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 new, genuine Apple camera.
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To accompany this warning, Apple shared a support document emphasizing the importance of repairing an iPhone 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 PiPhone camera needs to be replaced, it’s important to use a certified technician, as repairs performed by non-certified technicians could lead to malfunction or image quality issues. Safety is also a concern, according to Apple, as improper repairs could leave loose parts that could lead to battery damage.
A non-genuine camera component can lead to compatibility or performance issues, and Apple warns of several potential things that could go wrong.
- The camera does not focus properly or the images are not clear
- When using Portrait mode, the subject may not be focused or only partially focused
- A third-party application that uses the camera may freeze or drop unexpectedly
- Real-time preview in third-party applications may be blank or may be blocked
Inauthentic camera notifications 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 component.
If such a repair is made, users will see a warning in Settings> General> About “This iPhone can’t be verified to have a genuine Apple camera.” The warning will also appear on the lock screen within the first four days after a repair and in the Settings app for 15 days.
Apple’s warning will not affect your ability to use your iPhone or access your camera, and your iPhone will remain fully functional.
Apple recommends that those who need camera repairs replace the “iPhone” camera at an Apple store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or through Apple’s mail support service. Independent repair providers are also able to offer original room repair parts for out-of-warranty replacements.
This is not the first time Apple has issued warnings when repairing an “iPhone” using non-original parts. There are similar warnings that appear when an unconfirmed screen is used for a repair and when a repair facility uses a genuine non-genuine iPhone battery.