Apple Broke iPhone 13 Screen Repairs

Apple has been chipping away at iPhone repair work outside their control for years now, but with new changes to the iPhone 13, they may be aiming to shatter the market completely. The new iPhone 13 completely disables Face ID functionality when you replace its screen. One of the most common phone repairs that could once be done with hand tools now requires a microscope. This means you won't be able to fix your iPhone screen yourself without seriously stepping up your repair game, or sacrificing the functionality of your device.
Update 11/9/2021
Apple told The Verge that they will "release a software update that doesn't require you to transfer the microcontroller to keep Face ID working after a screen swap." We are ... a little shocked. Clearly this was not a security issue at all! Just another move against independent repair that they're backing down from, or a bug that they never bothered to test for.
Update 12/22/2021
We are happy to report that Apple followed through with their word and as of iOS 15.2, screen swaps do not break Face ID. You can read more about the update and our findings here: www.ifixit.com/News/56386/ios...
Read The Verge's update here: www.theverge.com/2021/11/9/22...
You can check out The Art of Repair channel here: / theartofrepair
Fight for your right to repair here: www.repair.org/stand-up/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 How Apple changed screen swaps in the iPhone 13
01:30 How technicians are dealing with these changes
02:10 Interview with Justin Ashford from The Art of Repair
05:28 What this means for DIY repair
06:48 Right to Repair can help!
#iPhone13, #iPhone13ScreenRepair, #iFixit
Subscribe to our channel for all our latest teardown and repair videos!
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[@lc7ineo]

I don't think people understand how important it is to force companies to allow an OWNER to repair their OWN devices, tools, etc. Laws have to be enforced to avoid this kind of anti-consumer practices.

[@curly7985]

The thing is that most people don’t really care about repairing it themselves or using a small repair shop and would send it to apple anyways even if it was an easier replacement. I think a lot of people will just pay the extra $200 or $10 per month for apple care and get $30 screen replacements. The right to repair movement is such a minority compared to the total iPhone customers.

[@why5784]

I don’t trust 3rd repair shop. There are incidents that user data is leaked by technicians. Better safe than sorry

[@lc7ineo]

@@why5784 totally agree, but still companies have to be forced to comply with regulations that avoid tons of waste and overpriced repairs, those practices do not benefit anyone but the companies. Also they will leak or sell your information any day... a repair shop leak is nothing compared to the millons of leaks these "secure companies" suffer every year.

[@LivingLinux]

@@why5784 There have been multiple reports about Apple Genius and Apple approved repair shops leaking data. Don't think your data is safe with Apple.

[@chocolatecandybar4319]

@@why5784 even if you don't use 3rd repair shop, with right to repair you can fix it yourself.

[@Megabean]

I feel like Apple should be paying a fee for every iPhone that gets thrown away after too short of a time. A phone that costs 1500$ should last in the market for at least 5 or 6 years, even if its just a cheap handydown device after that time. If you don't want people repairing devices then you should be paying for the environmental damage and waste of resources.

[@rodrigop5592]

The phones do last for 5 years or more. And if they get thrown away is the owner’s fault and not Apple

[@superslimanoniem4712]

@@rodrigop5592 if someone cracks a display it shouldn't be a thing where you have to toss out the entire phone. It's probably one of the most common things that break on a phone. (With the battery and charge port)

[@Megabean]

@@rodrigop5592 Oh look its an apple fanboy blaming the consumer. Like that's new.

[@erosmontesinos9646]

i should be iliegal it just makes more E waste

[@bigchole1140]

You can always buy an android you know

[@PeterMansour]

I've watched videos on how to remove the chip 300 times, bought all the equipment needed and currently am testing it on broken iPhone 11/12 LCDs until I'm ready for the 13

[@htttps809]

Nice i just learned how to fix Face ID on X

[@AriT105]

Ayy smart move, PROGRESS!

