, until 489 euros of that corresponding to a iPhone 15 Pro Max. If we talk about the batterythe possibilities range from 79 euros until the 299, referring to the two mentioned models. And if it is him rear camera setsince the 199 euros of the iPhone 12 Mini until the 299 of its latest top of the range.
These prices can be seen significantly improved if second-hand parts are used instead of brand new ones. With this option, which can only be carried out with some iPhone models, Apple seeks to offer more options to customers, prolong the useful life of the devices and reduce the environmental impact of repairs. “Used Apple parts will benefit from the same functionality and security that factory calibration provides for new parts“, says the company in a statement. This calibration will be carried out on the device itself after installation.
With this change, the process of pairing the parts will no longer be mandatory and the annoying notifications that iOS currently shows if a used or non-original component is used and that in some cases they lead to it not being able to be used.
Since when, what models and what components
The components that will be able to benefit from this option, starting next autumnwill be the screens, batteries and cameras. Later, support will also be given to biometric sensors like those used with Face ID and Touch ID.
As for the models that can be repaired with used parts, Apple has not clarified which ones they are, but TechCrunch indicates that it will be the iPhone 15 family and later models that arrive in the future.
This measure could make it easier for stolen terminal components to be used as repair parts, but to prevent this Apple will extend the function of activation lock. This feature is designed to prevent the reactivation of a lost or stolen iPhone and thus reduce the number of thefts. “During a repair, if a device detects that a compatible part came from a product with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, calibration options for that part will be restricted“explains the company.