Apple is introducing some changes with its iOS 14.4 update, which includes informing users if their iPhones use an authentic camera or are using a non-genuine replacement.
The second beta of the iOS 14.4 update, which Apple released to public testers and developers this week, includes prompting the operating system to display a warning notification if the iPhone uses a non-genuine replacement camera. Steve Moser, a news contributor with online outlet MacRumors, discovered a code that shows a warning notification on iPhones if it uses aftermarket components instead of genuine Apple parts. You can expect iOS 14.4 to display such a warning if you had your iPhone's cameras repaired or replaced its camera with a non-genuine replacement.
the right to repair by Apple only? MacRumors: iOS 14.4 Will Introduce Warning on iPhones With Non-Genuine Cameras.https://t.co/2nty8fnwgx via @GoogleNews — m (@smplfyi) January 15, 2021
"Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple camera," the message reads according to Moser if it detects your device using a non-genuine replacement camera. Similarly, using non-genuine displays on your iPhone will also show the warning notification. The news contributor said the message would typically appear in the Settings app. You can check if you have the warning by tapping Settings, then General, and then tap the About menu item. Apple's iOS 14.4 update may also show as a warning notification on the Lock screen for a short time.
Apple also shows a warning notification if you replace your iPhone's batteries with non-genuine components, similar to what shows up when you use non-genuine replacement cameras. While using imitation batteries does not affect the device overall, Apple's iOS 14.4 update will proceed in disabling your iPhone's battery health feature that shows the remaining juice in the battery.
Apple's iOS 14.4 updates non-genuine replacement battery or camera warning notification will perhaps direct users to a future official Apple support document that would emphasize the importance of having your iPhones repaired by authorized and trained technicians using genuine components. The document might also advise users to have their devices checked only by Apple Authorized Service Providers, or those who belong to Apple's Independent Repair Provider Program.
In 2020, iFixit, a repair website that often posts teardown videos of new iPhone devices, citing internal Apple documentation revealed that authorized technicians needed to run Apple's proprietary and cloud-based System Configuration app to perform display and camera repairs on iPhone 12 models. According to the internal memo, failure to complete this process might cause the iPhone's camera to have various types of issues, or at worst, becoming entirely unresponsive within a short period. While assuming your iPhone's non-genuine replacement camera or battery works and will not affect the entire device, its iOS 14.4 updates will still post a warning notification that particular components inside your iPhone are not authentic.
