iPhone XS Max has dead zone in center of screen

iPhone XS Max has a dead zone in center. When I try to power off, the swipe begins then fades away in the center and is not completed. Cannot swipe to accept a phone call. When playing Sudoku, the center column and number 4 are not responsive. If you touch one of these spaces, the space right or left is highlighted.

Have updated iOS to latest 16 series, forced restart, tried to use the free version of "Anyfix". When I attempted this received the message that the phone was not recognized and I could not get any response on the restore page. There are many YouTube videos, but usually the same ten options. None have succeeded. Suggestions, please.