An iPhone battery is three things at once: a lithium cell (the energy store), a Battery Management System (BMS) board that manages charging, and an authentication IC the chip iOS uses to verify the part is genuine. Each tier handles all three differently.

iPhone Battery Comparison

A battery consists of three parts: a lithium cell (the energy store), a battery management system (BMS) board for charging, and an authentication chip for checking authenticity. All three are handled differently by each tier.

*Apple extended design cycle life from 500 cycles (iPhone 14 and earlier) to 1,000 cycles for iPhone 15 and later a meaningful improvement most buyers overlook.

What is a diagnostic-compatible battery?

Batteries manufactured by third-party iPhone parts brands like REWA include a proprietary authentication chip pre-programmed to pass iOS' encrypted hardware handshake. Therefore, health reports are accurate, warnings aren't persistent, and there is no need to transfer chips.

The BMS Authentication Problem

Since iPhone XS, Apple batteries contain an authentication IC that performs an encrypted handshake with the logic board. Whenever the handshake fails, iOS disables the Battery Health display and flags the part as incompatible, mismatched, or absent. There are two types of aftermarket iPhone batteries: ones without the IC entirely and those with a generic IC that fails the check. The battery still charges and works, but its health data is permanently unavailable.

The Used-Pull Nuance

A used-pull battery is a genuine Apple battery that has already been installed and used in another iPhone. On supported models, iOS can verify the battery as a genuine Apple part after the repair and calibration process is completed. For iPhone 15 and later running iOS 18 or later, Settings will show the battery as "Used" rather than new.

Because the battery has already been used, its battery health, cycle count, and first-use history don’t reset when it is moved to another phone. So if a supplier sells a battery at 85% health, that means the battery has already degraded to roughly 85% of its original maximum capacity it is not equivalent to a new battery. Apple also notes that previously used parts can have inconsistent performance depending on their prior use and condition.

For that reason, always buy used-pull batteries from a trusted supplier with clear grading standards, and check the reported battery health, cycle count, physical condition, and warranty whenever possible.

iPhone Screen Comparison

An iPhone screen replacement involves more than simply swapping the glass and display. The overall result depends on the display technology and quality, such as OLED or LCD, the touch and display electronics that control how the screen communicates with the iPhone, and the calibration data used for features such as True Tone, brightness, and color accuracy. Apple calibrates genuine replacement displays through its repair process, and on supported models Repair Assistant installs the required calibration data after installation.

Lower-quality aftermarket screens may still work, but they can differ noticeably in brightness, color accuracy, touch response, power consumption, and True Tone performance. In practice, each screen tier handles these areas differently, which is why two replacement displays that look similar on paper can provide very different everyday experiences.

Why LCD is a Downgrade on iPhone 12 and Later

Starting with the iPhone 12, Apple moved its main iPhone lineup to OLED displays, while the iPhone SE continued using LCD. That means an “LCD screen for iPhone 14” is an aftermarket conversion rather than a replacement that matches the display technology Apple originally designed for the phone.

These budget LCD replacements can still make the phone usable and may cost considerably less, but they generally cannot match a good OLED for deep blacks, contrast, color quality, brightness, and viewing experience. OLED pixels can also switch off individually when displaying black, while an LCD relies on a backlight that remains powered, so Dark Mode does not provide the same display power-saving advantage as an LCD replacement.

Exact brightness varies widely between aftermarket screens, so it is better to judge a specific panel by its tested specifications rather than assuming every budget LCD falls within a fixed unit range. Apple continues to use OLED displays in its new iPhone 17 models as well.

Soft OLED vs. Hard OLED vs. LCD

Apple introduced OLED with the iPhone X, and its modern OLED iPhone displays use flexible panel construction rather than the rigid glass-substrate panels commonly sold as hard OLED replacements. In the repair market, soft OLED generally refers to an OLED built on a flexible plastic substrate, which can better tolerate bending and impact than a rigid glass-based hard OLED panel.

