On Monday, September 16, Apple released iOS 18, the latest version of its operating system for iPhones. Along with a series of improvements, it introduces a significant new feature—Activation Lock for third-party smartphone parts, according to a report from 9to5Mac.
Activation Lock Extends to iPhone Parts
BetaProfiles.com highlighted that the iOS 18 RC (Release Candidate) build, which was made available to developers and public beta testers, includes Activation Lock for individual iPhone components. Apple previously announced that Activation Lock would no longer just secure the iPhone itself but also key components like the battery, cameras, and display, all tied to their unique serial numbers.
The primary objective behind this move is to curb the sale of parts from stolen iPhones. Due to the Activation Lock, most stolen iPhones have been sold for their valuable parts on the gray market. Now, if an iPhone running iOS 18 detects a used part, it will prompt the user for the Apple account password of the original device owner.
Impact on Users and iPhone Repairs
Some users have already attempted to replace parts on iPhones running the iOS 18 RC. As expected, the devices required the Apple account password to unlock and verify the used component. This additional layer of security adds more protection for iPhone users, discouraging the resale of parts from stolen devices.
Apple had first announced this feature in April, emphasizing its efforts to prevent stolen iPhones from being disassembled for parts. If a replaced component is detected to have come from a device marked with Activation Lock or Lost Mode, the calibration capabilities of that part will be restricted, reducing its functionality.
NIX Solutions notes that the Activation Lock feature for components will only be available on iPhones. iPads running iPadOS 18 will not include this capability. Apple continues to focus on enhancing iPhone security and repair authenticity, and we’ll keep you updated on any further developments.