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iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X models that have been repaired with a new display by an unauthorized third-party repair outlet are affected by a problem where the fix seems to disable the device's ability to adjust brightness automatically, according to report from Engadget and Motherboard.

The issue appears to impact replacement displays installed by non-Apple certified repair shops even when using genuine Apple parts, and it seems to be related to the functionality of the ambient light sensor. It is not a problem that affects display components replaced by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

iphone-x-teardown-800x614.jpg

iPhone X internal image via iFixit
According to Engadget, the aftermarket repair community has confirmed the issue in multiple countries and in several versions of iOS, including iOS 11.1, iOS 11.2, and iOS 11.3. Engadget also experienced the bug first hand after swapping the displays of two new iPhones, which disabled the ambient light sensor of the devices.It is not known if the disabling of the ambient light sensor after a display replacement is a feature or a bug, because there is precedent for iPhone features to be disabled following unauthorized repairs. As an example, after Touch ID was introduced, users who had their Home buttons and Touch ID sensors repaired by non-Apple technicians saw Touch ID disabled.

This was known as the "Error 53" issue, and Apple at the time confirmed that it was intentionally disabling Touch ID following unauthorized third-party repairs using non-original components because of security and validation issues. Error 53 initially bricked iPhones, which Apple said was in error and fixed, but to this day an unauthorized Touch ID repair will disable the Touch ID sensor on an affected device.

Repair outlets that spoke to Engadget suspect that Apple may be using the ambient light sensor as a "test-case" to control the repair process and "link hardware with logic boards so if [an iPhone is] repaired outside of the Apple network it loses functionality," but this has not been confirmed.Apple has not yet commented on the ambient light sensor issue affecting iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X models repaired by non-Apple service providers, and there is also a separate but unrelated bug that appears to be impacting some iPhone 8 displays.

As discovered yesterday by Motherboard, some iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models that have had aftermarket display replacements are experiencing issues following the release of iOS 11.3, which appears to have disabled touch functionality in the repaired devices.

One repair shop told Motherboard that the issue has caused "over 2,000 reshipments." "Customers are annoyed and it seems like Apple is doing this to prevent customers from doing 3rd party repair," said the shop owner.

The iOS 11.3 bug seems to be related to a small microchip in the display, which disables touch functionality following the update. Repair shops have discovered a fix, but each affected iPhone must be re-opened so the chip can be upgraded, which is a hassle. Motherboard also learned that it's "an absolute nightmare" for unauthorized shops to repair iPhone X components, with the front camera and Face ID components unable to be repaired by aftermarket shops entirely.

For end users who don't want to hassle with non-functional iPhone components, Apple's message is clear: visit an Apple retail store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to avoid serious issues. For devices out of warranty, authorized repairs can be prohibitively expensive, however, which leaves customers with limited options.

These reports of repair issues come as Apple works to fight "Right to Repair" legislation in multiple states, which would potentially require smartphone manufacturers to provide repair information, replacement parts, and diagnostic tools to both product owners and independent repair shops.

Article Link: Unauthorized iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X Display Replacements Can Break Ambient Light Sensor


As it should be.
 
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I believe the message is crystal clear: you'll deal only with Apple and their monopolistic pricing.

As this type of thing has happened before, affecting even authorized Apple service providers, it is no accident and by design. Apple wants particularly iPhone customers entirely within their walls with no outside recourse.

Thus, buyer beware; by purchasing the product you are effectively agreeing to such terms for the life of the product, as Apple dictate same. They are not your friend in this, but a vendor imposing such terms, if covertly.
The few times these types of things happened and the same types of things were suggested, it didn't really end up being that or at the very least didn't really end up working out well for Apple, so doesn't seem too likely they would purposefully try to do something of that sort: https://www.macrumors.com/2016/02/18/apple-ios-9-2-1-error-53-fix/
 
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Authorised repairs can break all kinds of things too. What's your point?

Pretty sneaky Apple trying to corner the repair market now but as the previous poster said even a certified repair still damaged their phone .

The difference is that if Apple messes up your phone, Apple will fix it without any risk of voiding your warranty. If an unauthorized shop messes up your phone, you're out of luck.
 
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I can understand Apple being very strict with things like Touch ID repairs, for security reasons, but a simple screen ?
 
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So is the law changing, or has it already changed, where Apple have to allow 3rd party repair places the ability to obtain genuine Apple parts.
Just like a local garage can buy genuine car parts to repair you car for you in a local garage?