Hard OLED screens are usually cheaper, but their rigid construction makes the display layer more vulnerable to cracking after a drop. LCD replacements work differently: they need a backlight behind the entire panel, so they cannot switch individual pixels completely off for true black, are typically thicker, and do not get the same dark-screen power-saving advantage as OLED, where each pixel produces its own light. 

The Diagnostic-Compatible Screen Breakthrough

REWA's  diagnostic-compatible aftermarket iPhone screens are designed to work with Apple's Repair Assistant without requiring technicians to transplant the original display IC or manually program True Tone data. On supported models, the replacement can complete the diagnostic process without triggering the usual "Unknown Part" warning, while features such as True Tone remain available without the traditional chip-transfer procedure. REWA markets this as a major step forward for aftermarket screen repair because it removes one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts of display replacement. 

Which Part Should You Actually Buy?

The right tier depends on the device, the use case, and who is doing the repair. These are the scenarios that matter in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a third-party iPhone battery show an Unknown Part message?

It can, but not every third-party battery behaves the same way. Apple says an iPhone may show Unknown when a replacement battery is nongenuine, cannot be verified, has been modified, or has not been properly linked to the device after repair. Some newer diagnostic-compatible aftermarket batteries, including products sold by REWA, are designed to complete Apple's Repair Assistant process.

Is a used-pull iPhone battery safe to install?

A used-pull battery can be a reasonable replacement if it is genuine, undamaged, properly tested, and still has sufficient capacity, but being an original Apple part does not make it equivalent to a new battery. On supported models, particularly iPhone 15 and later with iOS 18 or later, Apple allows a genuine battery previously installed in another iPhone of the same model to be reused and identifies it as Used in Parts and Service History. Its previous usage does not disappear: battery capacity, cycle count, and first-use history reflect the battery's actual life. So a battery sold at 90% health has already lost roughly 10% of its original maximum capacity. When buying a used-pull battery, check its health, cycle count, physical condition, testing history, and supplier warranty, and avoid batteries showing swelling, damage, or other signs of deterioration. 

Do third-party iPhone screens keep True Tone?

Some aftermarket iPhone screens can retain or restore True Tone, but it depends on the screen, repair method, iPhone model, and iOS version. Apple warns that True Tone may not work correctly with a nongenuine display because replacement displays may not have the same calibration and integration as an original Apple screen. Traditional aftermarket repair methods can involve transferring or programming display-related data, while newer diagnostic-compatible screens are designed to simplify the process. For example, REWA currently sells diagnostic-compatible screens that it says can complete Repair Assistant without an original display IC transplant, and some models do not require a separate True Tone restoration procedure. It is therefore inaccurate to say that every LCD or In-cell screen is physically incapable of supporting True Tone; compatibility should be checked for the exact replacement screen and iPhone model.

What is the difference between Soft OLED and Hard OLED iPhone screens?

The main difference between Soft OLED and Hard OLED is the substrate underneath the OLED panel. Soft OLED uses a flexible polyimide-based substrate, while Hard OLED uses a rigid glass substrate. Both are self-emitting OLED technologies, so both can produce deep blacks and high contrast without an LCD backlight. The flexible construction of Soft OLED makes it more tolerant of bending, frame flex, and installation stress, while rigid Hard OLED is generally more sensitive to uneven pressure or housing deformation and is commonly positioned as the more affordable aftermarket option. However, Soft OLED does not automatically guarantee better brightness, color accuracy, touch response, or overall quality a well-made Hard OLED can outperform a poor-quality Soft OLED, so the individual screen specification and supplier quality still matter.

The Summary in Three Sentences

For most people repairing a current flagship iPhone, Tier 3 Premium diagnostic-compatible parts from REWA or REPART hit the sweet spot: near-OEM display and battery performance, no iOS warnings, certified, and under warranty at a fraction of Apple's service price. Tier 1 Original parts are worth the premium only if you have AppleCare+, need enterprise compliance, or are preparing a device for resale at OEM condition. Tier 4 Budget aftermarket is acceptable only for low-value devices where function matters more than features expect degraded brightness, possible ghost touch, and persistent iOS notifications.

