iFixit tears down iPhone 18 Pro, explores variable aperture, finds concerning repair issue

iFixit has released its detailed teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro, shedding light on the device's impressive features and potential repair concerns. The company's analysis reveals the new variable aperture mechanism, which consists of six tiny blades controlled by electromagnets. During the dismantling process, one of these blades detached, highlighting the complexity of component-level repairs.

Additionally, the under-display Face ID infrared camera, relocated beneath the display, has been designed by masking every other row of pixels above the sensor, resulting in an "eclipse effect" on the edges. The iPhone 18 Pro also features a redesigned vapor chamber, tripling the surface area for improved cooling in the A20 Pro chip.

However, the team discovered three damaged plastic frames around the display of the iPhones they examined. While other teardowns have not encountered this issue, iFixit suggests it might be a broader repairability concern, as the adhesive may be softened by the new heating pad. Moreover, the USB-C port requires disassembling most internal components for replacement, making DIY repairs challenging.

Despite carrying over some strengths and weaknesses from the previous model, such as a glue-free battery tray and modular camera assemblies, iFixit rates the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10, pending further tests and observations.