Apple is using scare tactics to dissuade users from using third-party battery replacement services

Apple has apparently activated a software switch that tries to scare users off third-party battery repair services. Unlike previous instances where Apple would brick an iPhone that used third-party parts , using a third-party battery or getting a third-party repair vendor to replace your iPhone’s battery with one from another iPhone throws up a warning that the battery is not genuine. Within the OS, support for the ‘Battery Health’ feature is disabled and the battery status will be marked as ‘Service’ , according to iFixit. [caption id=“attachment_7130891” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] Apple is disabling battery health indicators for third-party batteries.[/caption] The OS apparently looks for a specific microcontroller on the battery before authorising it. If you’re up to the task, swapping out battery microcontrollers is an option, but it’s not a feasible option for most users or repair shops. Thankfully, iFixit notes that the phone itself is unaffected by third-party batteries and that performance remains at maximum. Apple has a long history of fighting users’ right to repair on the grounds of user experience and user safety. While Apple hasn’t gone as far as to disable an iPhone for using a third-party battery, these scare tactics are a little disturbing. Playing devil’s advocate, we will point out that improperly installed batteries or unauthorized batteries can be a fire hazard and can cause damage to your phone. The issue only affects the iPhone XS, XS Max and the iPhone XR for now.