iPhone 13 Screen Replacements Can Break Face ID, a Repair Restriction iFixit Calls 'Completely Unprecedented'

[dog.cow]

An inability to replace the iPhone 13's display without breaking Face ID could have a major impact on companies that offer iPhone repairs, iFixit said today in an article advocating for Right to Repair laws.

iFixit first pointed out this repair issue in its iPhone 13 Pro teardown, and has confirmed it with multiple tests. Replacing the display of the iPhone 13 renders Face ID non-functional, so at-home repairs are not an option. Swapping an iPhone 13's display with a display from a new iPhone 13 results in an error message that says "Unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone."

An iPhone display repair, which could previously be done with hand-held tools, now requires a microscope and microsoldering tools or access to Apple's Independent Repair Provider Program, which repair shops have criticized for its "draconian" contracts and requirements.

At issue is a small microcontroller that pairs the iPhone 13 to its display. Apple does not have a tool that allows iPhone owners or repair shops not affiliated with Apple to pair a new screen to an iPhone 13. Authorized technicians who do work with Apple need to use Apple Services Toolkit 2 to log a repair to Apple's cloud services, thereby syncing the serial numbers of the iPhone and the display.

Some repair shops have found a workaround, but it is difficult and work intensive. A soldered chip must be moved from the original screen to the replacement, which iFixit says is "completely unprecedented" as screen repair is "incredibly common" and accounts for a good amount of the revenue that independent repair shops bring in.

iFixit says that Apple's decision to disable Face ID with a screen repair could cause small repair outlets to shut down, spend thousands on new equipment, or lose out on Apple repairs. The site also does not believe that the Face ID repair issue is an accident, as Apple has previously introduced similar repair restrictions for Touch ID, True Tone functionality with display repairs, and iPhone 12 cameras.

Other independent repair shops that iFixit spoke to believe that Apple has implemented this change in an effort to "thwart a customer's ability to repair," directing iPhone owners to Apple retail locations or Apple Authorized Service Providers for help with their displays.

With the iPhone 12, camera repairs initially required Apple's proprietary system configuration tool to function properly, and cameras that were replaced were non-functional. Apple addressed this issue with an update that notifies customers that the camera in their device might not be genuine, but doesn't disable it entirely. Apple could do something similar for Face ID in a future update, but it's not clear yet if that will happen.

Customers with an iPhone 13 would be best served by visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Store for any kind of repair due to the difficulty of display replacements and the potential for Face ID failure. Without AppleCare+, display repairs are expensive, priced between $229 to $329 for Apple's iPhone 13 models.

Article Link: iPhone 13 Screen Replacements Can Break Face ID, a Repair Restriction iFixit Calls 'Completely Unprecedented'

Since FaceID has access to pretty much everything on my iPhone, I for one am happy the screen can’t be simply swapped out/over without some sort of validation.

 

[SirSpuitElf]

It’s a 100% safety feature that non-official screen replacements break FaceID in my opinion. Who guarantees that the phone is still as safe as before? Only Apple can do this.

 

[GrumpyCoder]

It’s a 100% safety feature that non-official screen replacements break FaceID in my opinion. Who guarantees that the phone is still as safe as before? Only Apple can do this.

I keep scratching my head over this... could you explain, in technical detail software and hardware, how replacing the screen could compromise security in any way?

 

[ThatGuyInLa]

Louis is going to love this.

 

[boss.king]

It’s a 100% safety feature that non-official screen replacements break FaceID in my opinion. Who guarantees that the phone is still as safe as before? Only Apple can do this.

What do you think happens when a screen breaks? It’s not a physical barrier that keeps malware out. If I knock my pocket on the corner of a desk, it’s not going to suddenly be compromised.

There’s no reason Apple couldn’t provide the tools and part necessary to repair this to everyone, and even to do so without compromising FaceID. They’re choosing not to because AppleCare and expensive out of warranty repairs are profitable.

