iPhone 7/7+ audio IC issues are becoming a common issue causing reboots or devices to stop on the Apple logo when booting. Users may experience intermittent static through the speakers, no sound at times or any of the mics not working properly. This is a common repair we perform and is caused by stress applied to the iPhone logic board causing issues with the audio IC data lines.
The big issue that repair stores can find is if the customer brings in an iPhone 7 for a screen replacement or other repair they may not even know they have this problem until the phone is powered off and back on again. This is because one of the data lines that is affected by the problem is needed during the boot sequence and if the data line signal isn't present the phone will reboot or get stuck on the Apple logo. Our advice to every repair store is to be sure you notify the customer about this growing problem prior to any repair or before turning off the customers phone. Then once they are aware of the risk reboot the phone while the customer is still there so if it doesn't boot up properly they know it isn't your fault and the result of any repair you performed. If the phone boots properly the customer could still have an issue with the audio IC as sometimes it presents itself with intermittent sound issues through the speakers, one or more of the microphones not working or other audio issues.
When we repair this issue we'll remove the logic board and begin by removing the audio IC chip. We then run 4 jumper wires as one of the problems is the circuit board traces that connect the audio IC chip with other components on the phone are damaged from stress applied to the logic board. The 4 jumper wires essentially replace the existing potentially damaged traces so we can be sure the new audio IC has connectivity to the other components. Once we've run those 4 jumper wires we cover them with a UV protective coating to protect and better secure the wires. We then install the new audio IC chip and install the logic board back into the frame/housing.
Once repaired the iPhone 7/7+ is in better shape to handle stress to the logic board due to the jumper wires and the device shouldn't suffer this issue again unless there is strong damage to the phone again. If you need this repair done or have any questions feel free to email or call us. If you're an repair depot or refurbisher and have a large number of devices needing repair we offer flat rate pricing or bulk discounts for our largest customers with high repair volume.
Many of our repairs are completed the same day we receive them and we are structured to handle large volumes of repairs with a quick turnaround as our only focus is on board repair and we are not a retail repair store.