OLED iPhone screens can now be repaired with a laser

Fixing OLED panels using a laser has emerged as a new way to address screen issues, among the most common iPhone repairs, and could help people save money.

A recently developed technology uses lasers to repair OLED screens without disassembly, presenting a promising solution that may become more common as the process gets cheaper. Strange Parts, a YouTuber, recently showed the device in action.

The machine uses a laser to mend broken traces within the OLED panel. These traces are tiny pathways that carry electrical signals across the display.

When these traces are damaged, it can result in visible lines or other display issues on the screen. Interestingly, the same laser used in manufacturing is used to mend these broken traces.

One of the unique features of this machine is its ability to repair the screen while it's still on. This allows the operator to visually track the repair process and instantly recognize when the issue has been resolved, as the change happens right before their eyes.

Furthermore, the machine is equipped to adjust the flex of the screen. The flex, which is attached to the front of the screen, can be bent to the other side as needed.

The repair process involves addressing each trace until the line disappears. If the line persists, the operator may need to remove the glass and attempt the repair again.

This technology is hailed as a game-changer for the screen refurbishing industry. It has the potential to repair previously unrepairable screens, and could help people save money by not forcing them to buy a new iPhone.

The process is not able to repair iPhone screens that are physically broken with cracks or scratches. The repair process only applies to the OLED panel that sits under — and is often fused to — the glass.