When trying to identify if an iPhone LCD is an original or copy, many people are look for the presence of the Apple logo. However, if you look closely you’ll notice there are quite a few other markings that can tell us a bit more about the origins of the LCD.
Obviously, if the Apple logo is present on the screen it would more than likely mean- at least- that the core LCD is original. We’ve not heard of a Chinese copy LCD manufacturer printing the Apple logo on the flex. However, we have seen some original LCDs that have had the flex cable replaced on them and the new flex cable contains the Apple logo. Often, if the flex cable has been replaced they will omit the Apple logo to avoid any intellectual property issues. (In short, the presence of an Apple logo means that it almost certainly is an original Apple LCD, but its absence doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t genuine.)
The next thing you will notice is the part code for the LCD. Usually, this starts with 821 and is followed by four or five numbers. This pattern is commonly used throughout all Apple’s components and even their logic boards use the same formation. If you search the internet for this code it will normally return the details of the LCD. The same trick can be used if you have some random Apple components lying around and are having difficulty identifying them- just search the internet for the part code.
Lastly, some flex cables will have “mk”, “f” or the “four leaf” pattern on them. This is to identify the manufacturer of the flex cable but in no way can be used to mean the LCD is an original Apple screen. These flex cable factories will also make cables for copy screens and you must look for a number of other distinguishing characteristics to determine if the LCD is truly an original Apple screen.
All the screens below are original. (There are far too many different types of copy screen for it to be worthwhile showing them here).
Note “821” codes (both screens), Apple logos (both), “mk” (left) and “four leaf” logo (right). The Apple logo on both shows us that these are original.
Again, both are genuine due to the presence of the Apple logo. Note also the “821” code (both cables), the four leaves (left) and “mk” (right).
More original screens with similar characteristics.
Last of our original screens.
