Online information is very confusing. Some sources say that starting from iPhone 16 it is possible to replace the Face ID system with a used or donor component and still complete the repair and have it fully functional.

However, other technicians claim that even on iPhone 15 it is already possible to replace the Face ID module with a used part from another device and that it can still work after proper installation or pairing procedures.

At the same time, there are also many claims saying that Face ID is still strictly paired to the original TrueDepth system and logic board, and that replacement with used parts will not restore functionality at all.

So my question is:

• Is Face ID on iPhone 15 still strictly locked to the original TrueDepth module and logic board?
• Or is it actually possible to replace it with a used/donor module and complete the repair successfully?
• And is there any real difference starting from iPhone 16 regarding this limitation?

I would really appreciate confirmation from technicians or anyone with real hands-on experience, because the information online is contradictory and unclear.

Thank you in advance.

⟐ Commented 7월 02, 2026 at 21:00 GMT-7

⟐ Commented 7월 02, 2026 at 9:57 GMT-7

I've iphone 14 pro, after falling down in a glass with water, it reboot every 5 min,

this is the panic:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/31be9kk11...

Thanks for your help!

⟐ Answer accepted 7월 02, 2026 at 6:22 GMT-7

⟐ Answered 7월 01, 2026 at 9:17 GMT-7

Arabic->English translation:

I am having a problem with my phone's camera; the autofocus is stuck and not working correctly. The camera remains fixed on a single focus point and fails to readjust the focus when pointed at nearby or distant objects, resulting in blurry photos.

⟐ Edited 6월 30, 2026 at 20:14 GMT-7

I didn't notice this for many months because i rarely ever use apple pay. But i just decided to today and failed to get it working. Everything else on the flex cable works perfectly (volume rockers, mute switch, flash, power button, & vibrator), but nfc doesn't seem to function at all.

Does having a plastic shell inhibit the ability to use NFC? Did i not move a certain part over? Any ideas on how to trouble shoot?

⟐ Commented 6월 30, 2026 at 12:16 GMT-7

⟐ Commented 6월 30, 2026 at 5:36 GMT-7

⟐ Answered 6월 29, 2026 at 19:41 GMT-7

⟐ Answered 6월 29, 2026 at 8:30 GMT-7

I've already tried several troubleshooting steps, including:

- Restarting the phone

- Updating the OS to the latest version

- Checking for carrier settings updates

- Reseating the SIM card in the tray

- Testing with a known-working SIM card

- Resetting the Network Settings

After performing these steps, the network will work for a short period before dropping out again. I'm starting to suspect a hardware issue, possibly related to the logic board (sandwich board separation) or an internal antenna connection.

Has anyone else experienced this specific behavior, and what was the ultimate fix? Does this sound like a common hardware failure for this model?

Thanks!

⟐ Answered 6월 29, 2026 at 8:28 GMT-7

I also think it could be something with the 16.4.1 update. My sister’s iPhone 11 also had an issue with the update. It factory reset her phone, but saved all of the previous data (it wasn’t really a factory reset, but it showed the “hello” and “welcome to iPhone” screens). It also forced the phone to reset.

⟐ Commented 6월 29, 2026 at 6:12 GMT-7

⟐ Commented 6월 28, 2026 at 12:32 GMT-7

I'm trying to diagnose an iPhone 14 and I'm running out of ideas. I'm hoping someone with board-level repair experience has seen this before.

• Bought a used iPhone 14 on Vinted.
• The battery was swollen and the phone would not power on.
• Replaced the battery.
• The phone started working, but it was kernel panicking every ~3 minutes.
• After troubleshooting, I found that the rear assembly (MagSafe / rear flex connector) was disconnected.
• Once I reconnected the rear assembly, all kernel panics stopped.
• The phone booted normally.
• Face ID worked perfectly.
• I could use the phone normally with no more random reboots.

At this point I assumed everything was fixed.

I decided to update iOS from my Windows PC using Apple Devices.

During the update the phone entered Recovery Mode.

Since then it has never booted again.

It always goes:

Apple logo → Recovery Mode

It never reaches the "Hello" screen.

• Apple Devices
• 3uTools
• iTunes
• Original Apple cable
• Multiple USB ports (front and rear)
• Mobile hotspot
• Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4)
• Firewall and antivirus disabled
• Different Windows PC
• Different rear USB ports
• Rear assembly completely reconnected
• All connectors checked and reseated

• Error 3004
• Error 1109
• Error 9 (most consistently now)

The current situation is:

• Apple Devices completes almost the entire restore.
• Around 98%, during "Verifying iPhone restore with Apple", it fails with Error 9.
• 3uTools also fails to restore.
• "Exit Recovery Mode" immediately returns to Recovery Mode.

The phone was fully functional immediately before I started the update.

Face ID worked.

No kernel panics anymore.

No random reboots.

Only after starting the iOS update did it become permanently stuck in Recovery Mode.

Has anyone seen an iPhone that worked perfectly before an update, then became permanently stuck in Recovery Mode with Error 9 during restore?

Could this still be caused by a hardware issue (dock flex, rear assembly, NAND, baseband, etc.), or is there something else I should investigate before assuming a board-level fault?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

⟐ Answered 6월 27, 2026 at 23:20 GMT-7

⟐ Answered 6월 27, 2026 at 13:24 GMT-7

⟐ Answered 6월 27, 2026 at 10:50 GMT-7