Apple has begun deploying a new diagnostic tool across its retail stores that lets employees verify an iPhone remains intact inside a sealed box, according to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman. The device scans the phone and runs checks to confirm it is present and undamaged, allowing staff to approve legitimate returns while keeping the packaging closed so the product can go straight back into inventory.
The tool addresses a recurring problem in which some customers buy devices, remove accessories, strip internal components, or take the phone entirely before resealing the box and attempting a return. Store employees have typically been instructed to open returned iPhone boxes for inspection, which can turn otherwise sellable stock into waste that must be processed further. The new checker, which builds on Apple’s existing Presto technology used for in-box software updates, began reaching stores earlier this month and is now coming into use, Gurman reported in his latest Power On newsletter.
At the same time, Apple is advancing a broader leadership transition in its hardware organization. Longtime display executives Wei Chen and John Zhong, each with roughly three decades at the company, are moving into more limited advisory roles as part of a multiyear succession process. Victor Yin, whom the two have mentored, is now overseeing much of Apple’s display development work.
The company’s regular October promotion cycle also elevated three engineering leaders to vice president roles: Rajesh Ambati, Louie Sanguinetti, and Derek Shaeffer. Their responsibilities center on connectivity hardware and software that link Apple devices to wireless networks and the internet, with Sanguinetti’s wireless hardware contributions spanning decades. These moves come as Chief Hardware Officer Johny Srouji consolidates oversight of hardware engineering and hardware technologies, and as CEO John Ternus seeks to streamline operations by reducing management layers. Gurman noted that some hardware program managers have been laid off in recent weeks as part of that effort.
The changes reflect ongoing reorganization under Ternus and Srouji aimed at improving coordination between chip and product teams while accelerating development.
MacDailyNews Take: We doesn’t love some in-box fraud-reduction scanning while also removing dead-weight management layers?
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As well, who doesn’t (really) love; “streamline operations by reducing management layers.”?
Have this guy lend a hand to the US govt…France & the rest of the EU (Regulation Center) might benefit as well.