 

[gene731]

The customer. At least that's what Apple has said in the past and would say in this instance too.

I seriously doubt the consumer since Apple, Inc. is a for profit company and yes, I do own AAPL for full disclosure.

 

[kofman13]

tbh i would never trust some third party shop to fix my phone anyway lol. thats why i have apple care

 

[kingtj1971]

Apple screwing over everyone in order to make more money, then coming up with disingenuous arguments that people on here will defend.

Rinse and repeat.

There's really no nonsense explanation that Apple can come up with for this that serves as a justification. (I suppose in the interest of putting a "spin" on things, I'd try a marketing angle like; "Apple is concerned about 3rd. parties who can install inferior front glass on your device, thereby subjecting it to more breakage risk going forward and potentially making Face ID perform less reliably if the glass is tinted or clouded in some manner.") But no, at some point it all just gets silly. The clear and obvious answer is that Apple actively engineers products to discourage others from attempting repairs on them.

This behavior is about as old as the company itself. (Remember how the original Macintosh had DEEP recessed screws in back that nobody could get to with regular tools? They had to come up with a "Mac cracker" tool that was basically a hex wrench that was a foot long or so, to reach the bolts down in them.)

The only real difference, these days, is that components have gotten so tiny, they can literally require microscopes and very fine soldering tools as obstacles to attempting fixes, vs just using "pentalobe" screw heads or what-not.

 

[citysnaps]

I gave an example of how it’s not as easy as you’re saying it is to switch. You somehow don’t understand or are simply choosing not to.

I swear Apple could set fire to your house and you’d be telling everyone about how they’re doing it for your own good.

Try toning down your angry hyperbole and listen to what I'm saying.

Again, paraphrased... If I was as outraged as many here claim to be with Apple, I'd easily find alternatives to my Apple computers, phone, tablet, watch, wireless ear buds, music, and health data.

Would I be as happy as I am now with Apple products and ecosystem? Likely, not.

But if I was truly outraged with Apple's policies it would be a very easy decision. Life goes on. My accumulated Apple Watch exercise data is not critical for going forward. And there are plenty of other streaming music services.

That you're not able to understand how I'd be able to easily walk away and do that in order to not being beholden to a corporation at the expense of my principals, really says something about you.

 

[rzc16512]

No, Apple did this so you can't spoof FaceID.

Apple doesn't give a **** about third-party repair services, they care about ensuring the security of their devices.

Huh? I thought Face ID already stopped working if it wasn’t the original sensor? Why would they need to disable Face ID with a display change?

I don’t think I’ve ever used a third party repair shop (I don’t trust them) but I’ve fixed a screen or battery on a family phones a few times. Once the 13 is a few years old I would feel a little silly paying the full repair price for a screen repair.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

This will be an unpopular opinion, but I'm 100% fine with this if it means I can trust the shop repairing my Apple product to do it properly, and with OEM Apple components. Kinda comes down to "if you don't like the policy, don't buy the product in the first place". Let your wallet speak.

Related, I recently had a non-AASC tell me they sold/use Apple OEM parts, and then the display fell off my iMac because they were using the wrong parts.

There was and is ZERO stopping you from going to Apple for the repairs in the first place. You chose the cheap option, and you knew the risks. We would like there to be choice.

The reality with this change is, due to the whoppingly horrendous $229 to $329 for a genuine screen repair, this phone is now, in effect, a lot more expensive over its lifetime than the ticket price. I'm glad I read this article, because I have been thinking about upgrading my SE to a 13 Pro, but now I might look around for a second hand 12 Pro instead.

