Apple added a "Repair Assistant" feature in iOS 18 that is designed to allow iPhone users to configure replacement parts after a repair. The Repair Assistant works with genuine Apple components, and it makes sure that an iPhone is functional and working as intended if it's been repaired with an Apple part.
A replacement display, for example, can be configured with the Repair Assistant to make sure that True Tone, auto brightness options, and other features are accessible. For the battery, the configuration process ensures Battery Health reporting works properly.
The feature is able to be used to configure parts that were installed prior to iOS 18's release. Users who have had a third-party battery replacement that used an Apple battery, for example, can configure it as a genuine Apple component.
After installing iOS 18, if you have a part that is able to be configured, it will show up under Parts and Service in the About section of the Settings app. Users who have not had a repair will not see this section.
Apple says that Repair Assistant is able to be used with iPhone 12 and later models. Batteries, cameras, displays, and more can be configured using the tool.
Repair Assistant was first highlighted by Apple back in April. At the time, Apple said that it would be introduced in the fall, and would provide a way for used genuine Apple parts to be employed for fully functional repairs.
As part of this change, Apple is extending Activation Lock to iPhone parts to deter stolen iPhones from being disassembled for components.
Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio.
Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014.
Q.ai has...
Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.
There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...
A newly surfaced resale operation is seemingly offering Apple Store–exclusive display accessories to the public for the first time, potentially giving consumers access to Apple-designed hardware that the company has historically kept confined to its retail environments.
Apple designs a range of premium MagSafe charging stands, display trays, and hardware systems exclusively for displays in ...
Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available.
Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year.
A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch.
Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More
Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
Parts sourced from Activation Locked iPhones will now activate-lock the phone if you try the repair assisstant. Brutal, many parts are sourced from stolen phones
Apple really are doing their best to make people not want to steal iPhones. The device gets bricked, even the swappable parts are going to get "bricked". If you buy a stolen Apple Watch then it's probably just a paperweight.
Thousands of usable iPhones trashed by one Colorado firm because well-meaning donors forgot to turn off “Find my iPhone”
Lafayette recycler can’t do a thing with working, but locked, iPhones and donors aren’t getting the financial impact expected
Maybe the recycling company should deny iPhone donations if they see activation lock is still on. And warn potential donors not to forget turning off activation lock.
Parts sourced from Activation Locked iPhones will now activate-lock the phone if you try the repair assisstant. Brutal, many parts are sourced from stolen phones
Parts sourced from Activation Locked iPhones will now activate-lock the phone if you try the repair assisstant. Brutal, many parts are sourced from stolen phones
Good. Stolen parts should also be able to heat up and immediately melt down the entire phone they're put into as soon as it's powered up.
Great idea. The only way to reduce theft is to make it not worth it to steal iphones. If there is not much money for the stolen phones, then the theft will reduce.
