According to MacRumors, Apple stores and authorised service providers will soon be able to repair Face ID on the iPhone XS and newer. This will allow Face ID to be repaired without needing to replace the entire iPhone itself.
A “reliable source” told MacRumors that Apple announced the change in “an internal memo” to employees, giving authorized service technicians access to a new ‘TrueDepth Camera service part’ that consists of the Face ID and front camera modules. Service providers would then be able to perform “same-unit repairs” for Face ID issues.
Previously, Face ID module issues could not be repaired in official Apple stores or through authorised service providers. The issue, if it was faced, required a whole-device replacement.
Apple warns that taking your Apple iPhone to a non-authorised service provider to fix Face ID issues could result in “the safety mechanisms from functioning properly, and could cause hazardous exposure and injury to eyes or skin”. But they’ve always been sour about Apple users taking their business elsewhere for repairs. It was previously reported that the iPhone 13 had a feature that “completely disables its Face ID functionality” when you replace its screen through a third party—but the company has since “changed their minds” following backlash.
Same-unit Face ID repairs could be more affordable than a whole-unit replacement for customers—especially if the phone’s out of warranty. It also means that users don’t lose any data, or spend any time setting up a new iPhone—just because of Face ID.
Additionally, Apple said the move will help to reduce the number of whole-unit repairs completed, as part of the company’s commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. There’s no information on when exactly this new Face ID repair process will be implemented at Apple stores or at authorised service providers—but the company is currently telling technicians that the documentation and training for this process “will be made available at a later date”.
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