iOS 18 RC’s New Repair Assistant: A Complicated Step Forward?

Apple’s latest iOS 18 RC update introduces the Repair Assistant Menu, a feature that changes how iPhone repairs are handled. This new menu allows you to calibrate Apple’s original parts that aren’t activation locked. If a part is locked to an iCloud account, you’ll need to log in to fully use and calibrate the part. Without the iCloud information, even original parts are treated as aftermarket, meaning key features like True Tone and auto-brightness won’t work.

For aftermarket parts, the situation is stricter, as they are clearly marked as non-genuine and cannot be calibrated, limiting their functionality. However, in tests using two iPhone 15 Pro Max models, where only original parts from both phones were swapped, most parts could be calibrated—except the back camera. The back camera was able to function after calibration when paired with the original LiDAR scanner. Interestingly, the system also recognizes changes to the back glass, which now requires calibration as well.

Despite the new calibration tools, the update still poses issues. Face ID couldn’t be restored after motherboard swaps, and it’s uncertain if this will be fixed in future updates. The iOS 18 RC’s calibration tools offer more repair options than before, but the process is still seen by many as an unnecessary complication. Many users and repair experts including myself believe Apple’s locks and calibration requirements only add more barriers to what should be a straightforward repair process.

While this update gives us access to calibration tools that were previously unavailable, the overarching issue remains—Apple’s system of locking and restricting parts doesn’t need to exist. The added complexity raises questions about the future of independent repairs, and whether Apple is truly aiming to support easier repairs or simply tighten control over the repair process.