Some iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users have been complaining about the flashing gray bar at the top of their phone's screen. The problem is that it won't go away and disables the touchscreen function of the smartphone. It is a flaw that has been plaguing hundreds of iPhone users worldwide. Now, if you are experiencing this glitch, here's what you should do and tips how to fix it.
Jessa Jones from ifixit.org, a gadget repair news blog, said the problem is called Touch Disease. She explained the problem is caused by faulty touch controllers on the logic board. Also, the touch controller chip may not have underfill between it and the logic board. Underfill is like glue that holds the chip in place, so without it, the touchscreen will malfunction, technician Louis Rossman told in Yahoo News.
Furthermore, some technicians say the problem may be caused by a design flaw in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. In iPhone 6 models, Apple reportedly used a sticker shield instead of a metal shield to protect the important internal components. The metal shield was present in the iPhone 5s. When the phone bends, the sticker shield does not offer enough protection to the Touch IC chip, which is responsible for touchscreen feature.
It is reported that the problem isn't present in older versions of the iPhone. Overall, the issue is affecting 20% of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models.
For the part of Apple, it refuses to acknowledge the design flaw. In addition, since most of the affected iPhones are out of warranty, Apple doesn't do advanced fixes like resoldering a chip. The customer's only option is to buy a new iPhone, according to the Cupertino-based company.
Now, for those who want to fix their phone, Jessa Jones owns iPad Rehab in Honeoye Falls, N.Y. where she fixes the Touch Disease of iPhones. She repairs the issue by replacing the faulty integrated circuit chip, and then soldering it to a stronger metal layer for better protection.
She charges a minimum of $200 to fix the Touch Disease issue.
A report from USA Today says Jones' business started in 2013. Since April this year, her company has been receiving 8 to 10 iPhones with Touch Disease issue every day. Because of the overwhelming demand for the repair, her business is now staffed with a business manager, a shipping manager and two other repair specialists.
