After some public backlash, Apple has decided to allow DIY screen repairs for the iPhone 13, or at least, make it easier. The Verge reports that Apple has informed them of an upcoming software update that would allow third-party screen repairs by not disabling Face ID after the display is replaced.
A couple of months ago, YouTube channel Phone Repair Guru revealed that Face ID on the iPhone 13 would be completely bricked if the phone’s display is swapped out, even with another original Apple screen. This was apparently because there is a microcontroller in each display that syncs the serial number between the phone and the screen.
iFixit details the workaround for this, which requires transferring the microcontroller from the old display to the new one. However, this highly complex process involves soldering and even a microscope. Apple-authorised technicians don’t have to deal with this as they have access to proprietary software that logs the repair to Apple’s cloud servers and syncs the serial numbers.
While it’s technically doable for a small number of experts, most independent repair shops won’t have the tools or skills necessary to perform this transfer. This would mean that iPhone 13 users who require out-of-warranty repairs would be forced to pay the exorbitant fees for authorised technicians. At the time of writing, Apple didn’t give a specific release date for this software update.
(Source: The Verge)