If you've broken your phone screen, here are some tips for display replacement. We will bring you a case iPhone X as a reference. All you need is a repair kit and a new screen. The repair kit should be included as below: tweezers, screwdrivers, pry piece, suction cup, heating pad, programmer, spudger, battery adhesive, and waterproof adhesive.

Before the screen assembly replacement, we need to check out the True Tone display function and whether it still works as usual or not to make sure the new screen will be working.

Firstly, please long press the phone to turn it off. Then you can use a pentagon screwdriver to unscrew the screws at the bottom of the phone. Please pay attention to putting the screws aside well. You can place the screen face down on the pad for about 2-3 minutes after the heating pad is up to the temperature of 70—80°c. And fix the suction cup at the bottom of the phone, lift the screen gently, and insert a pry piece underneath. Gradually move around the edge of the display, separating the screen along the gap. The display assembly is still connected to the iPhone by cables, so don’t try to remove it completely. Again, please pay attention to the position of the cable to avoid damage. The angle should not be greater than 90 degrees to prevent breaking the flex cable. The process of removing the cover is done.

Next, use a Tri-wing screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the shielding cover of the cable connector. You can use a spudger slightly to extricate the battery and the connector between the screen and motherboard. Now, continue to follow instructions step by step. Detach the earpiece speaker flex cable, and remove the old display assembly.

In order to retain the True Tone function on the display as everything in the iPhone is paired to another screen, it's suggested to make good use of a programmer. Fasten the old touch connector on the corresponding connector of the programmer, and start reading. After everything is done, take off the old screen assembly, connect the new one to the programmer, and start writing.

Please connect the new screen assembly to the programmer, start writing, then place the old screen assembly on the heating pad. You can use a Tri-wing screwdriver to unscrew the screws of the earpiece cable and take out the earpiece. Tear off the protector of the new screen assembly and reassemble the earpiece cable on the new screen assembly. Lastly, tighten the screws. Please pay attention to the position of the grounding chip. Finally, we come to the connection part. Please connect the display cable, touch cable, earpiece cable, and battery accordingly.

If there is something wrong with the repair process or assembly issue, it's better to do some tests after replacing a new screen.

It is the same step as the beginning. Long press to turn it on to do some screen test first. We need to do several tests: 3D touch testing, True Tone testing, and light adjustment testing. If your phone shows, all is usually working. Then you can tear off the waterproof adhesive and make it adhere to the phone body. Press lightly with tweezers to make it adhesive, tear off the film, reassemble the display cable, and touch the cable. And the earpiece assembly, and connect the battery. Install the shielding cover, and tighten the screws. Take off the waterproof film around the frame. Buckle the phone screen, and tighten the screws at the bottom.

Those are all iPhone X screen replacement steps we share with you. If there is any confusion, please leave us your comment.

The basic tool for phone repair we can see commonly in the market is only for high-temperature soldering or heating the screen, such as the CPB heat mat.

But what about the repair tool with multifunction?

REFOX RS30 ESD Repair Heating Pad is a multifunctional repair tools for cell phone back cover separation and screen removal, also for simple repairs to high-temperature soldering. It's made of silicone material and owned with the utility patent. There are other functions, such as magnetic storage for the components.

In the following introductions about RS30 Repair Heating Pad, let's explore its features and advantages. 

