Apple’s iOS 18 update is not just about new features, improved privacy, or sleeker design — it’s a game-changer for the repairability of iPhones and iPads. The tech giant has introduced a new Repair Assistant, which has redefined how users and third-party technicians interact with Apple’s hardware when it comes to repairs and parts replacement. For the first time, certain iPhone and iPad models now support the use of genuine used replacement parts, even when installed by independent repair professionals.
This revolutionary shift signals a massive departure from Apple’s historically tight control over repair and parts sourcing. Not only does it empower users to repair their devices with fewer restrictions, but it also opens up the possibility of using third-party batteries, further blurring the lines between Apple-certified parts and alternative solutions. In iOS 18.1, this policy expands even further, making room for third-party batteries to be used in repairs — marking a milestone in Apple’s increasingly repair-friendly approach.
The iOS 18 Repair Assistant: What’s New?
The Repair Assistant is a new feature that’s embedded within the iPhone’s operating system. After a part is replaced, users or technicians can access this tool from the About page in settings, where the system will check if the replacement part is genuine. If the system detects a genuine replacement, it will allow the pairing process to proceed. This is a significant shift from the days when only brand-new parts from Apple’s own supply chain were acceptable for repairs.
During my teardown of the iPhone 16, I was able to swap parts between two devices and successfully use the Repair Assistant to pair a foreign part. This is something that wasn’t previously possible during past iPhone teardown attempts. The process is fairly straightforward: once the replacement part is detected as genuine by the Repair Assistant, the device enters a special OS mode, boots into calibration, and connects to the internet for the pairing process.
The Repair Assistant then verifies and displays the replaced parts, including whether they are genuine. After completing this process, a reboot is required. Upon rebooting, users will find the replaced part properly paired with the device, and any features disabled due to the previous part’s incompatibility should return to full functionality. The repair is also logged under Repair History, where the type of repair is recorded, along with whether the part was new, used, or non-genuine. For non-genuine parts, the system will list the status as “unknown.”
Used and Third-Party Parts: A New Era of Repair Options
One of the most significant updates is that used parts — including those from a different device — can now be used for repairs, but only on the iPhone 15 and later models, as well as the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2. There’s a notable catch, though: the part cannot come from a device that’s still under activation lock, or the Repair Assistant will refuse to pair it.
This is a smart move by Apple to help combat the use of stolen parts in repairs, but it raises an interesting question: how does one verify whether a replacement part is tied to an activation-locked device? The situation becomes even murkier because Apple no longer allows users to check a device’s activation lock status before purchasing it, unless you have direct physical access to the device. This poses a challenge for independent repair shops or individuals who may not know whether a part they are using is linked to an activation-locked device.
In terms of third-party parts, the Repair Assistant treats them similarly to used parts from activation-locked devices. This includes third-party batteries, which are now supported in iOS 18.1 for the first time. While third-party batteries will still display a warning that they are not original, iOS 18.1 will allow the system to read the battery health data.
This is a major win for repair shops and consumers alike, as it allows for greater flexibility in battery replacements, especially in regions where Apple’s official repair programs may not be as accessible or affordable.
The Catch: Not All Parts Are Created Equal
While Apple’s new Repair Assistant is a significant leap forward in terms of repairability, not all parts are created equal — even if they are genuine. For example, during my teardown of the iPhone 16, I discovered that the display and its sensor cable (which attaches to the back of the screen) are intrinsically linked in software. Replacing the display without the original sensor cable will result in the phone either not recognizing the part or not pairing it correctly, which causes key features — like the display’s specific functionalities — to vanish.
This issue isn’t exclusive to third-party parts. It applies even to genuine parts, as long as they are not sourced with their original sensor cable. If you’re purchasing a replacement screen for the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, make sure that the display comes with its original sensor cable. Otherwise, you could run into problems with pairing, or worse, lose functionality on your device, which could make the repair seem incomplete.
This is an important detail for anyone attempting to repair these models, as iCloud-locked parts will also behave similarly to third-party parts, offering reduced functionality. How you check if a part is tied to iCloud remains to be seen, as it requires a special process involving an internet connection and the latest iOS version for calibration. This is one of the uncertainties around Apple’s new repair system, making it all the more volatile.
What Does This Mean for Older iPhones and iPads?
The Repair Assistant is available for iPhone 12 and newer models. However, it’s important to note that this feature is currently only accessible for Apple’s self-service repair program, which is designed for those who purchase new parts directly from Apple. For older iPhones — such as the iPhone 12 to iPhone 14 models — users will still need to rely on new parts from Apple, and used parts will only be supported on the iPhone 15 and later.
This raises a question: why not support used or refurbished parts on older models too? While there could be technical reasons behind this decision, the reality is that older models may not get the same options for repair, and that’s disappointing for users who may not want to pay for an expensive new part when they could easily recycle a used one.
A Step Forward, But the Road Ahead Is Uncertain
While Apple’s new Repair Assistant and support for third-party parts represent a major step in the right direction, the system still feels incomplete and fraught with uncertainty. Will this system remain in place as older iPhones are phased out of Apple’s official repair programs? How will Apple continue to update the Repair Assistant in future iOS versions, especially as new models are released and old ones become obsolete?
For now, the repair community has reason to be optimistic. The inclusion of third-party battery health monitoring and the ability to pair used parts is an encouraging sign that Apple is becoming more open to repair options. However, the lack of transparency, particularly around parts being linked to iCloud, leaves room for improvement.
Ultimately, it seems that Apple is being forced to adjust its stance on repairability as new repair laws continue to shape the industry. Though the company has maintained tight control over its repair ecosystem, the Repair Assistant is an acknowledgment that the right to repair is not going away — and that’s a win for consumers and repair professionals alike.
Conclusion
With iOS 18, Apple has begun to open the door to better repair options, but the journey is far from complete. The Repair Assistant is a welcome tool, offering a pathway to more sustainable repairs and greater flexibility in parts sourcing. However, the system is still evolving, and as Apple continues to refine its approach to repairability, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a new era in iPhone and iPad repair. For now, consumers have more options than ever before — but whether this is truly a repair revolution or just a baby step in the right direction remains to be seen.
Let’s stay tuned and see how the repair landscape evolves in the coming years.
