Apple’s Improved iPhone 12 Repair Process Cuts Down on Waste

Apple is making it easier for Authorized Service Providers and technicians manning Genius Bars to perform same-unit repairs on the iPhone 12 rather than being forced to opt for a whole-unit replacement.

As MacRumors reports, Apple just sent out an internal memo to its technicians informing them a new “iPhone Rear System” part will be available to use from Feb. 23. The part consists of the rear enclosure of either the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini and contains the battery, logic board, wireless charging coil, Taptic Engine, and Face ID system. The only missing components are the display and rear camera.

With this new part available, Apple’s technicians can keep the owner’s original display and rear camera if the fault lies with one of the other components in the iPhone. Until now, the entire phone would need to be replaced. It’s a small change in terms of the number of components being replaced during a repair, but that’s potentially a lot of new displays and rear cameras saved.

For now, there’s no mention of the same rear part being made available for the larger iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, but surely it’s just a matter of time before they appear. As for where the rear part will be made available, Apple is shipping them out to every market the iPhone 12 and 12 mini are sold this month.