-- Large working area

-- Get to temperature quickly with temp control

-- Built-in temperature control module to prevent overheating 

-- Non-toxic silicone soldering mat with heat resistance up to 100°C

-- Three stunning colors

    • Multifunctional design, repair parts storage, and heating as one

    • Photo-oxygen coating
    • -- Anti-fouling 
    • -- Anti-static
    • -- Anti-corrosion
    
    • Built-in aerogel insulation cotton, uniform heating and reduce the risk of breaking screens

Application

• Back cover separation (Android) 
• Screen removal (iPhone, Android, tablets) 
• For simple repairs to high-temperature soldering

The difference between RS30 Repair mobile phone heat pad and other repair mats is its Utility Patent which means it's practical and creative in the repair market. 
    

Recently, some vendors sold outcell as incell on the market. Today's post is to help you tell outcell and incell.

In the first place, we have to know their structural differences. The biggest difference is the position of the touch panel. Incell's touch panel is embedded in the glass substrate, while outcell is above the polarizer and under the glass lens

The display and touch flex cables of outcell are separate while incell integrates two flex cables. Incell must be used with TDDI IC.

Outcell features a separate touch panel while incell’s touch panel is embedded in the glass substrate

For your reference, we have published a detailed video about how to choose aftermarkt iPhone screen assembly. There are various kinds of screen assembly products with uneven quality, which makes many customers confused when placing orders. Therefore, REWA has set a stringent standard for selecting products to ensure customers’ shopping experience, aiming to select the best quality screen assembly product with the highest cost performance on the market. REWA hopes to make customers shop without worries and rest assured to use assembly products selected by REWA.

The repair of flat-screen refurbishment is commonly seen in the aftermarket. The normal refurbished process includes display separation, lamination, and debubbling. These are necessary for the repair. How do we improve work efficiency? It's suggested to make good use of the high-tech repair machine to help release the repair difficulty and advance the repair benefit at the same time.

Several refurbished machines are widely known in the market, such as bubble remover, screen separator, laminating machine, etc. But most of them work independently, which costs us time and energy. However, REFOX FM-30 Desktop Multi-function Laminating Machine is a brand new three-in-one machine combined with the above functions, separation, lamination, and debubbling. It's small, lightweight, and convenient for repair shops.

REFOX FM-30 Desktop Multi-function Laminating Machine is integrated with separation, lamination, and debubbling functions. Besides, it's inserted with a silent air compressor and vacuum pump. So one machine equals five inside. And this machine is designed as being stable and durable.

Next, we can see its advantages. Its system is intelligent touch operation. The temperature is adjustable on the screen. It heats up evenly. The best function we should know about it is that lamination and debubbling can work together at one time. The separating workbench is within only one hole on the surface. Still, it's better than the multi-holes because it's inserted with a powerful vacuum pump, and the suction is excellent. So we can separate the screen easily with its help. You just need to press the suction-start button to turn it on.

This machine can apply to all the flat screen mobiles, such as iPhone and Android phones. It can also refurbish the iPads, including 9.7 inches and below. So it's recommended the repair shops can fix the broken screen or screen refurbishment with the FM-30 Desktop Multi-function Laminating Machine.

It's a pre-order product. 10% off discount for early birds. You can forward to REWA shop to buy one. You deserve it.

Based on display technology, common screen assembly can be divided into OLED and LCD. According to different structures of the touch panel, the screen assembly can be divided into incell, oncell and outcell.

The biggest difference is the position of the touch panel. Incell's touch panel is embedded in the glass substrate, oncell is above the glass substrate and under the polarizer, while outcell is above the polarizer and under the glass lens.

Different iPhone Screen Assembly Structures

incell-LCD

G+G/G+F-LCD

G+F-OLED

Oncell-OLED

A+ iPhone X Screen Assembly

Apple has encrypted the battery of iPhone XS and models above. Once you replace the battery, you will get the “Important Battery Message” and “Service” message. To make matters worse, the cycle count of the new battery will show the cycle count of the original battery. Especially the battery data of iPhone 11 series and iPhone 12 series still can’t be accessed. It has been verified by technicians that the “Important Battery Message” will show up after you put in an aftermarket battery or a genuine Apple battery. You can only avoid the problem by letting Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers replace your battery.