The law won't be changing anywhere to where people think it will.

Automotive is the premiere example how Right to Repair works in the real world, and how the Magnusson Moss Warranty Act affects independent automotive shops and actual automotive dealers.

There's a misconception that Right to Repair/Magnusson Moss will initiate a "free-for-all" where companies like Apple will be forced to provide any parts an independent shop wishes (along with any documentation and/or special tools). This is simply not the case. Magnusson Moss allows for manufacturers to provide a list of specifications that components and procedures adhere to. If these specifications are not followed during a repair, then the company can deny future warranty repairs of the affected component. Affected being the important part here. Automotive dealers were notorious for trying to force consumers to get simple service (like oil changes) done at dealers and voiding your warranty if you went elsewhere. And not just your engine warranty, but the entire vehicle warranty. Which is, of course, absurd.

For example, if an independent shop does an oil change on your BMW, and uses an oil that doesn't meet BMW's specifications, and that engine seizes due to a lubrication issue, then BMW is well within their right to deny warranty on the engine.

Further, certain components are only available from BMW (anything security related like an engine computer, car access system, remote keys or instrument cluster). BMW can get away with this because their argument is such security related items should not be made available to general shops for fear that information could get out that would make it easy for thieves to steal BMWs (or commit fraud like odometer rollbacks).

The real problem with Right to Repair is people are trying to equate large, easy-to-repair products (like cars) with something small and highly complex (like smartphones). There are literally hundreds of parts that can be replaced on a typical car, all independently of each other and without fear of causing damage or making another component non-functional. Not so much with smartphones, where even opening one up with too much force can damage screens, touch sensors, connectors and cables. Everything's tightly integrated with - and connected to - everything else. It would be easy for a company like Apple to create a list of procedures/specifications that must be adhered to for repair of an iPhone, simply because of how it's constructed. It would also be easy for Apple to classify certain components (like a TouchID sensor) as being security related and deny sale of these parts and the tools/software to perform calibration of them.
 
I believe the message is crystal clear: you'll deal only with Apple and their monopolistic pricing.

As this type of thing has happened before, affecting even authorized Apple service providers, it is no accident and by design. Apple wants particularly iPhone customers entirely within their walls with no outside recourse.

Thus, buyer beware; by purchasing the product you are effectively agreeing to such terms for the life of the product, as Apple dictate same. They are not your friend in this, but a vendor imposing such terms, if covertly.
THIS!

If Apple is doing this intentionally...then I will..I will...
:mad:
:mad:
buy the next iPhone and the MacBook Pro.

This is why Apple can continue to do these things cause the general population does not care. They think it is the normal, pony up the extra cash.

Apple, disabling the sensor even if the displays are swapped! Wow!
If it is bug, disappointed. If it is not a bug, still disappointed with a hint of outrage.
 
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This seems familiar to the TouchID would require re-validating from Apple if screen was repaired by a third party.

"The right to repair", BUT we think even closes systems *should* behave the same . It's a losing battle for us.

Apple may reserve the decision as some point, but they always try to sneak something else in.
 
I've replaced the display on my wife's iPhone 6 a few times over the years and apparently her sensor went belly-up somewhere along the line. I didn't even know until an Apple tech told me when we brought it in for a battery replacement.
 
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Authorised repairs can break all kinds of things too. What's your point?
You clearly don't work in IT or support. At least here unofficial shops do a lot of damages, naturally users often blame Apple. Go to official Apple Store or risk, simple as any other market.
 
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a typical Apple nasty practice. They will literally do anything to repeal you from 3rd parties and get some more $ for themselves. not surprised at all
 
So if there is no Apple Store in your country you are screwd? Not cool Apple!

You call AppleCare and mail-in your phone. If you have AppleCare +, they will cross-ship you a replacement product next day, although to be fair that 2nd part might not be true in all countries where iPhone is sold.
 
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An IMO legitimate reason to limit repairs to authorized providers is to ensure oversight of both parts legitimacy, work quality, and no attempts to do anything nefarious to device or any data on it. Apple and the folks that can afford to pony up to become authorized have reputations at stake; with the rest, it's a gamble.
 
Authorised repairs can break all kinds of things too. What's your point?
The difference is, authorized repairs have warranties from Apple. Heck, Apple repairs sometimes break other things as well, and they replace your phone with a new one.
 
