After youtuber Hugh Jeffries already figured it out, iFixit has now confirmed it with tests and documentation: the cameras of the iPhone 12 cannot be replaced by yourself. It is the latest in a long list of changes from Apple to make it more difficult to replace parts yourself.

Hugh Jeffries, a YouTube user who buys and refurbishes old devices on his channel, tested it through buy two iPhone 12 ‘s and try to swap the pcb’s. Then it turned out that the camera turned out to be a difficult point. With the right pcb in it, the camera change also turned out to cause problems. His conclusion was simple: Apple connected the camera to a specific pcb.

Now iFixit has repeated the test and come to the same conclusion. The cameras work, but not reliably and some functions no longer work at all. Most importantly, iFixit has uncovered documentation showing that Apple did this on purpose. An internal guide for certified repairers indicates that replacing the camera requires the use of the System Configuration app. That app cryptographically links components together to ensure that iOS disables functions or displays notifications if users replace parts themselves or have non-certified repairers do so.

Some functions of the camera no longer work. Source: iFixit What happens when you replace iPhone parts The link between certain components and the pcb has now existed for seven years; the feature came with the iPhone 5s. The link between the fingerprint scanner and the pcb was more logical; the scanner relies on the Secure Enclave for its features and security. It is not in the scanner, but on the pcb.

Gradually, parts have been added that cannot be replaced without consequences. Face ID obviously does not work if users replace the module with the front cameras themselves. When replacing the battery, users can no longer see the battery status in the settings. Users can see how full the battery is, but it is no longer possible to look up the extent to which the battery is worn out. IOS also gives a permanent notification that users have to go to a repairer for maintenance with the battery. The first time, it also shows that it may not be an Apple battery.

When replacing the screen of newer models, the message that it may not be an Apple component is also displayed, but in addition, the TrueTone function for automatic color adjustment also disappears; it can no longer be found in the interface and no longer functions.

And now there is the camera. It does not give a notification, but in the camera app it is clearly visible that the software is behaving unstable. That is gone again when the original camera is restored.

For the sake of clarity: the non-functioning or malfunctioning parts and the messages do not only come with unbranded cheap alternatives to components, but also with original Apple parts. from another iPhone. In theory it is possible to get rid of these reports, but that requires specialized equipment, Rewa writes.

What happens after switching component Notification Operation Screen ‘May not be original part ‘ Part works, TrueTone does not work Battery ‘May not be a genuine part’ Part works, battery status does not work Camera – Barely Works Touch ID, Face ID – Does not work Why Apple makes repairs more difficult The crazy thing is that iFixit isn’t negative at all shows about the repairability of the iPhone 12, despite the different types of sometimes proprietary screws you loosen must get. Battery and screen are relatively easy to replace, as the housing opens from the front. With many Android phones this is from the back, which makes screen replacement a longer job.

But repairing iPhones in many cases requires access to Apple systems on Apple servers and the iPhone maker doesn’t sell original components for its phones either. The US House of Representatives also wondered why that was the case and received this response from Apple last year. “Repairs made by untrained repairers who may not follow all safety procedures may result in product malfunction, quality issues, or safety issues.”

Apple shows it does not have much faith in companies it does not have tested. “Repairs that do not properly replace screws or covers may leave loose parts that can damage components, such as the battery. This could lead to overheating and result in injuries.”

Protect consumers is so the goal and Apple also makes it appear as if that is a virtue that costs money. Because, according to the iPhone maker, every year since 2009 Apple has lost money on the expensive repairs it executes. Whether that is really the case or whether it is an accounting trick, cannot be read from the information.

Replacement fingerprint scanner Google Pixel 3 iFixit does not think this is a good argument, not even when replacing fingerprint scanners or 3D facial recognition cameras. According to iFixit, that can’t be a problem for Apple. “That’s a slim chance. Apple’s security team is top-notch, and Google and Samsung allow the fingerprint scanner to be swapped out without any problem.” . “An authentication check on a simple camera replacement is poisoning the market for repaired, pre-owned iPhones. Without any benefit to iPhone buyers, it smells like greed. Or worse: planned obsolence . ” Planned obsolence is the idea that manufacturers deliberately make products less useful over time to encourage new product purchases.

What Apple should do is clear, according to iFixit: Tools and Replacement make parts available that people can use to repair their iPhones themselves at home. Other brands do better in that area, but by no means perfectly. Many brands do not sell original parts themselves, so you have to trust that you order original parts. The best here is the Dutch Fairphone. The Fairphone 3 is easy to open and repair and parts can be bought in their own webshop.

Legislators are also not on Apple’s side in this case. The European Commission wants consumers to be able to repair appliances themselves. With that, the ‘Right to Repair’, the name for the campaign to fight for the right to carry out repairs, must end up in European regulations. The same is true on the other side of the Atlantic. Many states are in the process of legislating to enact the right to repair electronics yourself. The idea is that accessible repairs will prevent e-waste and be more sustainable in the long run.

That must be music to Apple’s ears, because the company always shows a lot of attention for reducing e-waste and sustainability. For example, in 2030, the company wants to be CO₂ neutral and no longer supplies chargers and earphones with iPhones to -waste.

This makes the right to repair something that causes a clash of values ​​within Apple. Having people repair devices at home without negative consequences is good for sustainability and the environment, while Apple will lose its iron grip on the repair market and thus have less control over which component is in which iPhone. Time will tell whether Apple makes a different choice or is forced to do so by law.