Apple warns against repairers

APPLE has released a new update to its latest iPhone software operating system with a pointed message for customers.

The update – iOS11.3.1 – has been rolled out to fix a problem with iPhone 8 touchscreens that have become unresponsive. Many users reported the problem recently after downloading iOS11.3, particularly if they had previously had their iPhone screen replaced by a third party repairer.

The update was pushed out on March 29, introducing Tim Cook’s promised iPhone battery health information giving users more control over Apple’s controversial phone throttling measure.

But the iOS 11.3 update caused problems for the touch functionality on some iPhone 8 devices with replacement screens.

Apple has now rolled out a software update designed to fix the problem – and it comes with a friendly reminder about non-genuine displays.

This is not the first time such an issue has arisen in the subtle tug of war between Apple and unsanctioned repair services. A previous iOS update killed touch functionality on iPhone 7s with third party replacement screens but a later update resolved the issue.

When news.com.au reported on the latest problem earlier this month, a number of Australian consumers reached out saying they had been affected.

A cynic might think Apple doesn’t want to lose control of its highly lucrative repair market but the company says as its devices get increasingly sophisticated, it is hesitant to open them up to unqualified thirdparty repairers.