With iOS 18, Apple adds Activation Lock to select iPhone components.

Earlier this year, Apple announced modifications to its repair policies. In general, the company has simplified the process for users to repair their iPhones using authentic components. Concurrently, Apple announced the introduction of Activation Lock for iPhone parts. This new functionality is now operational in iOS 18.

iOS 18 presents an Activation Lock for iPhone components

According to BetaProfiles, the Release Candidate (RC) version of iOS 18, created and available to developers and public beta testers on Monday, activates the Activation Lock for iPhone components. As previously outlined by Apple, this feature associates your Apple Account not only with your iPhone but also with individual elements such as the battery, cameras, and display, based on their unique serial numbers.

Apple aims to eliminate the market for parts derived from stolen iPhones. Since iPhones are equipped with Activation Lock, many stolen devices are often sold on the gray market for their parts, which retain significant value. Now, when an iPhone identifies a used component, it will prompt for the Apple Account password of the original device’s owner.

Certain individuals have attempted to interchange components between iPhones operating on iOS 18.0 RC, and the device indeed prompts for the Apple Account password to unlock and authenticate the utilized part.

Naturally, there will always be individuals seeking to bypass Apple’s security measures; however, it is commendable to observe the company’s efforts in implementing strategies to deter iPhone theft.

The public release of iOS 18 was scheduled for Monday, September 16. This update necessitates an iPhone XR or a later model. It is important to highlight that the Activation Lock for components is currently applicable only to iPhones and does not extend to iPads running iPadOS 18.

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