According to an internal memo to employees, Apple may be making a major change to the Face ID process on iPhone 12 and newer handsets. The change will allow Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers to repair Face ID without having to replace the entire iPhone itself.
Per the memo, Apple is giving authorized service technicians access to a new “TrueDepth Camera service part” that consists of the Face ID and front camera modules. With this part, service providers will be able to perform “same-unit repairs” for Face ID issues.
This would allow providers to replace just the Face ID module on iPhone XS or newer models, as opposed to having to replace the entire iPhone, which had been previously required.
The change also comes on the heels of Apple’s 2021 announcement in which the company announced it would be able to repair the rear glass of select iPhone 12 models without having to replace the entire device. The change also allows Apple to produce far less waste, and prevents users from losing data, as they won’t have to set up a new iPhone due to a single failure.
There’s no word on when exactly this new Face ID repair process will be implemented at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers. The company is currently telling technicians that the documentation and training for this process “will be made available at a later date.”
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.