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

[chrixxa]

i am a mobile device repair tech for a very large corporation and we mostly use apple products (iphones and ipads).
this is very big news for us since we are about to ship a ton of iphone 8's into service soon nationwide and in canada.

i have read elsewhere that this problem can be solved by DFU'ing or restoring the device.
has anyone else had experience with this remedy?

 

[C DM]

Then don’t buy one.

Yeah, that's not how it works.

 

[coolkid93]

Put it this way, who the **** is gonna take it to a 3rd party to fix an iPhone X lol... that **** I’d go expensive to let a lack luster 3rd party agent touch your phone for that matter

 

[C DM]

Put it this way, who the **** is gonna take it to a 3rd party to fix an iPhone X lol... that **** I’d go expensive to let a lack luster 3rd party agent touch your phone for that matter

It's not like people have their own mechanics (rather than a dealership) work on their much much more expensive cars...oh, wait...

 

[democracyrules]

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 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 a general rule usually speaks, any unauthorized actions will result undesirable consequences. This article confirms the general rule. So, no empathy to those who choose the unauthorized way to fix their problems and have to suffer bad consequences.

 

[Sedulous]

I think the light sensor issue is not intentional but Apple does have a terrible anti-consumer policy when it comes to service options and device repairability. Many of their products seem intentionally difficult to repair and getting more difficult all the time. For example, the keyboard on my POS Acer notebook only requires minimal effort to pop out the keyboard but MacBooks in the very least require removal of most internal components and approximately 50 screws (and new MacBook keyboards are instead riveted to the case... meaning not repairable). Likewise new MacBook displays are also coded so they cannot be replaced without losing features. MacBooks have ZERO water resistance and are now largely made to be disposable. Not very consumer or environmentally friendly.

I want to like Apple but the design direction is getting difficult to justify (I absolutely HATE all the soldered commodities like SSD and RAM). Soon I will have to cease recommending Apple to clients because even trivial issues like a dodgy keyboard are device killers.
[doublepost=1523546795][/doublepost]

As a general rule usually speaks, any unauthorized actions will result undesirable consequences. This article confirms the general rule. So, no empathy to those who choose the unauthorized way to fix their problems and have to suffer bad consequences.

It is misguided opinions like this that encourages Apple. Swapping a display (even with another legitimate Apple special snowflake display) should not result in lost functionality. It is also not right that Apple should have a forced monopoly on repairs. These are all bad trends in Apple design and policy. I have no idea why any customer would continue to support Apple’s anti-consumer efforts.

 

[BCConnection]

Sounds good to me!

If your BMW/Audi/VW has an ECU or cluster fault, officially only those manufactures can repair this. Granted, 3rd party companies managed to hack/crack older cars and provide tools to achieve this

In most VW/Audis if you swap the cluster, it will have whats called component protection. The car won't start or certain bits just simply won't work until it is coded/calibrated to the car using an online connection to HQ in Germany. Authorised repairers have this functionally too.

Doesn't look no different to the iPhone repairs case to me. And one that Im willing to accept.

This is incorrect. Not that it wont disable the car if you swap the cluster or the car cant have ECU faults but no "hacking" was done to make it so 3rd Party repair shops could fix these issues. Its literally a LAW that manufacturers must supply owners and 3rd Party companies access to the same tools that they use. Including diagnostic and programming tools.

Please stop spreading misinformation that only hurts your rights as a consumer.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1449 if youd like to read about it.
[doublepost=1523547684][/doublepost]

Put it this way, who the **** is gonna take it to a 3rd party to fix an iPhone X lol... that **** I’d go expensive to let a lack luster 3rd party agent touch your phone for that matter

You do know the guy or girl working at Apple stores is no more trained than a 3rd party. In some cases they are far less trained than 3rd party repair places. Anyone can go work at apple and be an Apple "Genius". Replacing a screen is turning screws and placing connectors into their place. The seal for these screens for "water resistance" is just a tape gasket which can be bought by anyone. Also as to my knowledge there are no "Aftermarket" OLED panels so if you buy an iPhone X screen (which is a samsung OLED panel) then its just as real as the one Apple will put in.

 

[Benny_G]

This is incorrect. Not that it wont disable the car if you swap the cluster or the car cant have ECU faults but no "hacking" was done to make it so 3rd Party repair shops could fix these issues. Its literally a LAW that manufacturers must supply owners and 3rd Party companies access to the same tools that they use. Including diagnostic and programming tools.

Please stop spreading misinformation that only hurts your rights as a consumer.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1449 if youd like to read about it.

Your incorrect. I suggest you search a few key words: Bosch RB8 Crypto eprom, A3 8P 2010+ Micronas processor. The first one is an encrypted eprom which officially can only be unlocked by HQ in Germany. unofficially many companies managed to break the encrypting to decrypt the eprom, allowing you to read immobiliser codes, code in new keys etc.

