December 25, 2024

Apple is Locking Down iPhone Batteries to Discourage User Replacement [Video]

Posted August 8, 2019 at 4:34pm by iClarified · 16223 views
Apple has started locking down iPhone batteries to discourage user replacement, reports iFixit and TheArtofRepair.

If you replace the battery of your iPhone XR or XS with either a genuine Apple battery or a third party battery, your iPhone will indicate that the battery needs 'Service' and will refuse to display battery health information.

It’s not a bug; it’s a feature Apple wants. Unless an Apple Genius or an Apple Authorized Service Provider authenticates a battery to the phone, that phone will never show its battery health and always report a vague, ominous problem.

iFixit likens the message to a 'Check Oil' light that only a Ford dealership can reset, even if you've changed the oil yourself.

The site notes that this just another step in Apple's attempt to block user repairs. Back in 2016, Apple bricked iPhones with an Error 53 if you replaced your screen. Then Apple paired Touch ID home buttons to the logic board resulting in the loss of Touch ID on Home button replacement. More recently, Apple started disabling TrueTone on replacement screens, even if they are genuine Apple displays. However, pairing iPhone batteries to iPhones is a new low.

"You bought it, you own it, you should be able to fix it. It’s that simple. Pairing batteries to iPhones is a gross overreach. It’s yet another instance of purchasing a product, and not being able to fully utilize it—like leasing a car, except you’re paying full price for it."

iFixit is encouraging users to voice their support Right to Repair legislation in their state.

Check out the video below for more details...

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