iFixit Disassembles iPhone 18 Pro: What’s its Repairability Score?
iFixit has disassembled the new iPhone 18 Pro. Details about the mechanical diaphragm, under-display Face ID, and repairability score of 7 are here.
iFixit has disassembled Apple’s new flagship iPhone 18 Pro model in detail, examining its internal hardware and repairability. As a result of the comprehensive examination, the device’s hardware innovations and complex structural details were revealed, and the iPhone 18 Pro managed to score 7 out of 10 on repairability.
Experts, while focusing on the mechanical diaphragm system, the Face ID technology hidden under the screen, and the expanded cooling units in the device’s design, issued important warnings about the sensitivity of the screen bezels.
- The iPhone 18 Pro model received a repairability score of 7 out of 10 in the review conducted by iFixit.
- The device uses a mechanical variable diaphragm main camera and Face ID sensors moved under the screen.
- The new A20 Pro processor is cooled by a vapor chamber three times larger than the previous generation.
- In three out of four devices tested, it was determined that the screen bezels were damaged during disassembly.
Mechanical Diaphragm System Requires Sensitivity
One of the most important innovations of the iPhone 18 Pro is the six-blade mechanical diaphragm mechanism integrated into the main camera. This system, which moves with the help of electromagnets, allows for precise control of light input.
The iFixit team stated that one of these tiny modules came loose during the disassembly process and that independent repair does not seem possible due to the high sensitivity of the system. This makes it necessary to replace the entire camera module in the event of a possible malfunction.
Face ID Technology Moved Under the Screen
Apple updated its design language by placing the Face ID infrared camera under the OLED panel. For this process, engineers optimized the pixel density on the screen and aimed to increase the efficiency of the sensor by using special filters that provide light transmission.
This innovation provides a cleaner look on the front of the device while making the hardware structure of the screen more complex. 
Significantly Improved Cooling Performance
Designed to address the A20 Pro processor’s overheating issues, the new cooling system offers a vapor chamber three times larger than that of the iPhone 17 Pro. The new layout, placing the processor and RAM units side-by-side, maximizes thermal conductivity.
This modular structure ensures stable operation of the device during high-performance processes. On the other hand, access to some critical components remains challenging; For example, replacing the USB-C port requires disassembling a large part of the device.
Screen Bezel Durability is a Concern
The biggest problem observed during the disassembly process was the rapid damage to the screen bezels. The fact that three out of four devices examined experienced bezel breakage during disassembly raises questions about the design or manufacturing process’s precision. Despite Apple’s positive steps regarding the modular camera system and adhesive-free battery design, this makes screen repairs risky. It’s emphasized that this design requires expertise to maintain the device’s water resistance standards.
How do you think this complex hardware layout chosen by Apple for the new iPhone 18 Pro design will affect the device’s lifespan in the long run? Is ease of repair or hardware performance more important to you? Share your comments with us.