A3 Micronas processor in the cluster, again, is completely encrypted. Very few 3rd party tools can actually decrypt these, and it usually involves soldering. Some tools work by an online connection to HQ in Germany.

I suggest you read up on these procedures before commenting. If VW/audi made the tools openly available, every Tom Dick and Harry could perform these operations with ease.

 

[Rocko99991]

Another way to force you to repair it through Apple. Great.

 

[BCConnection]

As a general rule usually speaks, any unauthorized actions will result undesirable consequences. This article confirms the general rule. So, no empathy to those who choose the unauthorized way to fix their problems and have to suffer bad consequences.

What is unauthorized about changing an LCD panel? Does it void your warranty? Possibly. What if you are no longer in the warranty period (1 year)?
Is there a rule that says you arent allow to fix the items you buy unless I take it to the company that made it?
I assume by this logic you take your car to the dealership for oil changes, tires, etc. Wouldnt want any unauthorized repair.

Its crazy to me to see people fall in line and just accept they dont have any legal right to the items they own.
[doublepost=1523548124][/doublepost]

Your incorrect. I suggest you search a few key words: Bosch RB8 Crypto eprom, A3 8P 2010+ Micronas processor. The first one is an encrypted eprom which officially can only be unlocked by HQ in Germany. unofficially many companies managed to break the encrypting to decrypt the eprom, allowing you to read immobiliser codes, code in new keys etc.

A3 Micronas processor in the cluster, again, is completely encrypted. Very few 3rd party tools can actually decrypt these, and it usually involves soldering. Some tools work by an online connection to HQ in Germany.

I suggest you read up on these procedures before commenting. If VW/audi made the tools openly available, every Tom Dick and Harry could perform these operations with ease.

You mean this tool that does it via Can bus? that anyone can buy?

http://bravery24.rssing.com/browser.php?indx=12893749&item=11

 

[Benny_G]

What is unauthorized about changing an LCD panel? Does it void your warranty? Possibly. What if you are no longer in the warranty period (1 year)?
Is there a rule that says you arent allow to fix the items you buy unless I take it to the company that made it?
I assume by this logic you take your car to the dealership for oil changes, tires, etc. Wouldnt want any unauthorized repair.

Its crazy to me to see people fall in line and just accept they dont have any legal right to the items they own.
[doublepost=1523548124][/doublepost]

You mean this tool that does it via Can bus? that anyone can buy?

http://bravery24.rssing.com/browser.php?indx=12893749&item=11

Yea.. sure.. you go ahead and try do the job with that tool

Not only is that seriously out of date, it also does not work, and is not official VW/Audi software. Their official software is ODIS. And yes, its been cracked and hacked so you can buy it on eBay, but the online connection for ECU learning and Cluster/key/immobiliser matching DOES NOT WORK.

Which is my original point. Only authorised workshops have this full software that is able to perform this full functionality, using official methods. You know, like authorised Apple repair shops have the specific tool to calibrate Touch ID and light sensors etc.

 

[BCConnection]

Yea.. sure.. you go ahead and try do the job with that tool

Not only is that seriously out of date, it also does not work, and is not official VW/Audi software. Their official software is ODIS. And yes, its been cracked and hacked so you can buy it on eBay, but the online connection for ECU learning and Cluster/key/immobiliser matching DOES NOT WORK.

Which is my original point. Only authorised workshops have this full software that is able to perform this full functionality, using official methods. You know, like authorised Apple repair shops have the specific tool to calibrate Touch ID and light sensors etc.

Calibrate light sensors and touch id buttons... The ambient light sensor needs no calibration. It has never been done. The iPhone 8 and X dont even calibrate the light sensor. I can swap any iPhone 8 ALS into an iPhone 8 and it will work just fine. Its when I swap the screen the ALS function is disabled. So you would be ok with a car company disabling your head lights if your windshield was replaced? Does that make sense?

Also the home button argument is so bunk its amazing. You should investigate the Security of Touch ID on Apple or any other company. All of the security part of it is done in the SoC. The scanner is only a way to input info to the SoC. There is no way to break this security by putting a new home button on. Thus why if you replace a finger print scanner on ANY OTHER PHONE (Samsung, LG, Etc) the touch ID still works because its just another BS way for Apple to control what you as the owner of the device can do with said device.

 

[Benny_G]

Calibrate light sensors and touch id buttons... The ambient light sensor needs no calibration. It has never been done. The iPhone 8 and X dont even calibrate the light sensor. I can swap any iPhone 8 ALS into an iPhone 8 and it will work just fine. Its when I swap the screen the ALS function is disabled. So you would be ok with a car company disabling your head lights if your windshield was replaced? Does that make sense?

