In the iOS 14.4 update released today, Apple introduced a feature that sends an alert when the camera on a Phone 12 model cannot be verified as a new genuine Apple camera.
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With that warning, Apple shared a support document highlighting the importance of getting an iPhone repaired by a trained technician using genuine Apple parts, with warnings about what could happen if a non-Apple camera is used.
Apple says if an iPhone camera needs to be replaced, it is important to call a certified technician because repairs by non-certified technicians can cause malfunctions or image quality issues. Safety is also a concern, according to Apple, as improper repairs can potentially leave loose parts that can lead to battery damage.
A non-genuine camera component can lead to compatibility or performance issues, with Apple warning of several possible things that can go wrong.
- Camera does not focus correctly or images are out of focus
- When using portrait mode, the subject may not be or only partially in focus
- A third-party app using the camera may crash or stop unexpectedly
- Real-time preview in third-party apps may appear blank or crash
The non-original camera alerts introduced by Apple 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 part.
Once such a fix has been performed, users will see a warning under Settings> General> About saying “Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple camera.” The warning also appears 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 or access the iPhone, 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 support email. Independent repair providers can also offer genuine camera repair parts for out-of-warranty replacements.
This is not the first time Apple has introduced warnings for repairs to an iPhone with non-genuine parts. There are similar warnings that appear when an unverified display is used for a repair and when a repair facility uses a non-genuine iPhone battery.