It looks like iOS 14.4 will crack down on questionable aftermarket camera parts.
Following the second beta of iOS 14.4 to developers and public testers, user Stever Moser discovered code indicating that Apple will be introducing a new warning on iPhones that have had their camera repaired or replaced with aftermarket components rather than genuine Apple components.
Apparently, a dialog stating “Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple camera” will appear, as will a similar warning for non-genuine iPhone displays. The message will likely appear in the Settings app under General > About as necessary, and the warning may also appear as a notification on the Lock screen for a short period.
The warnings won’t affect the ability to use the iPhone’s display or its camera in any way, and it’s thought that this may just serve as a warning to the user. Apple also offers a similar warning for non-genuine iPhone batteries that likewise do not impact the use of the device beyond displaying a battery health feature, which then displays the battery’s maximum remaining capacity.
It’s thought that the non-genuine camera message might direct users towards a future Apple support document encouraging users to pursue genuine Apple parts installed by trained, authorized Apple Authorized Service Providers as well as those who are part of Apple’s Independent Repair Provider Program.
In 2020, repair website iFixit reported that authorized technicians are required to run Apple’s proprietary, cloud-based System Configuration app to complete camera and display repairs on all iPhone 12 models, citing internal Apple documentation. Failure to complete this step can result in the camera experiencing issues or becoming completely unresponsive in a short amount of time, according to iFixit’s testing.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.