Several third-party vendors and independent repair shops have said that replacing the iPhone 13 screen is impossible because it disables the Face ID feature. Fortunately, Apple is fixing this problem. A new software update is on the way that could help iPhone 13 smartphones recognize a new screen.
As many fans know, one of the most common phone repairs is the replacement of the screen. This happens when users accidentally drop their smartphones and break the screen. Prior to the iPhone 13, technicians were able to complete this fix in under 20 minutes.
The usual repair unfortunately doesn’t apply to the latest iPhone. Whenever the screen of an iPhone 13 is replaced, it retains most of its “normal” function. Users can still swipe and scroll as usual. The problem occurs with the Face ID feature, which throws several error messages.
Smartphone technicians, both home improvement and professionals, have complained that repairing the iPhone 13 screen is a sophisticated and expensive process.
iPhone 13 Screen Repair Face ID Trap
According to iFixit, the iPhone 13’s screen is attached to the case with a small microcontroller chip, a condition they call “serialization”. If a screen and microcontroller is replaced, it will be difficult for the iPhone 13 to synchronize with the new hardware. This generates the errors “Cannot be verified” and “Cannot activate Face ID on this iPhone”.
Some experts have come up with a workaround, but it is both challenging and expensive. Technicians must physically remove the microchip from the first screen and install it on the new screen.
YouTuber iCorrect posted a seven minute video about the iPhone 13 screen replacement process. During the video, the expert explained the difference between the iPhone 13 chips, screens and microcontrollers. The whole repair was a delicate process.
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Keep in mind that heating, desoldering, and re-soldering require a lot of specialized equipment. One of the first tools you will need is a microscope! Unfortunately, damaging the microcontroller is also easy. One wrong move can destroy both iPhone screens when swapping.
According to iFixit, technicians only have three options at this point. First, they could buy the expensive equipment and retrain their fixers for micro-soldering. Second, join Apple’s authorized repair network. Third is to find a new line of work.
Apple software for iPhone 13 screen replacement
Fortunately, according to The Verge, there is now a fourth option. Apple has reportedly created a software update that will help the iPhone 13 recognize screen swaps even without a microcontroller. That means Face ID should work again for those repaired smartphones.
It turns out that Apple Authorized Repairers use a software tool to do their screen replacement. The same system may become available with the incoming iPhone 13 software update.
It is worth noting that the change has not yet been applied for software update 15.0. Apple didn’t provide any information on the timeline, so indie fixers may have to wait a little longer for the actual update.
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