You won't believe the number of years I've held onto old Apple tech, waiting (sometimes in vain), for Apple to undo some poor design decision. I held onto my 6 due to the jack, until I killed it last year, and gave in on the jack ever coming back and bought a new SE and AirPods. I've held onto my 2015 15" rMBP, aghast at the mess of everything released from 2016 onwards.... and now look on in wonder at the 16" M1Pro/Max MBP, and all the poor design decisions that Apple have undone. Finally, a worthy replacement. I'll patiently wait until next year for the issues to settle, reviews to mature, and release prices to drop, before settling on the specs I want. Damn the RAM and SSD upgrades are the hugest rip off Apple Tax, and I'd really like 32GB/2TB minimum, but may have to settle for 16GB/2TB, let's see how the reviews pan out over time. I'm a bit wary, as when the M1 first came out, everyone was raving about how 8GB is enough, but it clearly isn't really, 16GB is the minimum. My mate got the 8GB, and say it clogs up and slows down with a lot of Safari tabs open.

Anyway, next time, just get your stuff repaired at Apple if you want genuine, but stop projecting your own choices on everyone else, it doesn't make you or the world any happier. Some of us are willing to hunt around for a 3rd party repairer that has a good reputation. There's one in my town who has 100% 5 star google reviews, and he truly is a legend. We've been to him multiple times for batteries and screens. He's a lovely, pleasant guy, cheap as chips, and provides prompt, on the spot service. We had one battery swell, and he simply replaced it without question for free, and threw in a free screen protector. Yeah, his stuff isn't genuine parts, but they work, and he backs them.

 

[Mr. Heckles]

I really don't understand why people need unauthorized repairs. Or think Apple should somehow prioritize this in product design.

1. Stop breaking your phones.
2. If you can't, get it fixed the right way.

Sorry. Zero sympathy for this argument.

I don’t understand why people can’t fix what they own? I already posted this:

Accidents happen and stuff can happen where not everyone can afford the Apple prices. Up until a few years ago, car dealers prices were outrageous for work and repairs (in some cases, they still are). How would it be if you bought a certain car and you can only go to that certain car manufacturers dealer to get it worked on or fixed? BTW, cars cost a lot more money than an iPhone. Why would anyone want to work on a $20,000, 30,000, or more vehicle, just take it to the dealer to get it fixed 🙄

I can fix a lot on my own on my car, I bet there are people who can fix their own iPhones too.

You probably think people shouldn’t be able to fix their own homes also 😂. Oops the shower head needs to be replaced, better can the home builder to do it for me. 🙄

 

[Analog Kid]

And replace your smartwatch, and ear buds, and whatever else you’ve bought. Lose all your health data, lose your access to iMessage, lose all the apps you’ve bought, etc. It’s not always as simple as just buying a different phone, Apple has built an ecosystem that is hard to leave (this is by design).

Personally, I could switch my phone tomorrow if I wanted to, but for others it’s not as simple.

It's worth mentioning here, to avoid giving people the wrong idea, that you can pair your Airpods to non-Apple devices and you can export your health data and iMessage chats. You'll have to find a different watch. You might need to spend a bit on apps, but so many of those have gone all in on subscription these days that it's much less of an issue.

 

[boss.king]

It's worth mentioning here, to avoid giving people the wrong idea, that you can pair your Airpods to non-Apple devices and you can export your health data and iMessage chats. You'll have to find a different watch. You might need to spend a bit on apps, but so many of those have gone all in on subscription these days that it's much less of an issue.

You can pair your AirPods but you’ll never get any software updates. You can technically export you health data but I’d wager a lot of average users wouldn’t be able to figure that out, and I’m not sure how compatible it would be with health apps on other platforms. And iMessage chats aren’t the thing I’m talking about. I mean actual iMessage. It’s a bigger deal to some people than others but it’s a significant pain point for some people, and since Apple seemingly can’t be bothered to implement RCS, it creates a bit of a messaging divide between iOS and Android users (again, by Apple’s design).

I’m not trying to say it’s impossible to switch, but let’s not pretend that Apple hasn’t taken steps to try make it harder than it needs to be.