To solve the problem, REWA LAB has verified the latest solution. Today we will share solutions concerning iPhone XS series, iPhone 11 series and iPhone 12 series.

First of all, we will introduce the structure of the battery. The battery can be roughly divided into two parts – BMS board and battery cell. The battery management system board mainly serves as a protection board but also saves battery data. The battery cell is where the power is stored.

Taking iPhone XS for example, we need to prepare a battery data corrector and a new battery cell that can be an original one or an aftermarket one. Disassemble the phone and remove the battery.

Then we need to solder the BMS board of the original battery to the new battery cell. Remove the protective tape on the BMS board. Please do not break the flex cable.

Disconnect the cathode and anode of the battery with a pair of scissors.

Remove the original battery BMS board. Please align the anode and cathode respectively.

Solder with the Spot Welder.

After soldering, install the BMS board. Apply the protection tape.

Since the BMS board is replaced and the battery is protected, the voltage can’t be measured. We need to activate the battery with a Direct Current Supply.

Connect the battery to the programmer. Click reading. Battery data on the BMS board can be seen.

Recalibrate the cycle times and battery efficiency.

Then we connect the display to the motherboard. Connect the power cable to turn on the phone. “Important Battery Message” is displayed.

Please be noted that you can only turn on the phone by a power cable. The above step takes advantage of bugs in iOS and is a very important step. Then we install the new battery. Go to “Settings” to view the battery health information. The maximum capacity is 100% and there is no “Important Battery Message”.

Different from iPhone XS series, the battery data of iPhone 11 series and iPhone 12 series is encrypted and cannot be accessed. That is to say, even if you replace with the original battery cell, the battery data still can’t be read. Worse still, you can’t correct the battery health and cycle count. Recently, REWA LAB has got the latest battery data corrector on the market. Through verification, the corrector can effectively remove the “Important Battery Message” of iPhone 11 series and iPhone 12 series. Next, we will share the operation process in detail by an iPhone 11 Pro.

Remove the BMS board of the original battery. Solder the BMS board to the new battery cell.

Install the BMS board. Activate the battery with a Direct Current Supply.

Because the data of iPhone 11 series can’t be directly read, we need a specialized PCB board to read the data. Install the PCB board to the battery.

Then connect the battery to the programmer. Click reading. Recalibrate the cycle times and battery efficiency.

Connect the power cable to turn on the phone. “Important Battery Message” is displayed.

Then we install the new battery. Go to “Settings” to view the battery health information. The maximum capacity is 100% and there is no “Important Battery Message”. This method is easy to operate with visible repair traces. REWA technicians are now trying to remove the. “Important battery message” of iPhone 11 series and iPhone 12 series without traces. That’s all for REWA LAB’s solutions to the “Important Battery Message” problem. With the development of repair technology and Apple’s continued attention, we believe that new solutions will come up. REWA LAB will keep on bringing the latest information and technology. Please stay tuned. You can buy all tools and supplies in this article on REWA shop. Please feel free to leave a comment on repair topics that you are interested in.

There are three OEM screen assembly suppliers for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus while there are only two OEM screen suppliers (LG and JDI) for iPhone XR and iPhone 11. The backlight numbers of the three suppliers are LG - DTP & C3F, Sharp - DHK & C01, Toshiba - C11 & F7C. 

LG is the universal version with high compatibility while Sharp and Toshiba feature poor compatibility.

If your original screen is LG and you want to replace it, your best choice would be LG because it has superior compatibility and is not easy to have a touch problem. If your original screen is Sharp and Toshiba, you can choose the corresponding screen type and LG will work too as it is the universal version.

If you want to replace your screen with one of these screens, your original screen must be OEM, Pull, or REFURB with the original backlight.

Display Comparison (iPhone7 and iPhone 8)

Display Comparison (iPhone 7Plus and iPhone 8 Plus)

Display Comparison (iPhone XR and iPhone 11)