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

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   iFixit Teardown Finds iPhone 18 Pro Difficult to Repair

   iFixit reports the iPhone 18 Pro is tricky to repair following a teardown that examined the device's new variable aperture. Hardware analysis of the iPhone 18 Pro Max reveals the inclusion of an A20 Pro chip, Apple N1, and X80 components. However, the US version of the Pro Max lacks Apple's C2 modem. This marks the first time the Pro and Pro Max models have launched with different versions of a key component.

   Why it matters

   Variable aperture hardware allows for more precise control over light and depth of field in mobile photography. The shift in modem hardware suggests a fragmented rollout of Apple's proprietary connectivity chips across different markets and models.

   What is confirmed

   • iFixit found the iPhone 18 Pro is tricky to repair.
   • The iPhone 18 Pro Max contains an A20 Pro, X80, and Apple N1.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The US iPhone 18 Pro Max lacks Apple's C2 modem.
   • The iPhone Pro and Pro Max launched with different versions of a key component.

   What to watch next

   • Detailed iFixit repairability score release
   • Confirmation of C2 modem availability in non-US markets
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. AppleInsider — Teardown confirms US iPhone 18 Pro Max lacks Apple's C2 modem
   2. 9to5Mac — iFixit tears down iPhone 18 Pro, explores variable aperture, finds concerning repair issue
   3. CNET — The iPhone 18 Pro Is Tricky to Repair According to an iFixIt Teardown
   4. TechInsights — Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Teardown: A20 Pro, X80 and Apple N1
   5. PhoneArena — For the first time, iPhone Pro Max, iPhone Pro are released with different versions of key component
   confidence 80%