iPhone Software Locks out Third-Party Batteries

Is Apple up to its anti-consumer chicanery again? Perhaps.

The Cupertino giant has apparently activated a lockout program in its batteries that bars third-party replacements (and even your ability to install a genuine Apple battery, yourself).

According to ZDNet, the secure memory key affects the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max running iOS 12 and the beta releases of iOS 13.

Attempting to circumvent the lockout software causes a “service” message to appear in the Battery and Battery Health screens in Settings, and of course, official Apple personnel can bypass the artificial hurdle.

ZDNet’s writer muses that the lockout might serve to prevent unscrupulous dealers from passing off old batteries as new by resetting them. Then again, it’s likely just Apple squeezing any and all competition – no matter how insignificant – from the marketplace.

Read more here: https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-locking-down-iphone-batteries/