Core Insights - Apple has made changes to its "Right to Repair" policy, allowing users more options for device repairs, but this has led to complications in the iPhone repair market [1][5] Group 1: Changes in Repair Policy - In 2021, Apple responded to calls for "Right to Repair" by allowing users more choices for device repairs, although this was largely due to regulatory pressure from the US and EU [1][3] - The latest iOS 18.5 Beta update changed the diagnostic label for parts from "used" to "second-hand," making it clearer to users that the battery may not be new [3][10] - Apple has implemented "part serialization," requiring that replacement parts have official serial numbers to function properly, limiting the use of third-party parts [3][5] Group 2: Impact on Third-Party Repair - Despite the introduction of the self-repair program, third-party repair shops must still source parts from Apple, which undermines the intended benefits of the repair rights [5][6] - In Spring 2024, Apple relaxed its part serialization policy, allowing consumers to purchase parts without providing device serial numbers for repairs not involving the logic board [6][8] - Starting Fall 2024, some iPhone models will permit the use of second-hand parts by users and independent repair shops, but this has led to concerns about the quality of parts being sold as new [8][10] Group 3: Quality Concerns - The opening of repair rights has resulted in third-party repair shops potentially selling second-hand parts as new, creating confusion for consumers [8][10] - Users may struggle to distinguish between genuine new parts and second-hand parts, as both can be labeled as "used" in the system [10][12] - The change in calibration procedures for parts has given third-party repair shops more leeway to misrepresent the condition of the parts being installed [12]