[@PeterMansour]

@@AriT105 The phone and screen will still turn on even without the touch IC chip, touch won't work. So I'm practicing on LCDs that customers fix that are not recyclable. Every repair shop should be saving broken LCDs for practice

[@odder5154]

I guess we have to simply evolve

[@htttps809]

@@odder5154 correct we incarnated here in order to grow

[@jose-pe]

Apple is "green", that doesn't mean they will let YOU be "green".

[@zdanee]

They are as green as a $ bill, not as a tree tho :)

[@jose-pe]

@@zdanee The funny thing is that my comment still applies with your description 🤣

[@memes_gbc674]

they say they're green which means you should be able to use your phone for longer... but when its cheaper to just get a new phone than to get a screen repair thats not very green, also restricting third party repairs just makes it harder to keep the same phone

[@j39dragon]

Greed would be the best word.

[@djispro4272]

Sure.

[@iFixitYourself]

*UPDATE TO THE UPDATE* We have confirmed that iOS 15.2 addresses this Face ID serialization mess and you can now replace a screen without transferring the microcontroller or losing Face ID. Read more about the update and our findings here: www.ifixit.com/News/56386/ios-15-2-fixes-iphone-13s-face-id-repair-trap-and-improves-its-repair-score *UPDATE* Apple told The Verge that they will "release a software update that doesn't require you to transfer the microcontroller to keep Face ID working after a screen swap." We are ... a little shocked. Clearly this was not a security issue at all! Just another move against independent repair that they're backing down from, or a bug that they never bothered to test for. Read The Verge's update here: www.theverge.com/2021/11/9/22772433/apple-iphone-13-screen-replacements-face-id-software-update

[@bryanjk]

Interesting. Even if they are covering their ass it's a win.

[@yu5554]

That was quick

[@SonglyWryt]

Apple hates you guys to the core. All the information you guys are giving. They must be plotting to whack one of you guys.

[@kenni978]

I assume, the error message will remain... So after all we have to transfer the IC.

[@ernestogonzalez4398]

I’m really glad that Apple finally turn it right. Thank you for this IFIXIT!

[@TechDove]

You can tell how committed apple is to protecting the environment by the serialization of parts that makes DIY repair impossible 🙂

[@stachowi]

No power brick too, planet saved

[@Hawker900XP]

During the Covid slow down my new MacBook Pro crashed. Apple care said I would have to use Best Buy for the repair. They sent it back to Kentucky twice before it was usable. After two months it was returned with dents and mars. So much for Apples repair facilities.

[@r3dp1ll]

and so much for their green credentials

[@DreamDesignsCanada]

I fix apple MacBooks within a day or two lol

[@radelpangilinan6702]

this is more than just helping the independent repair specialists I believe. this is about what apple stands for which is 'saving the environment'. with the amount apple charges for repairs (since most people dont get apple care when they buy their phones), most people will just opt to get new phone instead of repairing and keeping their phones which means more industrial wastes.

[@user-is1rf1mz6p]

Apple dont want people to mod their phones and send it to their repair centre.

[@semahj]

Most people don’t get Apple care? Where did you hear that Apple care is included with most cell phone plans insurance

[@radelpangilinan6702]

@@semahj I used to work at sales and marketing for US and AU telco. usually, we add the TPP (total protection program) or apple care upfront since its free for the first month but will tell our clients to just call and have it remove after the free period. most of them dont wish to add it at all. statistics in our conpany dont lie.

[@radelpangilinan6702]

@@semahj my theory is, the way I see it, they are doing this strategy to force more people to adapt apple care plus.

[@Happiness-lp9fw]

And people who buy 1k$ phones don't care about environment

[@AkashYadavOriginal]

I would love a hybrid solution. Apple should instead of disabling features like Face ID, True Tone, Camera itself should have a section under settings which should show that battery or display or camera has been replaced. This will not only give users a choice to get devices repaired without disabling features but also inform users who buy second hand iPhones about the true value of the phone they are purchasing.

[@Vlr]

Definitely! Unfortunately that requires a higher amount of good will from Apple than they’re ready to offer at the moment.

