iPhone 15 Pro IC Transplant: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aftermarket Soft OLED Screens

With the release of the iPhone 15 Pro, the demand for high-quality aftermarket screen replacements has surged. One of the most critical aspects of replacing an iPhone screen, especially with aftermarket components, is ensuring that the touch IC (Integrated Circuit) is transferred correctly to maintain full functionality, including the True Tone feature. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of an iPhone 15 Pro IC transplant, focusing on the necessary steps to ensure a successful transfer to an aftermarket Soft OLED screen that supports IC transfer.

Introduction to Aftermarket Soft OLED Screens for iPhone 15 Pro

Aftermarket Soft OLED screens for the iPhone 15 Pro have hit the market, offering a cost-effective alternative to original Apple displays. These screens are designed to be compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, sharing the same connector as the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. However, to achieve full functionality, including True Tone, the touch IC must be carefully transferred from the original screen to the aftermarket one.

Preparation: Essential Tools and Components

Before starting the IC transplant process, ensure you have the following tools and components ready:

• Aftermarket Soft OLED screen for iPhone 15 Pro
• Original iPhone 15 Pro screen (for IC and True Tone data)
• Screen programmer for copying and writing True Tone data
• Hot air gun with temperature control
• Kapton tape and heat insulation pad for protection
• Middle-temperature solder paste and solder wire
• Soldering iron set to 390°C
• Tag-on flex (included with the aftermarket screen)
• Flux, PCB cleaner, and cotton swabs for cleaning
• Protection sticker for the final installation

Step 1: Disassemble the iPhone 15 Pro

Begin by carefully disassembling the iPhone 15 Pro to remove the original screen. This step requires precision to avoid damaging the delicate internal components. Ensure that the phone is powered off before starting the disassembly process.

Step 2: Copy True Tone Data

True Tone is a feature that adjusts the color temperature of the display based on ambient lighting. To retain this feature with the new aftermarket screen, you must first copy the True Tone data from the original screen.

1. Connect the original screen to a screen programmer.
2. Read the True Tone data using the programmer. This data is essential for maintaining the display’s color accuracy after the screen replacement.

Step 3: Write True Tone Data to the Aftermarket Screen

After copying the True Tone data, the next step is to write this data to the new aftermarket screen:

1. Connect the aftermarket screen to the screen programmer.
2. Select the Third-Party option on the programmer to write the True Tone data to the new screen.
3. Install the aftermarket screen temporarily to verify that the True Tone function works correctly.

At this stage, the display may still show an “Unknown Part” message, but this will be addressed in the following steps.

Step 4: Remove the Display IC from the Original Screen

The display IC is a critical component that ensures the functionality of the screen’s touch capabilities. Here’s how to remove it:

1. Pry up the display flex cable on the original screen.
2. Insert a heat insulation pad under the display to protect the screen during the IC removal.
3. Apply Kapton tape around the IC area to prevent heat damage.
4. Set the hot air gun to 280°C with an airflow of 60.
5. Heat the IC evenly for about 6-10 seconds, keeping the nozzle about 1cm away from the IC.

Once the IC is sufficiently heated, it should lift off easily without damaging the surrounding components.

Step 5: Prepare the IC for Reballing

After removing the IC, it needs to be prepared for reballing:

1. Apply middle-temperature solder paste to the IC to form new solder balls.
2. Use the hot air gun at 280°C to carefully form the solder balls on the IC.

This reballing process is essential to ensure a solid connection when the IC is soldered to the aftermarket screen.

Step 6: Solder the IC to the Tag-On Flex

The tag-on flex is a small flexible circuit that allows the IC to be soldered onto the aftermarket screen. This flex comes with the aftermarket screen and is crucial for the IC transplant:

1. Apply flux to the soldering pad of the tag-on flex.
2. Remove the tins from the soldering pad using braid and a soldering iron set to 390°C.
3. Align the IC with the tag-on flex and solder it using the hot air gun at 280°C with an airflow of 60.
4. Apply middle-temp solder wire to the soldering points of the tag-on flex to ensure a secure connection.
5. Clean the flux residue with PCB cleaner to avoid any potential short circuits.

Step 7: Attach the Tag-On Flex to the Aftermarket Screen

Now that the IC is securely attached to the tag-on flex, it’s time to solder it to the aftermarket screen:

1. Remove the release liner on the back of the tag-on flex soldering pad.
2. Pry up the display flex cable of the aftermarket screen and insert a heat insulation pad to protect the screen.
3. Solder the tag-on flex to the screen’s soldering points using a soldering iron set to 390°C.
4. Clean the flux residue with a cotton swab and apply a protection sticker over the soldered area to protect it from dust and damage.

Step 8: Final Installation and Testing

With the IC transplant complete, install the aftermarket screen onto the iPhone 15 Pro:

1. Ensure the IC does not interfere with the screen installation fitment.
2. Power on the iPhone and verify that the True Tone function is restored and that the screen is fully functional.
3. Check for the “Unknown Part” message—if the IC transplant was successful, this message should no longer appear.

Challenges and Risks in IC Transplant

Performing an IC transplant, especially on the iPhone 15 Pro, can be challenging and carries the risk of screen damage if not done correctly. It requires a steady hand, precision tools, and experience in micro-soldering. Mistakes can result in the IC being damaged or the aftermarket screen becoming unusable. Therefore, if you are not confident in performing this procedure, it is advisable to seek professional help.

Why Choose Gadget Kings PRS for Your iPhone 15 Pro Repairs

If you find the process of an iPhone 15 Pro IC transplant daunting, or if you’re dealing with other repair needs, Gadget Kings PRS is here to help. Our expert technicians have extensive experience with the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 Pro. We specialize in complex repairs, such as IC transplants, ensuring your device is in safe hands.

Expertise and Quality Assurance

At Gadget Kings PRS, we use only high-quality parts and the latest tools to perform all repairs. Whether you need a screen replacement, battery replacement, or an IC transplant, we guarantee that your device will be restored to its original functionality. We also ensure that features like True Tone are preserved, giving you the best possible experience with your iPhone.

Customer Satisfaction and Professional Service

Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched. We offer transparent pricing, detailed diagnostics, and professional service to all our customers. If you have any questions about the IC transplant process or other repairs, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you.

Visit Gadget Kings PRS Today

For reliable and professional iPhone 15 Pro repairs, including IC transplants, visit Gadget Kings PRS. Our experienced technicians are ready to handle any repair challenge, ensuring your iPhone is back to its best in no time.

Conclusion: Mastering the iPhone 15 Pro IC Transplant

The iPhone 15 Pro IC transplant process is intricate and requires a deep understanding of both the phone’s hardware and the micro-soldering techniques involved. While the steps outlined above provide a comprehensive guide, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with DIY repairs. If you’re unsure or lack the necessary tools, it’s best to trust the experts at Gadget Kings PRS.

Thank you for watching this tutorial on how to perform an IC transplant for an iPhone 15 Pro aftermarket screen. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the process. If you have any questions or need assistance with your iPhone repairs, leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help