‘Rising number of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users report screen problems’
Ifixit reports that it is getting a lot of messages from iPhone repairers that users are experiencing issues with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus screen. They report that the screen at the top shows a gray blinking bar or is not responding at all.
For example, an American repairman would see up to a hundred iPhones with this problem per month, the site writes. Many other repairers confirm to iFixit that it is a “very common problem”. There are also many posts on Apple’s support forum that support the claims. An Apple employee points in a post to support pages for unresponsive screens and for cleaning the device. However, the problem is said to be caused by the display’s controller chips, according to iFixit. Therefore, replacing the screen does not solve the problem either.
The so-called Touch IC chips ensure that touches on the screen are converted into signals, iFixit writes. Two possible explanations for the problems are that one of the two chips has a manufacturing defect, or that the problems are caused by the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus being slightly bendable. This phenomenon also appeared after the phones were released in 2014. This could eventually cause the soldered connections between the controller and the PCB to become loose, according to a repairman.
The 6s and 6s Plus models would not be affected by this, as the chips have been moved to a different position there. The controllers in other models would also be supported by extra material, so that breaks would occur less quickly. A temporary solution to the problem is to apply pressure to the screen, which causes the controller to reconnect.
However, a complete solution would be to replace the device, pcb or controllers. The last option is the cheapest. Adding a metal ‘shield’ above the controller could also be a solution. There is now only a sticker in that place. Apple generally discourages third-party repairs. A repairman tells iFixit that he expects the problem can only be solved by a class action lawsuit, which would force Apple to extend the warranty period.
Gray bar, image via iFixit