iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture is almost impossible to repair
Teardown videos show the inside of Apple's latest smartphone. The variable aperture and the infrared camera under the front display are particularly exciting. Depending on the defect, repairs are relatively easy or virtually impossible.
The repair platform «iFixit» has taken the iPhone 18 Pro apart. The focus is on the new variable aperture of the main camera. The polymer aperture blades are about as thin as a human hair and are moved by magnets. «iFixit» demonstrates under a microscope how the blades are precisely guided via slots and pins.
One disadvantage of this miniature mechanism: if a blade gets stuck or bent, a repair is practically impossible. According to the portal, the only option then is to replace the entire main camera module. The price for this was around 250 US dollars for the predecessor. The variable aperture likely makes it even more expensive.
A look at the front is also exciting. The selfie camera and the dot projector remain in the reduced Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro. However, the infrared camera has moved under the OLED panel. Such under-display cameras traditionally deliver poor image quality – but that doesn't matter here because it is only used for Face ID. In the area of the camera, entire rows are missing in every second pixel grid so that light can pass through. An infrared filter reduces interference. For the user, the whole thing remains largely invisible.
Source: Screenshot YouTube / iFixit
Aside from the cameras, «iFixit» documents the revised internal structure. The A20 Pro chip is now located on the outside of the logic board, directly next to the significantly larger vapor chamber. Apple claims the cooling surface area has tripled compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. A thermal interface material transfers heat into the chamber, which extends over almost the entire back of the device. For the mobile radio chip, most variants rely on Apple's own C2; interestingly, only the US model of the iPhone 18 Pro Max continues to use a Qualcomm modem.
7 out of 10 repairability points
In terms of repairability, the picture is mixed. A positive aspect is the screwed-in battery carrier: the battery sits in a metal frame fixed with several screws. In the eSIM model of the 18 Pro, it is 16.76 Wh or 4288 mAh, and in the Pro Max, it is 21.75 Wh or 5567 mAh. The actual cell is still attached with electrically releasable adhesive, but it can be cleanly removed from the tray with special tools.
Source: Screenshot YouTube / iFixit
«iFixit» views access to almost all components under the display critically. In three out of four test devices, the white plastic frame behind the panel broke during disassembly. The component is not available separately and is part of the display module. A damaged frame can lead to the display no longer sitting flush and the seal being compromised. Other teardowns show that the damage does not necessarily occur, but the variation indicates a potential risk. The USB-C port also proves to be not very service-friendly. Although it is designed as a separate component, the long flex cable and numerous components located above it make replacement laborious.
Source: Screenshot YouTube / iFixit
Despite these deductions, «iFixit» gives the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max a preliminary score of 7 out of 10 for repairability. The score is identical to that of the predecessor model. The modular camera design, the screwed-in battery solution, and Apple's official parts and calibration program are credited positively. Open questions remain regarding the display frame and the effort required for everyday repairs.
A second look inside the device comes from YouTuber Zack Nelson («JerryRigEverything»). In his typically rough teardown video, the iPhone 18 Pro survives the opening of the display without any frame breakage. Nelson praises the basic access for repairs. However, he also points out that, apart from the display and battery, they are very difficult to perform.
My fingerprint often changes so drastically that my MacBook doesn't recognise it anymore. The reason? If I'm not clinging to a monitor or camera, I'm probably clinging to a rockface by the tips of my fingers.
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