Apple in the iOS 14.4 update released today introduced a feature that sends a warning notification when the camera on a Phone 12 model cannot be verified as a genuine new Apple camera.
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To accompany this warning, Apple shared a support document that highlights the importance of having an iPhone repaired by a trained technician using genuine Apple parts, with warnings about what can happen when a non-Apple camera is used.
Apple says that if a iPhone camera needs to be replaced, it is important to use a certified technician because repairs done by non-certified technicians can result in malfunction or problems with image quality. Safety is also a concern, according to Apple, as improper repairs can leave loose parts that can damage the battery.
A non-original component of the camera can lead to compatibility or performance issues, with Apple warning of several things that can go wrong.
- The camera does not focus correctly or the images are not clear
- When using Portrait mode, the subject may be out of focus or only partially in focus
- A third party application that uses the camera may crash or close unexpectedly
- Real-time viewing in third-party applications may appear blank or freeze
Notifications from non-original cameras that Apple introduced in iOS 14 will appear on an iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max or 12 mini if one of these devices is repaired with a non-Apple camera component.
If this repair is done, users will see a warning in Settings> General> About that says “It was not possible to verify that this iPhone has a genuine Apple camera.” The warning will also appear on the lock screen for the first four days after a repair and in the Settings app for 15 days.
Apple’s notice will not affect the ability to use the PiPhone or access the camera, and the iPhone will remain fully functional.
Apple recommends that people who need camera repairs have their iPhone camera replaced at an Apple Store, an Apple authorized service provider, or through Apple’s mail support. Independent repair providers may also offer genuine camera repair parts for out-of-warranty replacements.
This is not the first time that Apple has posted warnings when repairs are made to a “iPhone” using non-original parts. There are similar warnings that appear when an unverified display is used for a repair and when a repair shop uses a non-original iPhone battery.