Posted November 8, 2021, 11:52 AM

Apple's new iPhone 13 line might pack a lot of new features, but they now have a major restriction that makes it much harder for independent repair shops to replace broken screens. If you try to swap the screen, Face ID just won't work - that is, unless you know how to micro-solder and can successfully move a tiny microcontroller from the original screen to a new one, as detailed in an iFixit article.

This change makes a very common replacement much more difficult for independent repair shops who may rely on screen repairs as a major part of their business. Apple Authorized Workshops apparently don't have this problem, as they have access to software that "can get an iPhone 13 to accept a new screen with just a few clicks," according to iFixit. But many independent shops aren't part of Apple's official Independent Repair Program, whose terms are said to be invasive, forcing them to try to find a way to repair iPhone screens on their own.

If you want to see how complex microcontroller switching is, check out this video from iCorrect. The repair is a multi-step process that seems time-consuming and requires special equipment. And it's almost certainly impossible for most iPhone owners to try it out for themselves.

Apple has consistently steered people away from independent shop repairs by issuing ominous warnings after battery and screen replacements on some iPhones. But the situation with Face ID breaking on an iPhone 13 means people who want to get their screen repaired don't have many great options.

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An authorized repair can be expensive, as can paying AppleCare Plus for discounted prices on iPhone repairs. 'screen. But when the alternatives are finding an independent shop that can do the tricky microcontroller swap, replacing the screen but sacrificing Face ID, or living with a broken screen, paying for an authorized repair might seem like the best option. , even if it's the worst for your wallet.

Manon DelangePassionate about fantastic worlds and the Geek imagination, Manon devours the news of Pop Culture. After a school of journalism, she joined Mirror Mag to lend a hand to the teams in place.

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