In iOS 17.5, a new feature called "Repair Mode" allows devices being repaired to keep the "Find My" feature enabled. Previously, users had to disable the "Find My" feature, which tracks the device's location, when sending it in for repairs. With the release of iOS 17.5, this requirement is changing. The new "Repair Mode" feature will keep the "Find My" feature enabled throughout the repair process.
In the latest iOS 17.5 beta released to authorized developers this Tuesday, the code for this feature was discovered. The purpose of this new feature is to make repair work easier for both consumers and repair technicians by eliminating the requirement for "Find My" removal.
Before entering "Recovery Mode," disabling the "Find My" feature is required to ensure that Apple or authorized service centers do not access a stolen iPhone without the user's knowledge.
In iOS 17.3, Apple introduced a security delay feature as part of "Stolen Device Protection," where users are required to wait an additional hour after leaving significant locations before they can disable Find My. This feature helps prevent unauthorized users from altering user passwords or accessing critical data.
With the new "Repair Mode" feature in place, the issue of the aforementioned time delay is no longer a concern. However, it seems that this feature is missing a key component - currently, there is no option to disable it in the beta version.
Nevertheless, this may be a feature rather than a bug. Apart from authorized repair technicians, Apple may not have implemented an option to exit "Repair Mode."
iOS 17.5 remains a relatively minor update, as Apple is expected to announce the next generation operating system at the WWDC conference on June 10th.
