It seems that Apple has some new technology cooking that will make it even harder for users to scheme their way into new hardware after abusing it.

The patent is called Consumer Abuse Detection System and Method and will log instances of consumer abuse such as exposure to extreme heat, cold or moisture. Below is an excerpt from the patent detailing the system:

The system may include an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory to analyze the records and determine whether a consumer abuse event occurred, when the event occurred, and, in some embodiments, what type of abuse event occurred. By providing the capability to quickly and easily detect whether consumer abuse occurred in an electronic device, a vendor or manufacturer diagnosing a returned product may be able to better determine whether or not to initiate a product return under a warranty policy.

via Engadget