Skip to main content

Released September 21, 2018. Models: A1921, A2101, A2102, and A2104 / Available as GSM or CDMA / eSIM or nano-SIM / 64, 256, or 512 GB / Silver, Gold, or Space Gray (Pronounced "iPhone 10 S Max.")

372 Questions View all

What is this bracket for?

Hey guys , there’s this bracket near the bottom of the iPhone XS Max, with like four wishbone thingys that have corresponding gold areas on the screen- what is this bracket called and what does it do? One of the connectors came off during screen repair, and the phone still seems to be functioning fine

Block Image

see item removed on attached image

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 0
Add a comment

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

The bracket has some kind of RF isolation purpose apart from just holding stuff in place, the signal may degrade a little bit but not significant.

Could be this, can’t tell for sure though.

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijap/20...

Was this answer helpful?

Score 3

2 Comments:

Cell signal? Or wifi?

by

@Ed Co The lower antennas are primarily for cell, but wifi diversity antenna is also at the bottom.

by

Add a comment

Ed Co looks like this time it really is just a bracket to hold things in place. Check this guide iPhone XS Max Taptic Engine Replacement step 23

Block Image

Was this answer helpful?

Score 1

5 Comments:

I saw That, wierd thing is is those raised gold things (the guide calls them spring contacts ) have corresponding gold areas on the back of the screen to connect for some (unknown) reason

Would love to know the reason, and if and where I can find a replacement

by

I wonder if it is more of a grounding/EM situation. As an antenna it really does not connect to anything of that nature. Wonder if @imicrosoldering can help us out with his experience with all things iPhone

by

@oldturkey03 It could be something described in this paper, but I don’t have all the knowledge to tell if this is the right kind of RF wizardry.

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijap/20...

by

@oldturkey03 I have no idea I usually just deal with logic boards. Maybe it was designed for a 5G antenna that didn’t eventuate but I think Tom is on the right track.

by

Ed Co looks like we are all a bit stumped and since it does not seem to affect performance etc I would suggest to just continue to use the phone without worrying to much about it. If anything pops up later regarding performance etc. you have at least an idea where it could be coming from. @tomchai thanks for the link. Good read for sure….

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Ed Co will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 1

Past 7 Days: 1

Past 30 Days: 3

All Time: 86