 

[Analog Kid]

You can pair your AirPods but you’ll never get any software updates. You can technically export you health data but I’d wager a lot of average users wouldn’t be able to figure that out, and I’m not sure how compatible it would be with health apps on other platforms. And iMessage chats aren’t the thing I’m talking about. I mean actual iMessage. It’s a bigger deal to some people than others but it’s a significant pain point for some people, and since Apple seemingly can’t be bothered to implement RCS, it creates a bit of a messaging divide between iOS and Android users (again, by Apple’s design).

I’m not trying to say it’s impossible to switch, but let’s not pretend that Apple hasn’t taken steps to try make it harder than it needs to be.

You've got your data. "If I leave Apple, I can't use Apple stuff" isn't really that strong of an argument.

 

[JCCL]

I really don't understand why people need unauthorized repairs. Or think Apple should somehow prioritize this in product design.

1. Stop breaking your phones.
2. If you can't, get it fixed the right way.

Sorry. Zero sympathy for this argument.

I wouldn't repair any phone outside of an official service provider, but some people are much more skilled that are able to do this themselves if they get access to the right parts or prefer to take it to a third party because Apple rates are insane (in some case up to 70% of the value of a new phone).

Why is it so hard to comprehend that some people might have the skills to this on their own or just simply prefer to have OPTIONS?

Apple just locks this to compel people to invest on insurance (AppleCare+) on top of the expensive phones.

 

[boss.king]

You've got your data. "If I leave Apple, I can't use Apple stuff" isn't really that strong of an argument.

Data is only worthwhile if you can use it. And yes, losing access to software you like because of a company’s bad hardware practices is a valid complaint.

But the other side of it is that I don’t actually want to stop using my Apple devices, I just want them to stop make consumer-hostile design choices that they’re more than capable of avoiding.

 

[wigby]

I seriously doubt the consumer since Apple, Inc. is a for profit company and yes, I do own AAPL for full disclosure.

Then why does Apple tout their high customer satisfaction rating at every chance? We're not talking about what Apple really thinks because we are not mind readers but that is what they say they think.

 

[mikethemartian]

How exactly is fixing crap at home a 'right'? Did I miss part of the Magna Carta or the Constitution?

It’s called property rights. There is a whole area of law that is specifically dedicated to it. Basically though you are allowed to do with your property anything you want unless it is a crime or otherwise specifically prohibited by law.

 

[roeiz]

if people have contract warranty, why not let Apple replace the screen?
(i don't, so i keep my screen as safe as possible)

 

[Shirasaki]

View attachment 1902655I don’t know if anyone has picked up on this yet, but many moves Apple makes seems to be in order to make it more difficult for the likes of intelligence agencies and their vendors to tamper with devices. There’s a reason that even the connection between components in FaceID are encrypted on device.

To cut down on practices like this towards high profile targets: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy...tory-show-cisco-router-getting-implant/?amp=1

On a side note, China can do the same en masse. And this will impact every single Apple device shipped from China. Dunno how helpful on-device component encryption would help in that scenario.

 

[Shirasaki]

Did you just find out what a thesaurus is or have you always written like a comic book villain?

On a side note, I find that comment insanely hard to read for a non-native speaker with limited vocabulary.

 

[fhopper]

There goes the hope for local independent shops. Apple just wants consumers to go directly to Apple retail locations or Apple Authorized Service Providers.

It’s simple as that.

Most people do not have an Apple Store!

 

[NT1440]

On a side note, China can do the same en masse. And this will impact every single Apple device shipped from China. Dunno how helpful on-device component encryption would help in that scenario.

…how would they pull that off Under the hundreds (if not thousands) of Apple production engineers onsite at all the various vendor factories? Apple is one of the most involved in actual production (to make sure their specs are met) of their products of any of the big tech guys.

 

[jlc1978]

It’s called property rights. There is a whole area of law that is specifically dedicated to it. Basically though you are allowed to do with your property anything you want unless it is a crime or otherwise specifically prohibited by law.

However, property rights does not mean a manufacturer has to facilitate your doing whatever you desire to with your device.