September 27th, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. by Claus Ludewig – The repair professionals from iFixIt have taken the iPhone 15 Pro Max apart and shown how easy it is to repair. What else stands out in the teardown?
Although Apple’s design makes it easier to replace the battery on the iPhone 14, only certified Apple replacement parts may be used. A software link ensures that spare parts are tied to the end device. This verification recently caused a subsequent devaluation at the repair service provider iFixit. Now the company has taken apart the new 1,449 euro iPhone 15 Pro Max and documented how easy it is to repair.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: That’s what’s inside
The teardown shows that Apple has made some improvements compared to its predecessor. The glass back can be removed comparatively easily, as the attachment is now similar to the structure in the iPhone 14 and not the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max. In order to access the components behind the glass back, numerous screws and small cable connectors have to be loosened. This makes dismantling difficult for inexperienced people, according to iFixit. Although both the iPhone 15 Pro and the Pro Max, which cost 1,200 euros, have a titanium frame, it is not a real titanium case because the inside is made of aluminum. Apple recently reduced the prices for spare parts. A new battery costs 109 euros, a new glass back costs 199 euros (for the iPhone 15) or 229 euros (for the iPhone 15 Pro Max).
In addition to the Apple A17 Pro as SoC, built by contract manufacturer TSMC, the logic board also contains DDR5 RAM from the South Korean manufacturer SK Hynix and the X70 WLAN/Bluetooth/cellular modem from the American manufacturer Qualcomm. What’s new is the telephoto lens that Apple has installed in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, putting it on a par with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max only gets four out of ten possible points in iFixit’s repair index, which is the same rating as its predecessor. The dismantling of the new Apple Watch Ultra 2, which costs 899 euros, is commendable. The smartwatch can now be dismantled almost non-destructively. The manufacturer from Cupertino relies on glue and very small screws.
Also worth reading: iPhone 15 Pro: Titanium casing reveals weaknesses in the drop test
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iPhone 15 Pro Max repairability collection:
Compared to its predecessor, Apple has made disassembly easier for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The back of the glass in particular is now easier to remove. However, it is difficult to get to the components behind it. To do this, a number of screws and small cable connectors have to be loosened. The iPhone 15 Pro Max only receives four out of ten points for repairability. After all, spare part prices for some components have fallen. A new back costs 229 euros, a new battery 109 euros.
Sources: iFixit (1), iFixit (2)
