Apple adds water detection feature in macOS Sonoma to tackle warranty fraud

This move aims to reduce the number of false warranty claims made by users who deny water damage as the cause of their device issues.

Apple's limited warranty doesn't apply to damage caused by liquid exposure, even to waterproof products like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and some AirPods models.

In the past, Apple faced a lawsuit regarding the accuracy of moisture indicators used in iPhones to determine water damage. As a result, Apple was required to pay a $53 million settlement. Subsequently, in 2012, Apple filed a patent application to improve its water sensors, citing concerns about customers receiving replacements for products damaged in ways not covered under warranty.

This new background feature in macOS Sonoma appears to be an extension of Apple's ongoing efforts to address the issue of water-damaged devices. While Apple has not stated the purpose of this feature, it is likely aimed at improving the detection of liquid exposure, especially in USB-C ports.

Previously, Apple introduced similar water detection features in iOS for iPhones, where users are warned when liquid is detected in the Lightning port. This allows users to power off their devices before potential water damage occurs.

The "Liquid Detection and Corrosion Mitigation Daemon" in macOS Sonoma is just one of the methods Apple employs to detect water damage. The primary method involves Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) that change color when exposed to liquids, and these indicators are used in both Mac and iPhone products.