Apple’s iPhone Calibration Machine Gets Highlight: Here’s Why Third-Party Repair Stores Can’t Fix Touch ID Sensor

Apple's iPhone calibration machine images made the rounds online following a leak from an unnamed tipster. This tipster is said to be a former employee of Apple Store. Interestingly, this machine is what the iPhone-maker uses to monopolize the repairs of its devices, specifically the smartphone's screen.

Apple's iPhone calibration machine reportedly allows the Cupertino-based company to be the only source of broken screen repair that needs integration of the fingerprint sensor. Apparently, third-party iPhone repair stores cannot figure out how to fix the smartphone's screen that needs a Touch ID sensor replacement, BGR reported. That said, it is seemingly impossible for third-party iPhone service providers to repair a device with a broken home button.

Apple's iPhone calibration machine, as per Jason Koebler of Motherboard, is a system that Apple Stores uses to calibrate a device before sending it back to the owner. Apart from fixing Touch ID sensors in an iPhone, it also ensures that the smartphone's internal sensors, camera and display are calibrated to factory standards. This huge equipment is said to be a secret machine that Apple has been holding to since the release of the iPhone 5S.

Now that the secret is out, it remains to be seen whether third-party repair stores can figure out a way to mimic the iPhone calibration machine's system or find alternatives to fix the Touch ID sensor in broken screens. However, if the secret machine is to be considered, it seems that Apple has guarded its repair secrets well that no other technicians can copy. For this reason, it is safe to say that only Apple can fix broken iPhone screens so consumers who need this kind of service should direct their concerns straight to Apple Stores.

Apple's iPhone calibration machine is a useful system especially if the company will decide to make it available in third-party repair stores. Independent shops reportedly remain hopeful for Apple to open-source its diagnostic means to better serve iPhone users and make third-party service providers' work easier.