Apple has launched an iOS 17.5 update, bringing a streamlined repair process to iPhone users. With a new feature – Repair State – added to the update, users will no longer have to disable Find My before sending their phones in for repairs. Though the Repair State mode is currently in beta, it seems to be partially working for Beta users, according to 9to5Mac. It was only 9to5Mac that discovered this new Repair State mode within the codes of iOS 17.5 beta 4.
Apple currently asks its iPhone users to deactivate Find My before proceeding with repairs, a way for Apple to know if a device gets stolen or misplaced. And in order to do that, users are required to go to iOS settings. Plus, the introduction of Stolen Device Protection with iOS 17.3 adds a considerable time delay to change sensitive settings, including Find My. This, in turn, requires customers to wait for an hour at the Apple Store before they can deactivate Find My. But, with the iOS 17.5 beta, Apple has introduced a "Remove This Device" option that can be used to enable the new iOS 17.5 feature.
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This new iOS 17.5 feature, Repair State, leaves the phone functional while keeping Find My enabled, preventing unauthorised access if it is stolen or lost. When activated, the phone has a 'Ready for Repair' label, meaning that the phone remains trackable while being repaired. However, once activated, you cannot turn it off.
Now, how to confirm if your phone is in Repair State mode? All you got to do is enter your Apple ID and password. Using these, Apple will authenticate your device ownership and enable you to track your device. Then, you will get a 'Ready for Repair' label with a message that reads, "This device remains fully functional in the repair state." Moreover, you will see a stethoscope icon in the Find My application, indicating that your iPhone is ready for repair.
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The iOS 17.5 beta will likely be the last version before Apple announces iOS 18 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is scheduled from June 10 to June 14. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 18 could bring 'relatively groundbreaking' updates with 'major new features and designs.'
