Apple Kills Third-Party Repairs & Face ID on iPhone 13

Latest attempt in Apples pursuit to limit third-party repairs, Apple is disabling the Face ID function if the screen is replaced.

Apples latest devices starting from the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max customers will see the Non-Genuine Screen Warning message in addition to the Face ID function being disabled if the screen is not replaced by Apple.

Apple has rolled out the most outrageous restriction yet. Users can expect to see Non-Genuine Screen Warning on screen replacements for the iPhone 13 models with the addition of killing your Face ID functionality. Apple per usual claims it is for customers protection from damaged, poor quality, or used screens that can lead to safety or performance issues. Increasing security of your device.

The model contains a chip that “pairs” a screen with a specific phone and requires special software tools to “match” a new one. Another option is to remove the original chip and solder it on the new screen installed. It has been discovered that the new chip ensures that unless the replacement screen is “matched” to the phone’s unique serial number, Face ID does not work.

Repair firms have found that without those tools, the facial-identification security function no longer works.

Apple, whose repairers use the tools, says it will issue a software update.

The feature has been widely criticised by right-to-repair advocates, who suggest it was included to limit who could repair iPhones.

The issue was first reported by iFixit, a company specializing in tools, parts and tech repair guides. It labelled the new link between screen replacements and Face ID as a “dark day for fixers, both DIY and professional”.

Apple told news outlets, including The Verge and The Register, a solution would be made available in a future update but gave no date.

So if you recently replaced your screen by a third-party without the original chip from the screen being placed over to the new screen, you can expect to see the error message and the Face ID function disabled until Apples update. Regardless of the update allowing for Face ID functional again you can still expect to see the Important Screen Message on the lock screen for four days and in the Settings app for 15 days

After that the message will remain in the About page within Settings. The message states that Apple was “unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple screen” with a link to learn more.

With the new restrictions this it allows Apple not to service your phone under the 1 year manufacturers warranty.

Although the importance of using a good premium screen is critical and its awareness is good. Apple’s approach is completely for other reasons and that is to kill third-party repairs.

Apple says owners might see a further notification stating that “Apple has updated the device information for this iPhone”. Which means, “Apple has updated the device information maintained for your iPhone for service needs, safety analysis, and to improve future products.” In reality not to service your device under warranty if it was eligible.