Apple in the iOS 14.4 update released today has introduced a feature that sends an alert notification when the camera on a Phone 12 model cannot be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera.
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To accompany this warning, Apple shared a support document highlighting the importance of having an iPhone repaired by a trained technician using real Apple parts, with warnings about what might happen if a camera does not of Apple is not used.
Apple says that if an iPhone camera needs to be replaced, it is important to use a certified technician, because repairs done by non-certified technicians can lead to improper features or image quality problems. Safety is also a concern, according to Apple, as improper repairs can leave loose parts that could lead to battery damage.
A non-genuine camera component can cause compatibility or performance issues, with Apple warning of several possible things that could go wrong.
- The camera does not focus correctly or the images are not sharp
- If you are using portrait mode, the subject may not be focused or only partially focused
- A third-party app that uses the camera may unexpectedly freeze or stop
- Real-time previews in third-party programs may appear blank or jammed
The non-genuine camera notifications 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 such a repair is done, users will see a warning under Settings> General> About which says “Cannot confirm that iPhone has a real Apple camera.” The alert will also appear on the lock screen for the first four days after a repair and for 15 days in the Settings app.
Apple’s warning does not affect the ability to use the ofiPhone or to access the camera, and the iPhone will remain fully functional.
Apple recommends that those in need of camera repair replace the iPhone camera at an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or through Apple’s email support. Independent repairers can also offer genuine camera repair parts for out-of-warranty replacements.
This is not the first time Apple has released warnings when repairing a non-genuine iPhone. There are similar warnings that appear when using a non-verified screen for a repair, and when using a non-genuine iPhone battery in a repair facility.