[@shApYT]

That is because apple isn't doing this to make a better product or help the customer. It is to make their profits go up.

[@AkashYadavOriginal]

@@shApYT it will help their business too as most people who want to get a good resale value in future would still go to a Apple Store as third party repair would show up in settings decreasing the resale value.

[@one2609]

Sensible. But we all know Apple won’t be doing it as this only mean less revenue for Apple.

[@gabriel00760]

@@Vlr or a good old regulation. wouldn’t be surprised if the EU did that

[@coffeeibeans]

even if you change that chip the true tone functionality would still be disabled

[@PRODUCTSOFCHICAGO]

What is the True Tone function ?

[@sterlingmoffett2008]

One day the whole thing will be 3d printed into one unrepairable slab

[@lc7ineo]

OMG... We need to avoid that at all cost.

[@TheContrariann]

GOVERNMENTS NEED TO CRACK DOWN HEAVILY ON THESE MONOPOLIC BEHAVIORS OF COMPANIES SUCH AS APPLE LIGHTENING PORT BEING ONE OF THEM

[@talatdymc6539]

You serious? No one can tell a company what to sell.

[@TheContrariann]

@@talatdymc6539 Yes Governments can to anything they want as long as they can justify it for the welfare of the people Anti-monopoly lawsuits are commonly used in these regards, like the one against Bill Gates Microsoft in the early 2000s Even currently EU has made it mandatory for all mobile phone manufacturers to use USB C on mobile phones which is a slap against Apple's outdated proprietary Lighting cable

[@talatdymc6539]

@@TheContrariann It is unapplicable, what if Apple makes less profit and produces phones harder? Think about it you create a port, sell every accessory company lisenses, a government tells you cannot use it.

[@sterkriger2572]

@@talatdymc6539 the EU did that and worked. That’s the only reason android phones has e the same port. Before that every brand had its own proprietary connector

[@talatdymc6539]

@@sterkriger2572 That was the time that ports weren’t used for data transfer or fast charge. Android phones now use the same port cuz it is cheap.

[@cptcrogge]

1. Buy a Google Pixel instead 2. Swap the screen whenever you feel like it and get support from Google if your fingerprint isn't detected properly :)

[@DreamDesignsCanada]

Google pixel is even harder to replace the screen on it lol

[@ReluctantRoboticist]

I think that the best solution is to boycott Apple’s latest devices. The iPhone13 seems unlucky.

[@QH96]

Don't become a trillion dollar company without being greedy 💵

[@uraveragecommentator6087]

Apple: Ight we are the biggest company in the world, and have the most money out of all companies in the world. What should we accomplish next? Apple employees: Well, just take more money. Thats something to accomplish. Tim Cook: "Amen!" Bob: Yeah! Andy: YES! Evan: Your our true savior! The one employee: "gets laughed at for suggesting true innovation"

[@DamianTechnology]

is it greed or is it about wanting control? Apple has told congress and investors that it loses money on repairs so I would not call it greed. Definitely seems to be more about being addicted to control.

[@henryyu4694]

@@DamianTechnology it's greed. apple just lied. no other company restricts screen repairs like this. Apple wants repairs to be only be done by Apple. it's like if Toyota forced you to buy Toyota tires if your tires popped and they charged $200, and buying third party tires would make your car not drive

[@DamianTechnology]

@@henryyu4694 right... but "greed" does not make sense here. Usually greed is associated with trying to further benefit off of something you are already benefiting from no matter the risk/cost

[@henryyu4694]

@@DamianTechnology greed intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. Apple is first 2 trillion dollar company. THEY HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH MONEY. no other company does this scum environment harming practice. The only reason they payed their engineers to code and make this happen is because they want more money instead of third party repair from making money

[@RedAnalog]

Fantastic video One note, on the video calls, try keeping the mouse out of the screen recording

[@komenisai]

doesn't the free version of zoom have built-in recording?

