Apple is taking a significant step to combat iPhone theft with the release of iOS 18. The new operating system, set to launch on September 16, will introduce Activation Lock for iPhone parts, a feature designed to deter thieves from disassembling stolen devices for valuable components.
How Activation Lock for Parts Works
The new security measure extends Apple's existing Activation Lock feature to individual iPhone components. When a replacement part is detected, iOS 18 will require the Apple ID password associated with the original device. This applies to critical components such as:
- Batteries
- Cameras
- Displays
By linking these parts to a user's Apple account, the company aims to render stolen iPhone components unusable, thus reducing their value on the gray market.
Repair Assistant: A New Tool for Genuine Parts
Alongside Activation Lock for parts, iOS 18 introduces a new "Repair Assistant" feature. This tool helps users configure replacement components after a repair, ensuring that genuine Apple parts function correctly. The Repair Assistant can:
- Verify True Tone and auto-brightness settings for replacement displays
- Ensure accurate Battery Health reporting for new batteries
- Configure cameras and other components
Users can access the Repair Assistant by navigating to Settings > General > About > Parts and Service on supported devices.
Compatibility and Availability
The Activation Lock for parts and Repair Assistant features will be available on iPhone 12 models and later. While iOS 18 is compatible with older devices (iPhone XR and up), these specific repair-related features have more limited support.
Impact on Repairs and Security
This update represents a significant shift in Apple's approach to repairs and device security. By allowing the use of genuine parts from older iPhones in newer models and providing tools to configure these components, Apple is balancing increased repairability with enhanced security measures.
The introduction of Activation Lock for parts is expected to have a notable impact on iPhone theft, as it removes the incentive to steal devices for their individual components. However, it remains to be seen how this will affect the broader repair market and whether determined criminals will find ways to circumvent these new protections.
As iOS 18 rolls out to users worldwide, iPhone owners can look forward to increased security for their devices and components, as well as improved support for genuine parts in repairs.