Build Your Own iPhone 13 for Just $260 with AliExpress Parts, Missing Only Non-Essential Features

Apple’s stringent control over its supply chain presents significant challenges for sourcing components necessary for the latest iPhones. While obtaining parts for models like the iPhone 13 is not impossible, it involves navigating various obstacles. A determined Reddit user, however, managed to build an entire iPhone 13 from parts acquired on AliExpress, though his experience was filled with challenges and a dose of luck. Unfortunately, he had to forgo a couple of non-essential features due to the nature of his sourcing journey.

The Trade-offs of Non-Genuine Parts

The Redditor, known by the username ‘Legal_Newspaper_5710′, shared images demonstrating his successful assembly of an iPhone 13, even while lacking features such as True Tone and battery health monitoring. His rebuild involved critical components including the housing, the A15 Bionic logic board, Face ID, and other essential parts. This endeavor was guided by instructional videos from the YouTube channel Phone Repair Guru, highlighting the resources available for DIY enthusiasts.

All components sourced from AliExpress totaled approximately 460 NZD (about $260).The assembler pointed out that costs could have been reduced by around 100 NZD if he had selected a logic board and Face ID parts that were not paired. He mentioned that in future iOS updates, particularly iOS 18, genuine parts can be paired together, but warned that if any single component fails, it may be challenging to find replacements compatible with the rest of the assembly. The entire process took him about 4 hours, a manageable timeframe for someone with prior assembly experience.

What remains crucial to note is the fortune involved in this build. The success of the assembled iPhone hinged on the A15 Bionic logic board not being iCloud locked. Finding an iCloud unlocked board on AliExpress is pivotal, and users must rely on sellers with high ratings to increase their odds of a successful purchase, which can still be a hit-or-miss gamble.

This Redditor assembled an entire iPhone 13 using parts bought from AliExpress

The Ethical Considerations of Sourcing Recycled Parts

While the assembly process itself presents challenges, there are ethical implications to consider when sourcing parts. The Redditor implied that the iPhone 13 parts he used were probably stolen. His fortunate outcome was partly due to the original owner having executed a remote data wipe before the device made its way to disassembly. This situation brings attention to broader concerns about the implications of using recycled components in smartphone repairs and the potential issues surrounding ownership and theft.

If you’re contemplating a similar endeavor to save money by sourcing parts from AliExpress, it’s crucial to weigh these ethical considerations alongside technical challenges. Here are some key takeaways to remember: