CIOInsider India Magazine

In a ground-breaking move towards resource conservation, iPhone repairs can now be done using genuine second-hand parts this year. This allows for bringing down the rate of consumer electronics waste in a world that now places emphasis on green innovation and sustainable technology. Repairing Apple iPhones took quite a crunch on users, including shop owners, as they could only use new parts that matched the serial numbers on these devices. What's more, users had to face a lot of compatibility issues and numerous alerts as it comprised features like Face ID and Touch ID by non-Apple materials.

The new initiative falls in line with Apple’s larger environmental goals aimed at reaching carbon neutrality across its products and supply chain.

The IT industry is anticipated to become more resilient, have a smaller environmental impact, and use resources more efficiently as circular methods become more widely adopted. Governments are advised to create and implement all-encompassing circular tech regulations. Companies are urged to emphasize circular design, invest in cutting-edge technology, and work with stakeholders to develop standards for the whole sector. Customers are essential because they select products from businesses that uphold circular principles. In the end, achieving a world where circular tech economies are the norm and supporting a more robust and sustainable global digital ecosystem will need a coordinated and collaborative effort. How is Apple’s new move a major step in it

Consumer Convenience and Sustainability
This makes it a big step toward Apple’s goal of sustainability and consumer convenience. Once the upcoming update is installed, authentic parts of the tech giant will be used for both new and used iPhones. Once the repair is done, Apple assures customers that the iPhones will restore previously existing information along with these parts, including service history inside the iOS settings app.

This instills ease of repair procedure by taking away the need to match the device’s serial numbers, clearing the way for accessibility to both consumers and independent repair shops. For independent repair shops and customers who often struggled with having to pay exorbitant amounts to purchase new iPhone parts, this indeed symbolizes a new turning point in the direction of creating a more inclusive and sustainable repair environment.

Also, this makes Apple one of the active members of the tech industry in rolling out initiatives towards circular economy principles. It is also paving the way for other manufacturers to make products more eco-friendly and promote repairability among one another.

The new policy is expected to be applied for screen, battery and camera repairs, and soon, biometric sensors like Face ID and Touch ID will also come into play shortly after iPhone launches.

A Ripple Effect on Other Industry Players
Industry experts also believe that this would nudge other players in the tech industry to rethink how they handle the sustainability and repairability of their products.

Companies prioritizing reparability and component reuse could gain a competitive advantage in the market now that more customers are opting for eco-friendly products in their lifestyles.

Therefore, Apple’s efforts to implement a sustainable repair option are bound to be well received by its customers thanks to the changing mindset of the people.

Not only that, Apple also gives customers a sense of ownership and autonomy by enabling them to repair devices using original parts.

Globally, it is promoting a reduction in resource consumption and electronic waste.

Being Environmentally Responsible from Within
One of the most major sustainability initiatives to note is the switch to renewable energy sources. Buildings, including corporate headquarters and data centers, are run purely by renewable energy. It has been made possible thanks to Apple’s strategic investment in wind and solar energy projects, as well as collaborations with green energy suppliers.

Energy-efficient spaces like Apple Park for instance in Cupertino, California is a great example of using natural ventilation added with a sizable amount of solar installation that reduces the heat and cools the temperature.

Expanding Product Life-Span and Removal of Plastic Usage
Apple is contributing to reducing electronic waste by extending the life-span of its products and safely recycling its components. Through Apple Trade-In, customers can trade their old devices with new ones for credit. This not only encourages customers to upgrade to the latest technology but guarantees outdated gadgets to be safely recycled and sold.

As for materials, Apple is incorporating recycled sustainable materials into its products. For example, the iPhone 12 and 13 lineups feature magnets made from 100 percent recycled rare earth elements, reducing the need for mining of these precious resources. The tech giant is also discarding plastic right from its packaging by replacing it with eco-friendly alternatives and working towards a closed-loop supply chain where products are made from entirely recycled materials.

Lowering Usage of Natural Resources and No Longer Using Harmful Resources
Since Apple products are designed to last longer and consume less power, they tend to have minimal impact on the environment. Making products compact and lighter allows for lower consumption of resources in the manufacturing and shipping of its products.

Also, it has excelled in ridding of harmful materials from its products by completely stopping the usage of lead, mercury, and other such materials in its products. This simplifies recycling and lessens the damage that products cause to the environment when they are disposed of.

Water Conservation
By understanding the value of protecting natural resources, Apple has reduced the usage of Water to a great extent across its manufacturing plants. It has done so by implementing water-saving measures, plus it is also collaborating with institutions and authorities to improvise water resource management in regions suffering with water scarcity.

To advance its sustainability strategy, Apple established the ‘Lisa Jackson Environmental and Policy Initiatives’ in 2015, named for its Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. The movement aims to increase renewable energy projects globally, promote responsible material procurement, and preserve and restore forests.