Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Unauthorized iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X Display Replacements Can Break Ambient Light Sensor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was able to confirm that even swapping the displays of two brand-new iPhones causes the ambient light sensor to stop working, despite it not being altered or touched in any way. Experiments have shown that the sensor is disabled by iOS during the boot process.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.
"We try to offer a cheap alternative [to Apple], and we only use genuine parts. I'm worried that customers are going to come back to me and demand that I fix it. What can I do if Apple is the one disabling the sensor?" Another source said that they repaired between 20 and 50 iPhone 8 screens per month.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.
Tag: Right to Repair
[ 147 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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17 months ago
I think you'll find unauthorized repairs can break all kinds of things. :)
17 months ago
Not shocking to me. When I worked for Apple retail, we had to input the serial number of the new display into their system, and run it through a calibration for the auto-brightness and several of the sensors. I always wondered how third-party shops handled this, since the software for calibrations was apple confidential.
17 months ago
Well, I broke my iPhone SE screen a couple of days ago and ordered a new screen from iFixit. The first one I had an issue with the light sensor. I complained them and they sent me a second replacement. And guess what? The second one also didn't work. I thought maybe the connector has some issue... and... nope, I took out the original flex cable and glued it to my new screen and the light sensor started to work again.
I went to Settings - General - Display Accommodations (uploaded a screenshot) and iOS have actually disabled the light sensor when I connect both of my 3rd party flex cable which I have it around here... The slider disappeared.
I know the article states iPhone 8, but it's funny that I have exactly the same issue with my iPhone SE...
I went to Settings - General - Display Accommodations (uploaded a screenshot) and iOS have actually disabled the light sensor when I connect both of my 3rd party flex cable which I have it around here... The slider disappeared.
I know the article states iPhone 8, but it's funny that I have exactly the same issue with my iPhone SE...
17 months ago
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.
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.
17 months ago
I think you'll find unauthorized repairs can break all kinds of things. :)
Authorised repairs can break all kinds of things too. What's your point?
17 months ago
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?
Just like a local garage can buy genuine car parts to repair you car for you in a local garage?
17 months ago
I really can’t fault people for using third party repair options with some of Apple’s prices
It’s bad on Apple’s part if they’re disabling functions on people’s gadgets to get customers to go into their stores.
Have had really good customer service from Apple in the past but have had recent trouble with my iMac.
It’s been a fortnight now and they’ve only had the decency to call me once about it and when I called again today they hadn’t even bothered to tell me they’d had to re-order the part they replaced for me in 2017.
So you can see why people go elsewhere for their repair options!
It’s bad on Apple’s part if they’re disabling functions on people’s gadgets to get customers to go into their stores.
Have had really good customer service from Apple in the past but have had recent trouble with my iMac.
It’s been a fortnight now and they’ve only had the decency to call me once about it and when I called again today they hadn’t even bothered to tell me they’d had to re-order the part they replaced for me in 2017.
So you can see why people go elsewhere for their repair options!
17 months ago
I had my 8 Plus screen replaced for a hot pixel issue. After the Apple Store replaces the screen it failed the diagnostic check due to the ambient light sensor. They gave me a new iPhone. So I think the issue is not just limited to third-party repairers
17 months ago
I would never used an unauthorized 3rd party repair service. Seems like asking for trouble.
17 months ago
It’s a feature. Not a bug.
The new feature is that your phone has one less feature. ;)
The new feature is that your phone has one less feature. ;)
[ Read All Comments ]
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