☀Apple News Channelis the hottest and the most followed Apple-related public account on WeChat! This is a gathering place for Apple enthusiasts! Check Apple warranty, check Apple serial number, check iPhone prices, evaluate Apple iPhone, buy and sell used iPhones, recycle iPhones, identify counterfeit Apple devices, recover lost iPhones, all services can be provided here!
According to foreign media 9to5mac citing iFixit, Apple has introduced another repair barrier for the iPhone 12, which may further limit third-party repair shops from helping users replace the camera module.
iFixit technicians discovered that after replacing parts, the iPhone 12 camera requires software authorization to function properly. However, previous iPhones could easily have their cameras replaced without any additional steps for operation. iFixit stated that the camera and display are among the most commonly replaced parts by users needing repairs. Apple is increasingly adding restrictions to its devices, making it difficult for unauthorized technicians to replace or repair iPhone components.
When the iPhone 12 camera is replaced without Apple’s official authorization, it appears to work normally at startup, but malfunctions during regular use. iFixit pointed out that the camera cannot switch to ultra-wide mode and only works in certain camera modes, while other modes become completely unavailable.
iFixit stated that this software authorization can only be performed using a proprietary Apple application called System Configuration. This application is only available at authorized repair organizations (such as Apple Store or Best Buy). The tightening of maintenance policies may further impact the third-party repair market, private maintenance, and parts recycling and resale.
Initially, this issue was thought to be a bug, but was later confirmed by Apple’s repair manual that the new iPhones require running Apple’s proprietary cloud-based System Configuration software before the camera can be repaired or replaced. It is known that this is a new requirement for the iPhone 12 series, and other models are not affected.
▲ Image source 9to5mac
It is worth mentioning that the document also states that this tool can be used for screen repair certification, but iFixit noted that when you replace the screen, you will receive a warning, but it may not be the case. Additionally, Face ID and Touch ID previously had similar maintenance policies, but this was because they are connected to the iPhone’s secure chip.
