Since Apple introduced Parts Pairing, third-party technicians have worked around these limitations with various solutions. Now, with the release of iOS 18.1, changes in repair history tracking aim to improve repair possibility. But what impact does this have on third-party iPhone repairs?
A wide range of aftermarket parts, including iPhone screens, batteries, cameras, and face ID assemblies, were tested by REWA Tech lab to determine the real-world impact of iOs 18.1 on aftermarket parts.
Replace Screen Replacement
Before iOS 18
Replacing iPhone screen will appear “Unknown Part” message and True Tone will disappear; issues resolved using IC transfer and repair programmers.
Example: 100% Fix "Unknown Part" Message for iPhone 15 Pro After Screen Replacement
After iOS 18.1
| No. | Screen Type | Transfer Original IC | Transfer Original Front Sensor | Pass Repair Assistant | Parts & Service History | True Tone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OEM | No | Yes | No | Unable to Configure | Yes |
| 2 | OEM | Yes | Yes | / | No | Yes |
| 3 | Aftermarket | No | Yes | No | Unable to Configure | Yes |
| 4 | Aftermarket | Yes | Yes | / | No | Yes |
| 5 | OEM + Paired Front Sensor | No | No | Yes | Used | Yes |
| 6 | Service Pack + Paired Front Sensor | No | No | Yes | Genuine | Yes |
Key findings
- As long as the screen has a matching IC and sensor, there will be no repair history and no need for a repair assistant diagnosis.
- All third-party screens support True Tone.
Replace Battery Replacement
Before iOS 18
“Unknown Part” message, battery health not displayed; resolved by solutions like no welding battery, battery cell + tag-on flex, battery cell + repair board.
Example: Aftermarket Solutions to Calibrate iPhone Battery Health on iOS 17.4
After iOS 18.1
| No. | Battery Type | Pass Repair Assistant | Parts & Service History | Health Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OEM New | Yes | Genuine | 100% |
| 2 | OEM Used | Yes | Used | OEM Used battery’s data |
| 3 | Aftermarket（TI ZY HF Solutions） | No | Unverified | 100% |
| 4 | Battery Cell + Native BMS Board | / | / | Native battery’s data |
Key findings
- Third-party batteries still fail to pass Repair Assistant, and the parts history is recorded as unverified.
- New third-party batteries replaced in iPhones all can show health data.
We also tested third party batteries on iOS 18.0.
Watch the video:
Replace Rear Camera Replacement
Before iOS 18
Replacing a lens alone will display an unknown part message. A repair programmer and repair flex cables are required.
Example: How to Remove Rear Camera "Unknown Part" Message for iPhone 15 PM
After iOS 18.1
| No. | Camera Model | Pass Repair Assistant | Camera Calibration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 12 | Yes | No |
| 2 | iPhone 13 | Yes | No |
| 3 | iPhone 14 | Yes | No |
| 4 | iPhone 15 | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | iPhone 16 | Yes | Yes |
Key findings
The rear cameras of iPhone 12-16 can be diagnosed by the repair assistant, but the iPhone 15 and 16 series require camera calibration.
Replace Front Camera + Face ID Assembly
Before iOS 18
Replacing this assembly will make Face ID function fail. A repair programmer and repair flex cables are required.
Example: Fix Face ID (WITHOUT SOLDERING) Not Working with REFOX RP30
After iOS 18.1
| No. | Assembly Model | Pass Repair Assistant | Face ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 12 | No | No |
| 2 | iPhone 13 | No | No |
| 3 | iPhone 14 | No | No |
| 4 | iPhone 15 | No | No |
| 5 | iPhone 16 | Yes | Yes |
Key findings
iPhone 12-15 front camera + Face ID assembly cannot be diagnosed by the repair assistant, only iPhone 16 can.
Summary
From iOS 18.0 to 18.1, iPhone repairs have gradually become relatively easy, but there are still some problems that need to be verified. Pay attention to the REWA channel to get more new technologies and information.
Additionally, REWA provides a variety of repair tools and phone parts, welcome to consult or visit our online shop!
Consult us: https://rewa.tech/wholesale/
Visit the online store: https://shop.rewa.tech/
