According to Reports, Apple will no Longer Repair iPhones that have been Reported Stolen or Missing

Before Accepting a Device for Repair, Apple Technicians will Check the IMEI.

According to recent rumours, Apple will no longer repair iPhones that have been reported missing. Repairers will no longer service iPhones reported as missing through the GSMA, according to Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers. If a missing iPhone is discovered in the MobileGenius or GSX systems that technicians use to serve customers, the business now forces them to decline repairs. Users can report the loss of their device to the GSMA Device Registry, which is a global database. If the gadget is stolen, users can also report it. For instance, if a person reports their phone as stolen to police enforcement, the handset may be flagged by the GSMA. This can aid in the recovery of misplaced phones. This new Apple policy is intended to keep Apple's repairers from working on questionable or misidentified models. It also makes it illegal for technicians to unlock smartphones unless clients can show proof of purchase. Furthermore, if users place their iPhone in "Lost Mode" via Find My, Apple will refuse to restore it. There has been no official confirmation from Apple about this report as of yet. According to MacRumors, Apple staff will refuse to repair iPhones that have been reported as stolen or lost. Apple Stores and approved providers have reportedly been told not to accept a device for repair if they receive a notice on their internal MobileGenius or GSX systems indicating the phone has been tagged as missing. When a customer brings in a device for repair, technicians will presumably check the IMEI against the GSMA Device Registry. The GSMA registration is a global database where owners can register their devices' IMEIs and select a status for them, such as lost, stolen, or obtained fraudulently. Apple's previous policy of declining repairs for smartphones whose owners are unable to disable the Find My iPhone feature is being expanded with this move. It may deter more consumers from purchasing second-hand devices outside of official and approved sources for fear of unintentionally obtaining a stolen item. However, consumers might just as easily take their devices to a third-party repair business that doesn't care where they came from. Apple's iPhones have become increasingly expensive over time, resulting in a secondary market for used models. However, according to a recent Bloomberg story, Apple is working on a subscription service for the iPhone and other hardware to make regular updates more accessible through monthly fees rather than large upfront costs.