[@bartomiejnoga1804]

Mouse right in your face XD Kinda like he was playing with us ur sth. Good Video tho.

[@chinaphonefixteam6300]

Helpful video. Thanks for uploading

[@jeanbutinfrench]

That passive aggressive email though

[@mohamedehabmorsi1125]

Thanks for Help 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@GuuMonster]

TLDR: Apple being Apple again...

[@dankovac4176]

It's the same case on older models. For example iphone Xr on iOS 15 will also disable face id functionality if you switch display.

[@RithikaV]

This is like the ultimate middle finger to right to repair 😞

[@FNLNFNLN]

EU needs to open up an even bigger can of whoopass on Apple.

[@nomanCyclewala]

haha i guess they did by forcing removable battery by 2027

[@GrandTheftAidan]

I’d like to read the context of email 329 👀🤣

[@behelpful1435]

At 6:23, what is meant by further serialization. Thanks for making this awesome some video. I learned new terms like spitter coated and kapton tape (The CC said capped on tape, hehe)

[@tonyzapien369]

I have no idea how many times I have replaced the screen on my iPhone 8 and I just recently replaced my MacBook screen currently now without True Tone not really a big deal but this about the new iPhones is really making want to get a galaxy rather than the 13

[@q2l867]

My digital ps5 is making a buzzing noise when playing ps5 games but no buzzing noise while playing ps4 games is this normal??

[@brandongoodwin1053]

I would say the software is definitely against right to repair however the repair techniques are fairly easy to learn. I’ve always been impressed by the amount of people with zero technical knowledge who have been able to fix their phone screen and unfortunately this discourages those casual DIY technician however if you learn these skills and acquire the equipment they are invaluable in many other types of equipment repairs. I was fortunate enough that I was formally trained for free in micro miniature repairs.

[@archivushka]

I love this apple vs repair war

[@f.remplakowski]

I think Green Peace need to reassess their index scores to include product longevity, part availability and ease of repairability.

[@sharfazhameed6382]

This guy is very transparent and being very honest wen he mentioned roasting 2 displays. Honestly it’s not an easy job to replace that ic if you don’t know your hot air and distance from your gun to the component. This is indeed a very delicate job. First and foremost one need to remove the under-fill by keeping a metal shield below the reborn to avoid roasting the display. Finally activate the weapon to remove the ic. Apple is full of nonsense and right to repair will have a say to their monopoly strategy on mobile accesories.

[@tyronenelson9124]

You basically need to drain the heat away somehow from the oled screen while you are soldering, de soldering that chip.

[@rushilkisoon]

The world: Right to Repair Apple: Right to Rule

[@j39dragon]

Customers: Right to buy from others.

[@UNVIRUSLETALE]

Faceid is probably a question of calibration with the screen thus making the disabling thing the easiest and more investor friendly way remove the issue

[@sterkriger2572]

No it isn’t. FaceID has nothing to do with the screen. It worked fine before the update with every other screen

[@CARRJ142]

Another great video.

[@sorryman06]

Hi, can you share a link for the tools you used including the suction opener. Thanks

[@karthikp965]

me being a person who buys 1 year refurbished Apple Products, is happy that i dont get counterfeit or swapped product. On other hand its a bit sad to spend much on repair.

[@dgames1355]

To be honest I think biometrics should be the only ones that should lock if they aren’t the original part. I understand Apple wants perfection and all but they could just give a message that it’s not the original part and may not work as intended but still leave it to work.

[@samiibnjamil]

anyone noticed the crazy house music playing in the background?

[@CambodiaShareFeeds]

May I know if all iPhone has the same screw and be able to use only kind of screw driver?

[@jayp9488]

Aside the Face ID feature, has there been an issue fix when you can replace the battery and still see the battery life?

[@allanjuntilla7993]

I've seen some repair shop use a programmer to copy the old screen's credentials and transfer it to the donor one. How does the two differ from each other?

