iOS 11.3 update makes repaired iPhone 8 displays unresponsive
What's the story
Apple's iOS 11.3 update, released last month, is reportedly killing touch functionality in some iPhone 8 smartphones. According to Motherboard, the issue is exclusive to iPhone 8s repaired with aftermarket screens. Notably, these screens worked prior to the latest iOS update. Customers often opt for third-party repairs as they are cheaper, and Apple does not want it. That could be the reason behind this issue. Here are the details.
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Third-party screen suppliers have already found a fix
The iOS 11.3 update may have affected a microchip that powers the iPhone display to cause this problem. Interestingly, third-party screen suppliers say the issue can be fixed by upgrading the chip which would require re-opening of the faulty iPhones.
Past cases
Apple's software updates have caused similar problems before as well
In 2017, an iOS update caused a similar issue on iPhone 7 devices that had been repaired with third-party screens. Apple later released another update that fixed the issue. Also, in February 2016 Apple admitted it had started bricking iPhone models with third-party Touch ID repairs by showing 'Error 53' and the issue was resolved with the release of iOS 9.2.1.
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Third-party repairs allege Apple is doing this intentionally
"This (unresponsive iPhone 8 screens after iOS 11.3 update) has caused my company over 2,000 re-shipments," Aakshay Kripalani, CEO of Injured Gadgets, told Motherboard. "Customers are annoyed and it seems like Apple is doing this to prevent customers from doing third-party repair," he added.