Sending your iPhone in for repair was always a bit nerve-wracking. Not only because you no longer have access to what could be the most important gadget of your life, but also because you never know if it’s safe.
Apple’s recommended procedure for preparing your device for service is to back up your phone, turn off Apple Cash, remove all cards from Wallet, and then remove your iPhone from Find My. This also removes Activation Lock. The fine print says: “Apple may not be able to repair your device if Find My is not disabled.” » This is all very worrying and doesn’t match the smooth, seamless experience we’re used to from Apple.
That’s about to change, it seems. MacRumors found a new feature in iOS 17.5 (currently in beta) that lets you set your iPhone to a “repair state” in which it remains fully functional and has Find My and Activation Lock enabled, but still does everything Apple needs to repair your iPhone. .
When you go to Find My, then your device list, and choose “Remove this device” on your iPhone with iOS 17.5, you receive a message saying “Unable to remove iPhone.” Prepare this device for repair? ” Choose Continue
The feature is currently limited to iOS, but it makes sense for Apple to expand it to other devices, including the Apple Watch and Mac.
Allowing users to track their devices when they are sent in for repair and keeping Activation Lock enabled should hopefully give users a lot more peace of mind that they won’t be stolen.
