Apple is often heavy-handed with their users, sometimes for good reason. In order to avoid problems with inferior parts, Apple urges customers to take their iPhone 11 to a certified Apple service technician.
The Perils of Counterfeit Parts and Products
Counterfeiting is widespread these days, with many of the largest online retailers facilitating the vice. Even the largest online retailers unwittingly sell counterfeit products, sometimes designating them as preferred.
This practice goes beyond assembled goods. In fact, some of the biggest counterfeiting operations revolve around spare parts for gadgets. It’s actually difficult to find legitimate batteries for certain devices, as counterfeiters have dominated niche markets.
Responding to market anarchy, Apple recently put out a support notice regarding counterfeit iPhone screens. These fake screens cause a variety of problems, as they’re not up to Apple’s specifications.
Replacing your iPhone 11 screen with an inferior part can result in a loss of touch screen sensitivity. Even worse, the screen can register touches when the user isn’t making contact with the device, such as during a phone call. An unofficial screen may also register edge or palm touches that the official part is designed to ignore.
Beyond touch, a fake iPhone screen could also cause visual disturbances. For example, the True Tone display might not work properly. Decreased brightness, battery drain and poor color calibration are all issues with counterfeit iPhone 11 screens.
How to Fix Your iPhone Screen
When fixing your iPhone screen, or just about anything, don’t go for the cheapest option. With an iPhone 11, searching for the least expensive screen replacement option will probably connect you with a shady operation.
The simplest way to have your iPhone 11 screen repaired is to take it to an Apple Store. While this may be the most expensive option, you’re guaranteed to get a legitimate screen installed by a qualified technician.
Apple has also expanded their certification program for third-party repair shops. These technicians may be less expensive, but they must use official Apple parts. Fortunately, Apple has a website to guide you through the process.
How to Tell if Your Screen is Counterfeit
If you had your iPhone 11 screen replaced, iOS can detect if the part is original or counterfeit. The counterfeit screen will result in iOS warnings. Your device will display a message that it is “unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display”.
If you unknowingly had counterfeit parts installed on your iPhone, you can take action through the typical, ineffective consumer advocacy mechanisms. When it comes down to it, it’s a case of “caveat emptor” — let the buyer beware.