Apple Stores Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers will now refuse to repair iPhones that have been reported as missing. They will now be alerted if an iPhone has been reported as missing in the GSMA Device Registry when a customer brings in the device to be serviced.
Apple informed its stores and authorized service providers via an internal memo, shared by MacRumors.
Apple techs will be alerted by a message in their internal MobileGenius or GSX systems indicating that the device has been reported as missing. They are instructed to then deny the repairs. The new policy is designed to reduce the number of stolen iPhones that are brought to Apple for repairs.
The GSMA operates a global registry that allows device owners to register status designations against their devices in the event of issues such as loss, theft, fraud or to indicate that the device is subject to a payment plan. The status registered indicates recommended action to those that handle the device.
Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers already refuse to service an iPhone if the customer requesting repairs cannot disable Find My iPhone. The new policy will deny repairs to iPhones that have never had Find My iPhone turned on.