[@jhet3450]

Same here having issues with my iphone 6s forgot to charge been fully drain the battery now having problems in touch ID my ios is 15.1 unable touch ID

[@Pandemonium088]

Because "security"

[@mvkrishna2001]

Save your tears background was a nice touch

[@Fahad.Barlas]

I have watched video were people repair damage flex cables can complete chip can be changed by jointing flex cables

[@joshuaellison01]

Unfortunately the update to iOS 15.2 on my iPhone 11 disabled my Face ID. No repairs ever made to the device, all OEM. Camera engages but not recognizing face. Tried adding additional face features, would not allow. Reset Face ID, now it will not setup. Sometimes it will show the screen with my face where you move around but it will not recognize the face. Sometimes it will say Face ID is not available and to try again later. Been trying several times a day for the past week. Frustrating.

[@luigiplayer14]

So much for the environment

[@DiarioAutomotivo]

That guy is the Tom Holland's twin with a different haircut 😱😂😂😂😂

[@birkanaslan6118]

I spilled water on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, then I tried to dry the top (at the gap between screen and frame) with a hair dryer for 20/30 seconds…do you think that the gasket seal has been damaged? Other question, I can insert a paper in the gap at the top of the phone, I have already pushed the paper to the bottom of the gap to remove the dirt, can a paper damage the seal if it touches it?

[@theshadowman1398]

I keep loathing that company more and more.

[@rodrigomaero]

Face ID worked fine for older models when you replaced the screen, so there's no excuse for this

[@Realmisterwolf]

Sadly this is only going to continue. Other phone manufactures will follow suit.

[@Jek47]

Is this not something that can be resolved with one of those “QianLi” devices, that are already in use for retaining the functionality of True Tone after a screen replacement? Or are the chips mentioned in this video read only?

[@aldenviriyatanudjaja5234]

Its only true tone, not for important display message and face is. Serial number and secure memory is different. For true tone, its only serial number, however for important display message and face id, its secure memory (which is in the chip and can't be reprogrammed)

[@wardragons9780]

The eprom programming devices like Qianli icopy and jc v1s currently won’t work with 12 series and 13 series as of now because the ic on the display is locked by apple

[@aldenviriyatanudjaja5234]

@@wardragons9780 indeed, even since iphone 11 its already locked

[@wardragons9780]

@@aldenviriyatanudjaja5234 oh sorry I forgot that…! And the bmc on battery are locked from xs and on ….preventing from programming new battery and that is now solved recently

[@aldenviriyatanudjaja5234]

@@wardragons9780 yes display ic and BMS is locked

[@monkesus8822]

xD you sent the letter to Tim Apple? lol

[@Eysc]

Meanwhile pixel 6 have the online tool necessary to calibrate the fingerprint sensor online (free)

[@ironboy89]

This combined with Apple's stance on Sideloading makes it really hard to recommend them.

[@Yessir1506]

Let’s not Have too much negative thinking, let’s hope for the best

[@WolfiiDog13]

I love Apple devices but I simply can't have them, first because it's too expensive where I live (I don't mind paying extra if it's a good thing, like the new M1 Macs), but also because I wouldn't be fix it, and the nearest Apple Store is about 2 thousand kilometers away from my home

[@paperbackwriter4145]

Where do u live, in Alaska?

[@WolfiiDog13]

@@paperbackwriter4145 in a small town in the Brazilian south region

[@knechtnoobrecht-c137]

Does anyone know the name of the song that's playing in the background ?

[@SoulMist17]

Mouse pointer!!

[@richardc5100]

Finally got the hair band

[@octhewatcher]

ifixit needs to sell soldering kit now

[@pinkysweets]

those things are REALLY expensive, no sane person would buy those for DIY, repair shops just import those directly and not buy retail

[@allcrafter3747]

What's a about the Quianli I copy?

[@EngineerZX]

In many countries we don't even have an apple store!!!! so basicly we do not even have the option to fix our apple devices

[@satsumagt5284]

AASP: Am I a joke to you?

