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An iFixit teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max found that Apple's new variable-aperture camera mechanism would be extremely difficult for repair technicians to dismantle and rebuild. The complete camera module remains replaceable, allowing a failed mechanism to be addressed by swapping the sensor assembly rather than repairing its internal parts.
A Complex Camera Mechanism
Variable apertures physically adjust the camera opening to control incoming light. Although Nokia, Samsung and Xiaomi have previously brought the technology to smartphones, fitting the moving components into a phone leaves tight tolerances and demanding assembly requirements. According to iFixit, Apple's implementation uses adhesive and closely fitted parts that put internal repairs beyond the tools and techniques available to most enthusiasts.
Battery Access Remains Fragile
Battery replacement follows the same process used for the iPhone 17 Pro. Technicians must enter through the front by removing the glued display, while conductive adhesive secures the battery inside a metal tray.
The display's white plastic frame broke during three of iFixit's four teardowns. The source says it is not yet clear whether this reflects an isolated problem or a design change, making the frequency of that failure uncertain.
How Apple Reduced Dynamic Island
The teardown also provides an explanation for the smaller Dynamic Island shown at Apple's September 9 event. Apple moved the Face ID infrared camera to the left and placed it beneath the display, removing alternating rows of pixels over that area so the camera can operate through the screen. The modification is reportedly difficult to notice without close or microscopic inspection.
Provisional Repair Score
iFixit assigned both models a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10, matching the iPhone 17 Pro. The front-only display replacement design counts against that rating because repairs requiring entry into the phone begin with removal of the bonded screen.
Source: iPhone 18 Pro’s clever new camera comes with one big repair catch
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