Apple is once again allowing third-party iPhone 13 screen repairs, as experts say a screen swap can now be performed on iPhone 13 models running the latest iOS 15.2 beta.
Shortly after the iPhone 13 launched, iFixit announced that the iPhone 13 completely disables its flagship Face ID functionality when you replace its screen. iFixit confirmed this repeatedly in its lab, testing with many different phones on iOS 15 and 15.1, and that its results were replicated by numerous repair professionals.
The microcontroller attached to the display pairs, or serializes, a screen with its host iPhone, preventing unauthorized repairs or replacements. While Apple Authorized Service Providers can sync new displays with iPhone 13 bodies using specialized software. However, third-party firms are required to move the original chip over to a new screen in a complex and risky process.
Apple announced last week that an upcoming software update would make screen fixes easier by turning of serializing. It appears that the update is included in the iOS 15.2 beta released earlier this week.
UK-based repair firm iCorrect conducted a screen swap on an iPhone 13 running the latest iOS 15.2 beta version and Face ID was still functional after the repair.
As noted by The Verge, a warning message appears during the first startup after a successful swap.
“Unable to determine if your iPhone display is a genuine Apple part. Go to Settings for more information,” says the pop-up message.
Apple has not officially confirmed that the public release of iOS 15.2 will include easier screen swapping.