Also the home button argument is so bunk its amazing. You should investigate the Security of Touch ID on Apple or any other company. All of the security part of it is done in the SoC. The scanner is only a way to input info to the SoC. There is no way to break this security by putting a new home button on. Thus why if you replace a finger print scanner on ANY OTHER PHONE (Samsung, LG, Etc) the touch ID still works because its just another BS way for Apple to control what you as the owner of the device can do with said device.

Have you not read the thread? An ex Apple retail guy even admitted they calibrate them!

Your argument about windscreens and headlights don't even make sense. But on certain audi models, if you replace the HVAC panel, the aircon and other functions do stop working until component protection is corrected!

If you hate apple that much, don't buy their stuff?

 

[BCConnection]

Have you not read the thread? An ex Apple retail guy even admitted they calibrate them!

Your argument about windscreens and headlights don't even make sense. But on certain audi models, if you replace the HVAC panel, the aircon and other functions do stop working until component protection is corrected!

If you hate apple that much, don't buy their stuff?

"Calibrate them" you mean sticking it in the Horizon machine which just runs simple tests and reprograms the Touch ID on the new screen assemble to the phone and now evidently the screen itself? There is no calibration of the ALS needed. Ive been repairing devices for a long time and never have I had a customer come back and say my auto brightness just doesnt work the same. Why? Because its doesnt need calibrating. QC done at the manufacturing of the part ensures this isnt needed.

Its also concerning to me that you are ok with practices like you explain from Audi that if you replace you HVAC controls that you must now readd them to the BCM so it will work. That doesnt rub you the wrong way? Sure does me. I own an Audi S6 but luckily for me my good friend who owns a third party repair shop has all the equipment to service my vehicle. Ive been to Audi dealership 0 times and my car runs and works just as it should.

 

[prasand]

Simple solution Apple: provide third-party access to the calibration tools necessary to provide repair services, but charge them a licensing fee equivalent of the difference they charge for screen repair.

Let's say authorized screen repair is $129, but outside parties typically charge $50-70, so that's a savings of $59-79 ... so charge third parties $790 per 10 repairs (factored at an individual device level), or $7000 per 100 (shops can choose which blocks they'll go with). That'll even out the repair marketplace, making users more inclined to go to the Apple store, but those where an Apple store is inconvenient can still go to non-Apple locations.

 

[BCConnection]

Simple solution Apple: provide third-party access to the calibration tools necessary to provide repair services, but charge them a licensing fee equivalent of the difference they charge for screen repair.

Let's say authorized screen repair is $129, but outside parties typically charge $50-70, so that's a savings of $59-79 ... so charge third parties $790 per 10 repairs (factored at an individual device level), or $7000 per 100 (shops can choose which blocks they'll go with). That'll even out the repair marketplace, making users more inclined to go to the Apple store, but those where an Apple store is inconvenient can still go to non-Apple locations.

This isnt an unfair option. The issue right now is Apple will not sell even parts to anyone. If you become "Apple Authorized" you also are limited to the repairs they will allow so in most cases it cuts small businesses down by 3/4 in phone repairs.

 

[JediZenMaster]

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

I don’t see a problem with this after all why is it wrong for a company to make profit?

 

[DaveOP]

Engadget: Even genuine replacement Apple displays can mess with iPhones

Another proud moment from the software QA team at Apple.

Again, because they arent calibrated with the apple machines, and have the display serial numbers entered into MobileGenius (or whatever it's called nowadays) which these repair companies don't have access to.

 

[BCConnection]

I don’t see a problem with this after all why is it wrong for a company to make profit?

Monopolies are illegal for a reason... This is just a different form of it on the repair side and not supply side.

 

[JediZenMaster]

Monopolies are illegal for a reason... This is just a different form of it on the repair side and not supply side.

I disagree. The elegance of Apple devices should not be touched by useless third party cavemen repair places.

 

[MarkCollette]

This is exactly the reason I am away from iPhone. I have Android phone, never have problem with. And I know I can repair my Android phone without getting screws by manufacture.

You’re an Android user, in an iPhone thread insisting that we need to complain about Apple’s practices? No thanks.

Calibrate light sensors and touch id buttons... The ambient light sensor needs no calibration. It has never been done. The iPhone 8 and X dont even calibrate the light sensor. I can swap any iPhone 8 ALS into an iPhone 8 and it will work just fine. Its when I swap the screen the ALS function is disabled. So you would be ok with a car company disabling your head lights if your windshield was replaced? Does that make sense?

Yes it makes sense, then that means that the screen needs to be calibrated, to work with the ALS input, instead of the ALS being calibrated itself.

