After introducing iPhone self-repair in 2022 and expanding it to computers last year, Apple will finally allow iPhones to be repaired with used parts. This fall, the company announced that owners of "select" iPhone models will be able to repair them with used genuine parts.

The update does not indicate when this fall will be or which specific models will be eligible for used parts. However, going by past practice, it will probably start with the current 15 iPhone models and expand from there. [John Tarnas, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, said, "At Apple, we are always looking for new ways to deliver the best experience for our customers while reducing our impact on the planet.

Currently, DIY users and independent repair stores must use the device's serial number to pair it with the appropriate new part, which can be purchased as a kit or independently from Apple. Once the repair is complete, the phone is calibrated with the new part. However, used or aftermarket parts cause the iPhone to keep sending notifications that the part cannot be verified; some parts, like the Face ID and Touch ID sensors, did not work at all.

According to Apple, with this update, users and repair stores will no longer need to provide device serial numbers when ordering parts at self-repair stores.

In addition to the announcement of used parts, Apple also announced that genuine used and new Face ID and Touch ID sensors will be available this fall. Apple stated that "calibration of genuine Apple parts, whether new or used, will take place on the device after the parts are installed."

The company also stated that "the calibration of genuine Apple parts will take place on the device after the parts are installed.

Finally, Apple plans to extend the Activation Lock feature to iPhone components. Activation Lock was designed to prevent lost or stolen iPhones from being reactivated. Apple explained in a press release that "if a device undergoing repair detects that it has obtained a supported part from another device with Activation Lock or Lost Mode enabled, the calibration functionality of that part will be limited."

It took Apple a long time to get on board with the "right to repair" idea that exists in other technology products. Therefore, it is gratifying to see that since the company opened its devices to user repair, it has gradually expanded that capability.