⁠⁠Apple iPhone to get support for third-party batteries and displays by 2024 end

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 27, 2024 15:28 IST

Apple published a white paper on Wednesday where it has laid out its revised approach to device repairability and longevity. Apple says that by the end of 2024, the iPhone will better support third-party displays and batteries. For instance, Apple says its features like True Tone will work even with third-party displays starting later this year. “In an effort to offer more complete support for third-party parts, starting later in 2024, Apple will allow consumers to activate True Tone with third-party parts to the best performance that can be provided,” the white paper reads.

Apple’s new repairability rules

Apple also says that with third-party batteries installed, iPhones will still show battery health metrics. This change will also come into effect by the end of the year. “Currently, battery health metrics such as maximum capacity and cycle count are not presented to consumers whose devices have third-party batteries. This is because the accuracy of these metrics cannot be verified by Apple,” says Apple.

“In fact, an Apple internal analysis has found that some third-party batteries sold as new are actually secondhand, with battery health metrics manipulated to appear as new. In an effort to improve support for third-party batteries, starting later in 2024, Apple will display battery health metrics with a notification stating that Apple cannot verify the information presented,” the company further adds in the white paper.

Notably, even with the change, Apple says there is no guarantee of the battery health metrics that users will see with the third-party batteries.

With the change, Apple has come a long way since 2019, when the company started locking iPhone batteries so that users would not use third-party batteries in the phones –– and if they did, for that Apple implanted a warning message that showed up in the device setting notifying users that it is an “unknown part”.

These updates are expected to be included with the release of iOS 18 later this year. However, Apple has not given specific details on the timing in the document.

How Apple is working on iPhone longevity

Apple says that it designs its products to last a long time by using strong materials and rigorous testing. It says that it ensures products are easy to repair without sacrificing safety, security, or privacy. This includes expanding repair services and making parts available for longer. Apple has written in length about this in the white paper. Here are the key takeaways from that:

-Value retention: Apple says its products, especially iPhones, keep their value longer than those of competitors. For instance, iPhones maintain at least 40% more value than Android phones. This means users are more likely to sell or pass on their old devices, extending their usable life.

-Rigorous testing: Apple subjects its products to tough reliability tests to ensure they can withstand various conditions. This includes exposure to liquids, chemicals, and physical stress. These tests are part of every stage of product development to guarantee durability.

-Long-term software support: Apple provides long-lasting software updates, including security patches, for its devices. For example, iOS 17 supports devices as old as those released in 2018. This keeps older devices functional and secure for many years.

-Environmental responsibility: Apple aims to reduce environmental impact by designing products that last longer and can be repaired easily. They use recycled materials and improve repairability to avoid unnecessary carbon emissions. They also focus on high-value repairs, such as battery and display replacements, which are more practical and environmentally friendly.