To reduce the number of iPhone thefts, Apple decided not to repair them anymore. Apple Stores and Authorized Repairers will now refuse to service an iPhone whose IMEI number reports it as stolen.
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Apple wants to make its smartphones undesirable to thieves by making them impossible to repair. The Apple Store and Apple authorized centers already refuse to intervene on any device for which the customer fails to deactivate the “Find” function (Find My), meaning it is most likely stolen. However, this assumes that the victim has activated this function integrated into the iPhone, which is not always the case.
According to an internal memo obtained by the site MacRumors, Apple decided to move on speed superior based on the database GSMA Device Registry. The GSMA is an international association of mobile operators and manufacturers. It maintains a register, accessible anywhere in the world, containing information on lost or stolen devices. It includes in particular the IMEI number, an identifier specific to each smartphone.
Repair of any iPhone reported as stolen will now be refused
Now, when Apple employees store or authorized repairers will scan a stolen iPhone, they will be notified of the status of the device by a message in their MobileGenius or GSX system, and must refuse the repair. The only real question is why Apple waited so long, this database is not new…
However, it will still be possible to repair certain elements such as the screen, the battery or the camera of the iPhone thanks to the new self-service repair program. Apple announced its Self Service Repair last November, which allows any iPhone user to carry out the repairs themselves thanks to official spare parts, tools and manuals.
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