Ever wondered who actually made the screen on your iPhone? You’re not alone—knowing your screen’s manufacturer can help when buying a used phone, getting repairs, or checking for genuine parts. Small differences between screens can affect brightness, color, and even durability.
In this article, we’ll show you how to find out which company made your iPhone’s screen. You’ll get simple steps, useful tips, and expert insights to help you check with confidence.
Related Video
How to Check Your iPhone Screen Manufacturer
Understanding who made your iPhone’s screen can be important—especially if you’ve had a repair, bought a pre-owned device, or just want to ensure you’re using genuine Apple parts. The iPhone display is a critical component, affecting your device’s color accuracy, brightness, sensitivity, and even its resale value. Knowing how to check your iPhone screen manufacturer and identify if it’s an original Apple part can empower you as a user and help you avoid problems down the line.
Whether you’re double-checking after a screen replacement or are simply curious, there are several ways to find out more about your iPhone’s display. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process step by step.
1. Why Screen Manufacturer Matters
Before diving into the methods, it’s helpful to understand why you might care about your iPhone screen’s origins:
- Quality Assurance: Original screens typically offer better color, brightness, and touch sensitivity.
- Device Performance: Non-genuine parts may drain more battery, or fail after software updates.
- Resale Value: Phones with original screens usually fetch higher prices.
- Warranty: Non-original parts can void your Apple warranty or make future support more difficult.
2. Common iPhone Screen Manufacturers
Apple sources its iPhone screens mainly from industry leaders to guarantee quality. Over the years, these have included:
- LG Display
- Samsung Display
- Japan Display Inc. (JDI)
- BOE Technology
The choice of supplier can vary by model and sometimes even within the same model. Identifying the precise manufacturer may be trickier for end users, but you can at least establish if the screen is original or not.
3. Checking If Your Screen Is Original: Step-by-Step
3.1. Use iPhone’s Built-in Tools
Recent iOS versions make it easier to see if your display has been replaced.
- Open Settings.
- Go to General > About.
- Look for ‘Parts and Service History’:
- If your iPhone has iOS 15.2 or later and is a supported model (like iPhone XR or newer), you’ll see a section called “Parts and Service History.”
- It will list “Display” and indicate if “Genuine Apple Part” is detected.
- If it says “Unknown Part,” “Non-Genuine Part,” or “Replaced” without a genuine label, the screen is likely aftermarket or has an uncertain history.
Devices That Support This Feature:
- iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and newer.
- Note: For older iPhones, this feature may not be available.
3.2. Check for Apple Alert Messages
After some repairs, your iPhone may display a warning:
- “Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple display.”
- This alert appears if the screen is not genuine or not installed by Apple or an Authorized Service Provider.
- The warning is visible for 4 days on the Lock Screen and within Settings for at least 15 days.
3.3. Visual and Tactile Inspection
While not foolproof, some signs can indicate if your screen has been replaced:
- Color and Brightness: Originals are vibrant and bright. Aftermarket screens may appear dull, yellowish, or too blue.
- Touch Sensitivity: Genuine screens are precise and responsive, while fakes may feel sluggish or require more pressure.
- Fit and Finish: An original screen sits flush with the body. Poor alignment, gaps, or an uneven surface can hint at a replacement.
- Polarization Test: Genuine screens won’t distort much when viewed through polarized sunglasses. Aftermarket screens often show strong rainbow patterns.
3.4. Apps and Diagnostic Tools
Third-party apps can read internal part serial numbers:
- Hardware Info Apps: Some iOS diagnostic apps can display screen details, such as serial numbers or manufacturer codes. Note: Accessing this information is sometimes restricted.
- Phonecheck and Similar Services: Used by professionals, these can access advanced hardware data, sometimes requiring a computer connection.
Important: Not all tools can reliably detect the screen manufacturer. Many simply confirm if a part matches Apple’s database for genuineness.
3.5. Professional Inspection
If you’re unsure or want confirmation:
- Visit Apple or an Authorized Service Provider: They have the tools and experience to determine if your screen is genuine and who manufactured it.
