When replacing an iPhone display, it may be necessary or beneficial to transfer the IC from the original display to the new display. This can help preserve data from the original display. This process is known as an IC swap.

In this blog, we explain what a display IC is, why repair technicians perform an IC swap, and how the process works in general.

What Is the IC on an iPhone Display?

An IC, or Integrated Circuit, is a small electronic chip that forms part of the display's electronics. The electronics on an iPhone display play a role in the communication between the display and the device.

To transfer data from the original display, the IC can be removed from the original display and installed on the new iPhone display. This is commonly referred to as an IC swap, IC transfer, or IC transplantation.

It is important to distinguish between a physical IC swap and software calibration. On iPhones that support Repair Assistant, you can use Repair Assistant after replacing a part to calibrate the part and complete the repair.

Why and When Do You Swap a Display IC?

An iPhone display can technically function without transferring the original IC. However, a repair technician may choose to transfer the IC from the original display to the new display. This can help preserve data and characteristics from the original display.

An IC swap may be useful when you want to:

• Preserve data from the original display.

• Ensure the new display works as well as possible with the device.

• Preserve or restore certain display functions after the repair.

One well-known feature that requires attention when replacing a display is True Tone. If a display is not correctly paired or calibrated, issues may also occur with colour reproduction, brightness, or the ambient light sensor.

An IC swap is not required for every iPhone display repair. On newer iPhone models, a display repair can in some cases be calibrated and completed using Repair Assistant. Therefore, always check which procedure applies to the device and display you are working with.

What Do You Need for an IC Swap?

Transferring a display IC is specialised microsoldering work. A professional workspace and experience working with very small electronic components are therefore important. Depending on the display and the method used, you may need:

• A microscope for precision work.

• A soldering station with a suitable soldering tip.

• A hot-air rework station.

• Flux for the soldering process.

• Suitable solder.

• Tweezers for microelectronics.

• A heat-resistant work or display holder.

• Suitable tools for cleaning soldering points.

• The original and new iPhone display.

Use tools and settings that are suitable for the specific display and IC.

How Do You Swap the IC on an iPhone Display?

An IC swap consists of several precise steps. The exact procedure varies depending on the iPhone model, display, and equipment used. The steps below provide a general overview of the process.

Please note: This blog is intended for informational purposes only. An IC swap is specialised microsoldering work and requires the appropriate knowledge, experience, and equipment. If you have no experience with IC swaps or microsoldering, do not perform the procedures described below yourself.

1. Check the Original and New Display

Before you begin, make sure you have the correct new display and that it is suitable for an IC swap. Connect the display to the iPhone and check the image, touch functionality, and brightness. Where possible, test both the original and the new display. This prevents you from transferring the IC to a display that already has an issue.

2. Locate the IC

Determine which IC on the original display needs to be transferred.

The position and design may vary depending on the generation and type of display. Always check the technical information for the specific model beforehand.

3. Remove the IC From the Original Display

Remove the original IC using suitable microsoldering equipment.

Temperature control is important during this process. Excessive heat or prolonged heating can damage the IC, surrounding components, or flex cable.

Never force the chip if the solder has not yet melted sufficiently.

4. Clean the IC and Contact Points

After removing the IC, carefully remove any old solder residue.

Check under a microscope that:

• The contact points are clean.

• No pads are damaged.

• The IC itself has no visible damage.

• There are no unwanted solder connections.

Proper preparation is important before placing the IC on the new display.

5. Place the IC on the New Display

Carefully position the original IC in the designated location on the new display.

Make sure the IC is correctly aligned before soldering it into place.

Precision is extremely important during this part of the process. A poor connection or incorrect positioning can prevent the display from functioning properly.

6. Check the Soldering

After installing the IC, inspect the connections again under a microscope.

Check for:

• Correct IC positioning.

• Proper solder connections.

• Possible short circuits.

• Damaged or missing pads.

• Residual flux or other material.

Clean the area if necessary before continuing.

7. Test the Display Before Final Assembly

Connect the display before fully reassembling the device.

Check:

• Image output.

• Touch functionality.

• Brightness.

• Colour reproduction.

• True Tone, if applicable.

• Automatic brightness adjustment.

• Any notifications or messages in iOS.

This allows you to resolve any issues before fully reassembling the device.

IC Swap and True Tone

True Tone adjusts the colour temperature of the display based on the ambient lighting conditions. After replacing an iPhone display, it is important to check whether True Tone still functions correctly.

An IC swap and software calibration using Repair Assistant are two different processes. After the repair, always check whether True Tone is available and whether the brightness and colour reproduction are functioning correctly.

IC Swap or Repair Assistant?

With newer iPhones, it is important to first check whether the repair can be completed using Repair Assistant.

After replacing supported parts, Repair Assistant installs the required calibration data. The iPhone must:

• Be connected to Wi-Fi.

• Have more than 20% battery.

• Be running the latest supported version of iOS.

You can access Repair Assistant via:

Settings → General → About → Parts & Service History → Restart & Finish Repair.

A physical IC swap and Repair Assistant are two different processes. With an IC swap, the IC is physically transferred, while Repair Assistant is used to configure and calibrate supported parts through software.

What Can Go Wrong During an IC Swap?

An IC swap requires experience with microsoldering. An error during the process can damage the original component or the new display.

Common issues to be aware of include:

• Excessive temperature, which can damage components.

• Damage to pads when removing the IC.

• Incorrect IC positioning.

• Poor or incomplete solder connections.

• Short circuits between contact points.

• Damage to the flex cable.

• A display that was already defective before the IC swap.

Always test the display both before and after the IC swap.

Check the Repair After an IC Swap

Once the display has been installed, it is important to check more than just whether an image appears.

Test the device thoroughly for display-related functions. Check touch, multi-touch, brightness, colour reproduction, and other relevant functions.

You can use Apple Diagnostics after the repair to check whether the display and related functions are working correctly.

Want to know how to check an iPhone after a repair? Read our blog: Apple Diagnostics for Repair Technicians: What Do the Tests and Messages Mean?

Check Parts & Service History

On iPhone 11 models and later, with the exception of certain SE models, you can view the Parts & Service History via:

Settings → General → About

Depending on the part used and how the repair was completed, a status for the display may be shown here.

Apple uses statuses including:

• Genuine: The repair was performed using genuine Apple parts and processes.

• Used: The part was previously used or installed in another iPhone.

• Unknown: The part cannot be verified by the device. There can be several reasons for this, such as the part being non-genuine, not functioning as expected, or not being correctly verified after the repair.

Performing an IC swap therefore does not automatically mean that iOS will recognise the new display as Genuine.

FAQ

What Is an IC Swap on an iPhone Display?

During an IC swap, the IC is removed from the original iPhone display and installed on the new display. Repair technicians use this technique to transfer data or characteristics from the original display to the new display.

Why Do You Swap the IC on an iPhone Display?

An IC swap can be performed to preserve data from the original display and help certain display functions work as well as possible after a replacement.

Is an IC Swap Required for Every iPhone?

No. An IC swap is not required for every iPhone display repair. On newer iPhone models, a display repair can in some cases be calibrated and completed using Apple's Repair Assistant.

Do You Need an IC Swap for True Tone?

Not always. Whether True Tone can be preserved or restored after a display replacement can depend on the parts used and how the repair is completed. For eligible repairs, Repair Assistant can be used for calibration.

Can an iPhone Still Show Unknown After an IC Swap?

Yes. An IC swap does not automatically mean that iOS will recognise the display as genuine. The Unknown status may appear when the part cannot be verified as genuine or when the repair has not been completed correctly.

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