With iOS 18, Apple brings Activation Lock to iPhone parts

Apple has released the Release Candidate (RC) build of iOS 18 to developers and public beta testers. One of the notable additions in this update is the introduction of Activation Lock for iPhone components. As previously announced, this feature ties your Apple Account not only to your iPhone but also to specific components like the battery, cameras, and display, using their unique serial numbers.

Philipe Espósito for 9to5Mac:
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Earlier this year, Apple announced some changes to its repair policies. Overall, the company has made it easier for users to repair their iPhone with genuine used parts. However, at the same time, Apple also announced that it would bring Activation Lock to iPhone parts. This new feature is now available and working in iOS 18.

Apple’s goal is to put an end to the market for selling parts from stolen iPhones. Since iPhones have Activation Lock, most stolen phones are sold on the gray market for parts, which are still quite valuable. Now, when the iPhone detects a used part, it will ask for the Apple Account password of the owner of the original device.

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MacDailyNews Note: In its April 11, 2024 press release, Apple stated:

Apple will also extend its popular Activation Lock feature to iPhone parts in order to deter stolen iPhones from being disassembled for parts. Requested by customers and law enforcement officials, the feature was designed to limit iPhone theft by blocking a lost or stolen iPhone from being reactivated. If a device under repair detects that a supported part was obtained from another device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, calibration capabilities for that part will be restricted.