An upcoming iOS update will tell you the repair history for your iPhone, including if it contains official replacement parts or “unknown” third-party components.
On Tuesday, Apple published a new support document outlining the "iPhone parts and service history" feature coming to iOS 15.2. Users will be able to go to Settings > General > About to view a new information panel containing their iPhone’s repair history.
The repair history’s most noteworthy function is how it can detect if an iPhone contains "non genuine parts." The information panel will display a warning symbol alongside the words “Unknown part." The same warning will be used if iOS detects a replacement part that was previously used in another iPhone, a malfunctioning component, or an incomplete installation.
The feature will be especially handy if you buy a used iPhone, as the information panel will immediately tip you off if the device was ever repaired with questionable parts.
The feature also might push third-party repair services to source their components from Apple instead of unauthorized suppliers. Starting next year, Apple will begin offering a “self service repair” store that’ll let consumers buy official replacement parts for iPhones and Macs.
The iOS 15.2 update is currently in beta testing. Apple adds that if your iPhone was repaired with a genuine part, you'll be able to tap the component to see more information, including the date of the service. "If the battery, display, or camera have not been replaced, then you won't see parts and service history," the company said.
However, the repair history feature will be limited by your iPhone model. Owners of the iPhone 12 or 13 will see a repair history for their device’s battery, display, and camera. But iPhone 11 customers will only be able to view battery and display repair history. Those with an iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and second-gen iPhone SE will only have access to the battery repair history.
Despite its upcoming self-service repair store, Apple still recommends that consumers visit a “professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts” when it comes to fixing their iPhones.
In the same support document, Apple adds: “Replacements not performed by Apple, authorized service providers, or certified technicians might not follow proper safety and repair procedures and could result in improper function or overall device safety.”
Nevertheless, Apple does plan on selling repair tools and manuals for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 before expanding to Macs built with Apple’s M1 chips.