Apple to reduce carbon footprint with Face ID repairs

Apple is now able to change the Face ID technology in the iPhone without replacing the entire smartphone.

Apple Store and Apple service providers will soon be able to repair defective Face ID technology without having to replace the entire iPhone.

An internal memo obtained by MacRumors indicates that authorized technicians will soon have access to a new TrueDepth Camera Service part. This includes the Face ID and front camera. As a result, in the future, service technicians will be able to replace this part without having to replace the iPhone if Face ID technology is defective.

According to the memo, the US company this change will help the company reduce its carbon footprint.

Service partners and Apple Stores will be able to use the Apple Service Toolkit diagnostic tool to determine if a repair makes sense. The tool detects when only the Face ID unit needs to be replaced. It will also flag up if a rear system repair should be carried out, or if the entire device needs to be replaced. Apple will provide appropriate training and documentation for its employees.

Will iPhone repair be cheaper?

Customers also benefit from the new repair method. On the one hand, you will get your iPhone back after the repair and on the other hand, the repair could be cheaper, as only the camera module needs to be replaced. However, the Apple memo does not include specific price details.

Repair options exclude iPhone X

However, the replacement of the TrueDepth Camera Service part is only possible on iPhone XS and newer models. The iPhone X cannot be repaired in this way.

If your iPhone is broken or not working read Will Apple replace a broken iPhone? Your rights explained.

We also have this guide to How long Apple repairs take and how much they cost.

This article originally appeared on Macwelt. Translation by Karen Haslam.