iPhone 14 Pro Repair Process for Face ID, Selfie Camera Updated; May Not Require Phone Replacement: Report

The updated repair process could result in the ability to repair instead of replace iPhone models with faulty components, while reducing e-waste.

Written by David Delima | Updated: 18 February 2023 17:39 IST

iPhone 14 Pro Repair Process for Face ID, Selfie Camera Updated; May Not Require Phone Replacement: Report

iPhone 14 Pro Max (left) and iPhone 14 Pro pictured with Apple's new Dynamic Island

Highlights

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were launched in September 2022
Authorised support providers may now be able to do same-unit repairs
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have a redesigned camera cutout

Apple has reportedly updated the process of repairing the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which could make it easier to fix issues with Face ID, the company's biometric unlocking mechanism for smartphones, and the selfie camera. According to a report, while the process of repairing these phones typically involves replacing the smartphone, authorised Apple service centres and Apple Stores can resolve these issues by repairing the same unit. The changes are said to apply to only Apple's high-end Pro models that were launched last September.

According to a 9to5Mac report, the iPhone maker has announced, via an internal memo, that Apple Stores and Apple Authorised Service Providers will be able to fix issues with the selfie (or TrueDepth) camera as well as the Face ID sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, without having to replace the smartphone itself. This is expected to result in reduced electronic waste as part of the repair process.

Apple already supports same-unit repairs for the iPhone XS and newer models, except the iPhone 14 series that debuted last year, according to the report. However, it is currently unclear whether the changes to repairing the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max phones applies to all markets, and whether (or when) it will become the norm.

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Meanwhile, the report states that iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus owners will have to wait for a while until same-unit repairs are supported on these handsets. Gadgets 360 has reached out to Apple for comment on whether the improved repair process applies to iPhone 14 Pro models in the country and will update this article when the company responds.

Last year, it was reported that Apple had expanded its Face ID repair programme allowing for repairs without replacing the entire device, to the iPhone X. The firm had previously initiated the programme for the iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 models.

Apple launched the iPad Pro (2022) and the iPad (2022) alongside the new Apple TV this week. We discuss the company's latest products, along with our review of the iPhone 14 Pro on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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iPhone 14 Pro

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Superb display with always-on mode
Excellent overall performance
Good battery life
All cameras take high-quality stills and video
Regular iOS updates for many years

Bad
Extremely expensive
Relatively slow charging and transfer speed
Gets warm under heavy workloads
Limited customisation for Dynamic Island

Read detailed Apple iPhone 14 Pro review

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A16 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 6GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 16

Resolution 1179x2556 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

iPhone 14 Pro Max

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.70-inch

Processor Apple A16 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 16

Resolution 2796x1290 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

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Further reading: iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Face ID, Repairs, Apple

David Delima

Email David Delima

As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be contacted via email at DavidD@ndtv.com, on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More