Apple develops tamper-evident label

Apple has filed a patent application for a tamper-evident label which will show if an electronic device has been opened. 

Unauthorized service and product modification voids the warranty of the iPod and iPhone, but without evidence of tampering, a manufacturer may be obligated to repair or replace its product.  

‘Unfortunately, many users open their electronic devices to attempt to repair, reverse engineer or even hack various things within the device,’ the application reads. ‘Of course, one drawback to such unauthorized access is that one or more internal items may be destroyed or compromised, thus limiting the ability of the manufacturer or provider to provide effective servicing of the device.’ 

The label would be attached to different components inside a device, and be damaged if the hardware is taken apart.  

The application filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office does not tie apple to a particular design or material. The label could be U-shaped or zig-zagged and made with paper, plastic or foil.