iOS 15.2 Adds 'Parts and Service History' Feature to iPhone

[MacRumors]

With the launch of iOS 15.2, Apple is adding a new "Parts and Service History" section to the Settings app that will let users see the service history of their iPhones and confirm that components used for repairs are genuine.

As outlined in a new support document, iPhone users who have iOS 15.2 or later installed can go to Settings > General > About to access Parts and Service History. The Parts and Service History section will only be available if repairs have been conducted on your iPhone.

Apple will provide different information on components depending on iPhone version.

• For iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation), you can see if the battery has been replaced.
• For iPhone 11 models, iPhone 12 models, and iPhone 13 models, you can see if the battery or display have been replaced.
• For iPhone 12 models and iPhone 13 models, you can see if the battery, display, or camera have been replaced.

If a fix was done with genuine Apple parts and tools, repairs in this section will have a "Genuine Apple Part" listing next to the repaired component.

An "Unknown Part" message will be displayed if a part installation is incomplete, the part was replaced with a non-genuine component, the part was already used or installed in another iPhone, or if the part is not functioning as expected. In prior versions of iOS, customers are only able to see if a replacement part is identified as an Unknown Part.

Apple says that the messages in the Service History section will not affect the ability to use the iPhone, its battery, display, or camera. The information is collected and stored on device, with Apple using it for service needs, safety analysis, and to improve future products.

The addition of the "Parts and Service History" to the iPhone comes alongside a change that Apple is making to iPhone 13 models. At release, it was discovered that replacing a broken display on an iPhone 13 without specialized tools and components from Apple disables Face ID.

After backlash from the repair community, Apple said that it would introduce a software update that would allow for display repairs that do not affect Face ID. iOS 15.2 removes the specific pairing requirement that caused Face ID not to work when a display repair is performed by a repair shop without Apple-certified equipment.

Apple has previously introduced repair restrictions for Touch ID, True Tone functionality, and iPhone 12 cameras, but the company always faces blowback when limiting iPhone repair options and disabling iPhone features. Apple has settled for informing customers if components are non-genuine while leaving iPhone functionality intact, and this new section streamlines repair component messaging.

In November, Apple announced plans for a new Self Service Repair program that will allow users to complete their own device repairs using instruction manuals and components provided by Apple. This will join the Apple Authorized Service Program and Apple's Independent Repair Provider Program, which provides Apple parts and tools to independent repair shops that are not AASPs.

Article Link: iOS 15.2 Adds 'Parts and Service History' Feature to iPhone

 

[Briskit]

This is very good for people who are buying 2nd hand iPhones off of online market places. Though, not sure if the unknown status will affect your repair at an official apple store.

 

[CLS7]

I cannot find the feature "Parts and service history" on my iPhone 12 Pro Max, yes I run the latest iOS 15.2 RC. Is this only for customer in U.S? I'm from Sweden.

 

[jclo]

I cannot find the feature "Parts and service history" on my iPhone 12 Pro Max, yes I run the latest iOS 15.2 RC. Is this only for customer in U.S? I'm from Sweden.

As mentioned in the article, this section only shows up if you have had a repair on your iPhone.

 

[BWhaler]

This is very good for people who are buying 2nd hand iPhones off of online market places. Though, not sure if the unknown status will affect your repair at an official apple store.

very insightful observation.

 

[Total Respray]

This is very good for people who are buying 2nd hand iPhones off of online market places.

Agree, and less good for both reputable (eg. iFixit) and less-reputable after-market suppliers.

 

[lazyrighteye]

I cannot find the feature "Parts and service history" on my iPhone 12 Pro Max, yes I run the latest iOS 15.2 RC. Is this only for customer in U.S? I'm from Sweden.

Have you had your screen and/or battery replaced? If not, it sounds like you won’t see this option in Settings.

I think this is all related to their opening up repairs for anyone so inclined - likely paving the way for another revenue stream, no doubt.

 

[AmazeSE]

Looks like Apple is getting ready for the launch of their Self Service Repair program which is scheduled to roll out next year.

 

[poematik13]

This is gonna kill the used market haha. So many people make a living from fixing broken iphones for really cheap with crappy non-oem parts then selling them on ebay as "gently used"

Now you can easily find out if you're getting hustled

 

[Shirasaki]

Sounds good, but it needs time to see how effective it works and how much impact it will bring to the used phone market and repair market.

 

[nostaws]

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for features to add.

 

[dantracht]

Really like this idea.

 

[SuryaDip]

this is great but 3utools is better

 

[JosephAW]

Can’t wait to hear reports of non genuine positives on new devices.

 

[svish]

Looks like some changes are being implemented before Apple starts selling parts for self repair.

 

[MBAir2010]

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for features to add.

i hear ya!
seems to me when i see an  new feature,
and spent 5 minutes trying to figure the usage out,
my conclusion is "what's the point"

why don't these Cupertino clods take that time to figure out how to get
iCloud or app store working on iOS 6.1.2015 for our  products in 2021?

 

[Matti_]

I cannot find the feature "Parts and service history" on my iPhone 12 Pro Max, yes I run the latest iOS 15.2 RC. Is this only for customer in U.S? I'm from Sweden.

It’s not shown in my settings too. From Germany

 

[_Spinn_]

This is a really good idea.

 

[alien3dx]

ohh no bad idea. we don't have genuises here.

 

[Stunning_Sense4712]

With this new feature I hope Apple will stop killing Face ID, touch ID, and True Tone when repairs are done on the device.

 

[rforno]

Apple is using FUD to create a sense that only 'genuine' Apple parts are acceptable in their products under the guise of giving users more information. This is misdirection and a dark pattern to get them to continue only using Apple for repairs.

Apple is NOT a friend of Right to Repair!!

 

[Chaparral02]

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for features to add.

I think this is great and it going be so nice to know if a repair has been done with genuine apple parts and not some cheap aftermarket parts

 

[Aoligei]

This is very good for people who are buying 2nd hand iPhones off of online market places. Though, not sure if the unknown status will affect your repair at an official apple store.

This is remotely useless.

For example: If I have access to original screen, I can rewrite serial number to the replacement screen to get True Tone functionality and you won't get non-genius parts warning. You can also replace screen with third party IC that has firmware get around the restriction.

Other example: If you have cracked screen and OLED panel is not affect, you can also get glass replaced. Apple has no way of knowing such modification.

On battery: You can replace the battery management chip from old battery and soldering to new battery. You can also rewrite the cycle counts.

Anything can be tempered if you have access to tools.

 

[TimmyP777]

This is gonna kill the used market haha. So many people make a living from fixing broken iphones for really cheap with crappy non-oem parts then selling them on ebay as "gently used"

Now you can easily find out if you're getting hustled

REALLY ****ed up that you think this way. Tell me the point? You are your brainwashed minions. This brings you happiness?

 

[poematik13]

REALLY ****ed up that you think this way. Tell me the point? You are your brainwashed minions. This brings you happiness?

lol did you forget to take your lithium today