[@leviandhiro3596]

After this I'm sure apple will put a sensor that will disable the phone once it detects it was been opened

[@agustin8868]

Hi! How Can i fixed my iPhone X??? I chances a a few years and Face ID worked, but after instálled iOS 15 not worked…

[@generationxpletive4622]

Does anyone know if there are any physical software retail stores that sell various software products and come with CD/DVD to install INSTEAD of requiring you download it (I am familiar with how to find and download products online). Thank you!

[@sudhanshchourasia6454]

Nothing inside this phone even comes close to being eco-friendly yet they have the audacity to not give the charger, very apple like

[@mcb9644]

Repair gate?

[@ankittuli1746]

If a 1500$ phone can’t last for atleast 4 years then it’s a shame on the company producing those phones. I bought an iPhone se2 just for the sake of the software and if i cannot get replacement parts then its a bloody shame

[@shis10]

Right to Repair 💪

[@solodolo6291]

Those satellite dishes tho

[@bozetheone]

It is not and never was an error, just like Error 53 with iPhone 5S wasn't one either. It's not like a developer just dropped a line of code in there by mistake that Face ID doesn't work, you HAVE to want to do it for it to happen. People have been sleeping on this for YEARS and don't realize the full consequences of this. They're slowly but surely taking away the concept of property and laughing right under our nose by pleading "It's for security !". What little reaction and backlash those actions by Apple created over the years made me cynical over the fact people don't care and will realize too late what happened.

[@fictionhead39]

I really hope this doesn't become any more of a norm...

[@dwainalfred4151]

Lol. Hello apple care. I have never use it before but I feel I will get it for my next iPhone.

[@djcarbontt]

I don’t know if anyone has said it, but what’s worse here is the global audience. There isn’t a Apple store in 90% of the world. Service then boils down to mailing phones to the states? Not being DIY is bad enough but this is a whole different level of issue. I stopped recommending new MacBooks for 6 years now, I guess it’s time to find a decent non-iWatch smartwatch to go Android? At least parts availability there is mostly problematic because of the nuances of fragmentation but this? This is insane. Screens will break. They always do. What’s the real option cause an Apple store visit isn’t a real one.

[@ross1972]

That saved me lots of money. Was thinking about switching to apple. Now wont bother.

[@buixote]

Don't forget *fume extractor*! ;-)

[@JohnJohnson-rh1xi]

can install iPhone 12 Pro display in iPhone 13

[@llamaisms]

Watch this video blow up.

[@CineDecodificado]

This is why my last iphone was the 5s. Not even a pencil I would buy from them.

[@ari_smolbean]

Didn't even go to Louis Rossmann... SMH

[@yasermohiuddin1347]

Let's Sue Apple

[@seanmc4789]

Move the mouse pointer off his face face haha

[@xmasterosu]

Totally not expected, coming from our perfects overlords from Apple

[@evofx]

How about supply-chain attacks where a bad guy inserts spyware chip into your iPhone?

[@saramae9878]

I think most shops are going to go with Apple certification, or changing careers. Only large chains are going to even have a chance at the first option.

[@innerself4u]

Am I the only one distracted by the cursor on the center of the screen?

[@HelloNotMe9999]

It’s not an accident. It’s deliberate and actively malicious.

[@petrmiskerik]

Louis Rossmann....

[@rodneyk6913]

Never owned Apple, never will. No loss to Apple, ...... or me.

[@mr_reborn]

Absolute trashy customer consideration, when you think about how much you pay Apple for these things. It pisses me off so much.

[@ChardTimingTV]

Hello sir new suporters here.

[@Elliot9874]

Suprised you guys didn't call Louis Rossmann

[@bluenight317]

There is another

[@SevenDeMagnus]

So sad.

[@baalzebeelbubjustmusic2221]

I think I have the stupidest question ... the name of the song ??

[@majinbooch3787]

Well I know how to solder so I’m good

[@pip4so]

Let's bring back 60's and 70's security... smart........