iOS 18's "Repair Assistant" Feature Sparks Controversy: Second-hand Parts Face Locking Risk, Huqiangbei Market in an Uproar

iOS 18's "Repair Assistant" Feature Sparks Controversy: Second-hand Parts Face Locking Risk, Huqiangbei Market in an UproarWith the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple is set to release the official version of iOS 18 next week. However, beyond the features unveiled at the launch event, iOS 18 holds some "surprises," among which a feature called "Repair Assistant" has garnered significant attention, even shaking the electronics market in Huqiangbei, renowned for its phone repair expertise

iOS 18's "Repair Assistant" Feature Sparks Controversy: Second-hand Parts Face Locking Risk, Huqiangbei Market in an Uproar

With the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple is set to release the official version of iOS 18 next week. However, beyond the features unveiled at the launch event, iOS 18 holds some "surprises," among which a feature called "Repair Assistant" has garnered significant attention, even shaking the electronics market in Huqiangbei, renowned for its phone repair expertise.

The core of "Repair Assistant" lies in its ability to automatically match and configure replacement parts, such as screens, batteries, FaceID or TouchID, ensuring their proper functioning. However, this feature has a hidden caveat. After updating to iOS 18, if "Repair Assistant" detects that the installed second-hand parts originate from a reported lost iPhone, the system will throw an error and lock the functionality of these parts. Currently, there is no known solution. This means if users utilize second-hand parts of unknown origin in third-party repair services, their iPhones face the risk of becoming unusable.

The introduction of this feature has undoubtedly sounded alarm bells for consumers and repairers accustomed to using second-hand parts. In electronic markets like Huqiangbei, second-hand part trading has been fairly common, with many consumers opting for cheaper parts from the secondary market to save on repair costs. However, the "Repair Assistant" feature of iOS 18 disrupts this balance, forcing consumers and repairers to reconsider the security of their part sources.

For consumers, the risks presented by this feature are evident. If repairs are performed using second-hand parts of unknown origin, the phones could become locked and unusable, not only leading to failed repairs but also causing financial losses. Furthermore, since this feature cannot be deactivated, users might have to contact Apple directly for repairs, resulting in higher repair costs.

For repairers, the introduction of this feature signifies a shrinking profit margin. With increased risks associated with second-hand part trading, repairers need to be more careful about the sources of their parts, which adds to their expenses. Additionally, if the use of second-hand parts of unknown origin leads to the locking of a user's phone, repairers could face customer complaints and claims.

However, Apple's implementation of the "Repair Assistant" feature has its rationale. In recent years, iPhone repair costs have soared, prompting many users to opt for third-party repair shops, some of which utilize second-hand parts of uncertain origin. This practice not only affects phone performance but also poses security risks. Apple's introduction of the "Repair Assistant" aims to strengthen the regulation of phone repairs, ensuring users utilize genuine parts, thereby safeguarding the security and performance of their phones.

The introduction of the "Repair Assistant" feature is undoubtedly a double-edged sword, offering benefits for user protection while potentially causing negative impacts on certain groups. For consumers, they need to be more cautious when selecting repair services, ensuring the reliability of part sources. As for repairers, they need to adapt to the new environment and find safer part supply channels to stay afloat in the fierce market competition.

Currently, the controversy surrounding the "Repair Assistant" feature continues, and its ultimate impact will take time to assess. However, it is foreseeable that as smartphone technology advances, similar features will become more prevalent, posing greater disruptions and challenges to the phone repair industry. For consumers, understanding the characteristics of these features and making informed choices will be crucial in navigating future challenges.