Also the home button argument is so bunk its amazing. You should investigate the Security of Touch ID on Apple or any other company. All of the security part of it is done in the SoC. The scanner is only a way to input info to the SoC. There is no way to break this security by putting a new home button on. Thus why if you replace a finger print scanner on ANY OTHER PHONE (Samsung, LG, Etc) the touch ID still works because its just another BS way for Apple to control what you as the owner of the device can do with said device.

Two main points have eluded you:

1. Other phones have inferior security. So what’s good enough for them is irrelevant.

2. There is a difference between owning a device and having say over it, versus being in physical possession of it and having say over it. TouchID can’t / shouldn’t be swappable because it’s impossible for the device to determine if an owner is repairing it, or a thief is hacking it.

What you’re really insisting for, is the right to repair my device, not just your own. No thank you.

I’ve learned my lessons, from third party repair messing up our iPhones, where I’ll never do it again. Only Apple, or authorized third party, ever again.

 

[WhiteHawk]

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.

Did they still do the battery replacement?

 

[BCConnection]

I disagree. The elegance of Apple devices should not be touched by useless third party cavemen repair places.

cavemen? You do know an Apple "Genius" could easily be working at your local McDonalds. Just because they give you scripted lines and turns screws in a back room where you cant see doesnt mean they are highly skilled technicians. What an ignorant way to view repair and small business.
[doublepost=1523554262][/doublepost]

You’re an Android user, in an iPhone thread insisting that we need to complain about Apple’s practices? No thanks.




Yes it makes sense, then that means that the screen needs to be calibrated, to work with the ALS input, instead of the ALS being calibrated itself.



Two main points have eluded you:

1. Other phones have inferior security. So what’s good enough for them is irrelevant.

2. There is a difference between owning a device and having say over it, versus being in physical possession of it and having say over it. TouchID can’t / shouldn’t be swappable because it’s impossible for the device to determine if an owner is repairing it, or a thief is hacking it.

What you’re really insisting for, is the right to repair my device, not just your own. No thank you.

I’ve learned my lessons, from third party repair messing up our iPhones, where I’ll never do it again. Only Apple, or authorized third party, ever again.

Thats not how those systems work at all. You should really learn about these systems. The home button being replaced in no way is a security risk. The scanner is only an input device. It only sends a data package containing the data read from the sensor. Replacing it with another sensor doesnt somehow make the phone open up. It still has to send a data package to the SoC so it can be confirmed by the security inside the die.
The screen needs no calibration. Again QC at the point of manufacturing "calibrates" the screen. It would be very dumb manufacturer processes if all of your devices come off the line not in good working calibration. These are phone screens not electron scanning microscopes.

 

[JediZenMaster]

cavemen? You do know an Apple "Genius" could easily be working at your local McDonalds. Just because they give you scripted lines and turns screws in a back room where you cant see doesnt mean they are highly skilled technicians. What an ignorant way to view repair and small business.
[doublepost=1523554262][/doublepost]

Thats not how those systems work at all. You should really learn about these systems. The home button being replaced in no way is a security risk. The scanner is only an input device. It only sends a data package containing the data read from the sensor. Replacing it with another sensor doesnt somehow make the phone open up. It still has to send a data package to the SoC so it can be confirmed by the security inside the die.
The screen needs no calibration. Again QC at the point of manufacturing "calibrates" the screen. It would be very dumb manufacturer processes if all of your devices come off the line not in good working calibration. These are phone screens not electron scanning microscopes.

I doubt that as Apple Geniuses are trained at HQ. You can let the cavemen Touch your devices however no one outside of Apple will touch my elegant products!

 

[BCConnection]

I doubt that as Apple Geniuses are trained at HQ. You can let the cavemen Touch your devices however no one outside of Apple will touch my elegant products!

"HQ" aka back room of your local apple store on a iMac with training material to read. Who knew turning a screw driver was an elegant repair. Does that mean if the cavemen turn the same screws they are now elegant or "Geniuses". I hope one day a person can sit you down and show you how easy it is to fix these devices minus the software locks Apple puts on their stuff to prevent it. Whats elegant is being able to replace parts that are broken and see it work again with your own hands.
[doublepost=1523556380][/doublepost]Those here in opposition are not fighting against or bad mouthing those who buy Apples products. I think apple makes good products its the willingness to throw your rights to fix your stuff out the window, along with thousands of small businesses all over the US. By telling Apple we are ok with you being our only source for repair you create a monopoly where they can do as they please. Is there a limit to what people will put up with? Sure but at the same time you as a customer limit your options to save money and time to have the same repairs done.
If you feel turning 8 screws to swap a screen is far too complicated then I suggest you sit down and actually see how easy it is.
This is more a fight against a company actively moving towards removing consumer rights. I hope that you as a buyer would want free reign to do as you please with your device after you buy it. If you want to only go to Apple because you feel its a superior repair then by all means do so, but to tell others they cant choose how they want to fix their device knowing the possibilities is ridiculous.