- Phone Repair Shops: Some repair shops have advanced diagnostic tools that show components’ data, including manufacturer codes.
4. Decoding Manufacturer Information
Some iPhone screens have manufacturer codes on the part itself or embedded in the device’s firmware. Skilled technicians can:
- Open the iPhone: Examine internal markings, serial numbers, or QR codes printed on the display unit.
- Read Software Data: Use special tools or apps to pull display part numbers, which can sometimes indicate the supplier.
Common Display Codes:
- LG: Codes might start with LP or contain “LG.”
- Samsung: Codes may include “SDC.”
- JDI/BOE: Similar manufacturer-specific codes may be used.
Note: Opening your device or using special diagnostics can void warranties or cause damage if not performed properly. Always seek professional help if you’re not skilled in repairs.
5. Benefits of Using an Original Screen
Ensuring you have an original or genuine Apple display can lead to:
- Optimal Visual Experience: Accurate colors, true blacks (OLED), and proper brightness.
- Full Functionality: Features like True Tone, Night Shift, and smooth touch responsiveness work as intended.
- Device Longevity: Less risk of hardware conflicts, software incompatibilities, or rapid battery drain.
- Warranty and Resale: Maintained Apple support eligibility and a higher resale price.
6. Challenges and Limitations
Some challenges include:
- Not Always Obvious: Skilled technicians can install high-quality aftermarket screens that look nearly identical.
- Firmware Matching: Some replacement screens retain original serials, making software-based checks unreliable.
- Limited Information in Settings: Older iPhones and iOS versions don’t show part history.
- DIY Risks: Self-inspection can be hard or risky for non-experts.
7. Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Always Use Authorized Repair Services: This ensures genuine Apple parts, maintains warranty, and guarantees proper functionality.
- Check ‘About’ Info After Repairs: Right after receiving your device from repair, check Settings > General > About for any alerts or part history notes.
- Ask for Documentation: When buying second-hand, request proof of service history if screens have been replaced.
- Avoid Cheap Repairs: Low-cost repair shops often use lower-quality displays that may cause further issues.
- Keep Software Updated: New iOS versions offer better part verification and alert features.
- Consult Professionals: If in doubt, let an Apple-certified technician examine your iPhone.
8. Conclusion
Checking your iPhone screen’s manufacturer or verifying its authenticity is a smart move—especially after repairs or when evaluating a used device. Apple’s newer iOS features have made this easier than ever. While knowing the exact manufacturer might be tricky, ensuring the screen is a genuine Apple part guarantees you the best experience and preserves your investment.
If ever in doubt, prioritize authorized repairs and regular check-ups. Your iPhone’s display is its window to the world—make sure you’re looking through the best possible lens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a genuine and a non-genuine iPhone screen?
A genuine screen is manufactured to Apple’s exact specifications and delivers accurate color, brightness, touch sensitivity, and long-term reliability. Non-genuine screens, or aftermarkets, may have reduced visual quality, less responsive touch, and can interfere with features like True Tone.
Can I check the actual manufacturer (Samsung, LG, etc.) of my iPhone screen through settings?
No, standard iPhone settings do not reveal the exact manufacturer. They only indicate if the screen is a “Genuine Apple Part.” To find the specific maker, you typically need special diagnostic tools or physical inspection by a technician.
What happens if my iPhone screen was replaced with a non-genuine part?
You might see warnings in Settings or on the Lock Screen. Non-genuine parts can reduce device performance, impact battery life, disable certain features, and may void your warranty. The user experience is generally inferior compared to the original.
Will Apple service my phone if it has a non-genuine screen?
Apple and its Authorized Service Providers may refuse to service a device that contains non-genuine parts or may need to replace those parts with originals before completing other repairs. It’s best to use authorized repair services to ensure future support.
Is it possible to restore True Tone and other features after a third-party screen replacement?
Usually, True Tone and related features only work with Apple-original screens, properly paired through Apple’s calibration process. Some third-party technicians try to “copy” data from the old screen, but results can be inconsistent and often do not fully restore all features.
By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to determine the authenticity and quality of your iPhone display—helping you enjoy your device to the fullest.
