Apple has updated its service policy for a limited number of iPhone X units that may be experiencing issues with Face ID.
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Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers are now authorized to perform a whole unit replacement for iPhone X units with Face ID issues, instead of a display repair, according to an internal document obtained by MacRumors.
Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been advised to first run diagnostics on the iPhone X's rear camera and potentially repair that system if necessary to see if that resolves the problem. If the issues persist, then a whole unit replacement is now permitted, the document states.
There appears to be some kind of link between failure of the iPhone X's rear camera and front TrueDepth system, although it's not entirely clear.
The document in full reads:
In order to provide the best customer experience, if a customer reports that their iPhone X is having Face ID issues, you may be able to resolve the issue with a rear camera repair. Run AST 2 on the customer’s device to check the camera. If the diagnostics find issue with the camera, perform the repair to see if the issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved, perform a whole unit replacement instead of a same-unit display repair.
Apple has not commented on this matter publicly, or launched any sort of official repair program, as these are internal guidelines.
Affected customers can book an appointment with an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store via the Contact Apple Support page: iPhone → Repairs & Physical Damage → The Topic is Not Listed → Bring In For Repair. Following those steps also presents options to contact Apple by phone or email.
Top Rated Comments
Also, an Apple Authorized Service Provider told me Face ID issues did require a display repair. I asked.
I wonder whether it has truly become almost impossible or if it’s mostly due to Apple’s bounty program. There is no question that it takes much more skill and effort than ever before whatever the reason is.