Already suffered this with my MacBook Pro (2017). Cracked screen, insurers used non authorised repairers. The screen was quite evidently fake (row of "backlight" dots along the bottom, the chin logo said "Mac Book Pro" instead of "MacBook Pro", the colours weren't right) and the ambient sensor didn't work by the time I got it back and installed the latest macOS.

I sent it back for re-repair and they fitted a genuine screen, no issues since.
 
Anything to reduce the demand for stolen iPhones is a plus in my opinion.
The iPhones are locked so you cannot sell a stolen iPhone as a phone and now you can’t even part it out to make money because the parts will only work on the original phone.
Feels like a win to me.
 
The law won't be changing anywhere to where people think it will.

Automotive is the premiere example how Right to Repair works in the real world, and how the Magnusson Moss Warranty Act affects independent automotive shops and actual automotive dealers.

There's a misconception that Right to Repair/Magnusson Moss will initiate a "free-for-all" where companies like Apple will be forced to provide any parts an independent shop wishes (along with any documentation and/or special tools). This is simply not the case. Magnusson Moss allows for manufacturers to provide a list of specifications that components and procedures adhere to. If these specifications are not followed during a repair, then the company can deny future warranty repairs of the affected component. Affected being the important part here. Automotive dealers were notorious for trying to force consumers to get simple service (like oil changes) done at dealers and voiding your warranty if you went elsewhere. And not just your engine warranty, but the entire vehicle warranty. Which is, of course, absurd.

For example, if an independent shop does an oil change on your BMW, and uses an oil that doesn't meet BMW's specifications, and that engine seizes due to a lubrication issue, then BMW is well within their right to deny warranty on the engine.

Further, certain components are only available from BMW (anything security related like an engine computer, car access system, remote keys or instrument cluster). BMW can get away with this because their argument is such security related items should not be made available to general shops for fear that information could get out that would make it easy for thieves to steal BMWs (or commit fraud like odometer rollbacks).

The real problem with Right to Repair is people are trying to equate large, easy-to-repair products (like cars) with something small and highly complex (like smartphones). There are literally hundreds of parts that can be replaced on a typical car, all independently of each other and without fear of causing damage or making another component non-functional. Not so much with smartphones, where even opening one up with too much force can damage screens, touch sensors, connectors and cables. Everything's tightly integrated with - and connected to - everything else. It would be easy for a company like Apple to create a list of procedures/specifications that must be adhered to for repair of an iPhone, simply because of how it's constructed. It would also be easy for Apple to classify certain components (like a TouchID sensor) as being security related and deny sale of these parts and the tools/software to perform calibration of them.

very well stated and without hyperbole. Posts like this give me hope for the forums :)
 
This seems like a good thing on Apple's part. I've dealt with numerous 3rd party screen replacements on a variety of iPhone models, and most of the replacements are cheaply made Chinese components that will be die or function incorrectly within a few weeks (or days).
 
The law won't be changing anywhere to where people think it will.

Further, certain components are only available from BMW (anything security related like an engine computer, car access system, remote keys or instrument cluster). BMW can get away with this because their argument is such security related items should not be made available to general shops for fear that information could get out that would make it easy for thieves to steal BMWs (or commit fraud like odometer rollbacks).

Well maybe in US. In many countries odometer rollback is legal. Also I know for a fact few countries where I could fix everything not being extorted by official dealers. And I have to say I support that! I think it is radiculous that many (if not most..) of the companies are trying to tell you that you cant do X, Y, Z... I think in US its all bout the habit of suing. That leads to the secondary effect of everyone covering that bills.
 
So is the law changing, or has it already changed, where Apple have to allow 3rd party repair places the ability to obtain genuine Apple parts.
Just like a local garage can buy genuine car parts to repair you car for you in a local garage?
What’s interesting about that analogy is you still can’t source a 3rd party automotive computer.
 
Go to an authorized service provider. Problem solved. Next first-world problem...
[doublepost=1523487022][/doublepost]People need to understand Apple’s point of view. They need to control the user experience to get good customer satisfaction. If they lose control of the experience, and any random shop can repair a phone with unauthorized components installed by people without any standardized training, then when issues pop up they’ll assume it’s the phone. They won’t consider that it may have been linked to the crappy repair. So to keep satisfaction high, they want people to go to them or authorized repair places (notice it doesn’t have to be them). It’s not too much to ask.
 
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