Apple’s iOS 18 update to protect buyers from faulty or repaired used iPhones

ISLAMABAD: Apple’s latest iOS 18 update introduces a feature designed to reduce the risk of users unknowingly purchasing faulty used iPhones.

The company has extended its Activation Lock system, previously used to protect stolen iPhones, to now include individual iPhone components like the battery, cameras, and display. This move is aimed at tackling the issue of faulty or unauthorised parts being installed in second-hand iPhones.

With the Activation Lock feature, Apple will tie each iPhone part to the original device through its serial number. If a used part is installed into another iPhone, iOS 18 will prompt the user to enter the Apple Account password of the original owner.

If the password is not entered, the component will either not work properly or may show limited functionality, ensuring that users don’t end up with a phone using unverified or damaged parts.

This update is especially useful for buyers of second-hand iPhones. In the past, many sellers would replace broken components with parts sourced from other devices, often without disclosing that the replacements were unauthorised or potentially faulty. As a result, unsuspecting buyers could end up with a phone that seemed fine but had hidden problems, such as poor battery life or malfunctioning cameras.

In countries like Pakistan, where many people rely on local repair shops and second-hand markets, this update could have a significant impact.

Previously, repair shops would source parts from “iCloud-locked” iPhones or other damaged devices, but these parts might now be locked through Apple’s new system, making them unusable without verification.

This means consumers will need to be more cautious when purchasing used iPhones or opting for cheaper repairs, as they could run into issues with locked parts.

Apple’s goal with this update is twofold: to protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing faulty devices and to help reduce the sale of parts from stolen iPhones.

By requiring verification for used parts, Apple hopes to prevent grey market dealers from profiting off stolen phones, which are often dismantled and sold for parts.

The iOS 18 update is scheduled to be released on Monday, September 16, and will be available for iPhone XR and newer models. For now, the Activation Lock feature applies only to iPhones and won’t extend to iPads running iPadOS 18.

With this new layer of security, Apple is making it safer for consumers to buy second-hand devices, while also limiting the ability of thieves and unscrupulous dealers to profit from unverified parts.

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