According to iFixit, the iPhone 18 Pro teardown reveals a complex variable aperture mechanism alongside potential risks during display repairs, giving both the Pro and Pro Max models a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10.
Inside the iPhone 18 Pro Variable Aperture Mechanism
The headline camera upgrade in the iPhone 18 Pro relies on six tiny, polymer composite blades controlled by electromagnets. According to iFixit, these blades operate similarly to optical image stabilization systems while functioning independently within the lens stack.
During the teardown process, one of the tiny aperture blades flew out of the lens stack, highlighting the impracticality of component-level fixes. iFixit states that a stuck aperture would likely force technicians to replace the entire main camera assembly rather than repairing individual parts.
Providing professional context, TechRadar notes that while mechanical apertures are rare in smartphones—appearing primarily in select flagship devices like the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra—they offer manual exposure control that bridges the gap between traditional compact cameras and mobile photography.
Under-Display Face ID and Expanded Vapor Chamber Design
Apple has relocated the infrared camera beneath the display for the iPhone 18 Pro series, while keeping the selfie camera and IR dot projector inside the Dynamic Island. Under a microscope, iFixit discovered that Apple hides the sensor by removing every other row of pixels above it, complemented by an IR-pass filter beneath the OLED layer.
TechRadar points out that the iPhone 18 Pro mechanical aperture spans from f/1.48 to f/4, allowing users to control depth of field and exposure manually. This broader range lets more light enter compared to previous generations, which benefits low-light and indoor portrait shooting.
Meanwhile, Apple’s redesigned cooling architecture features a vapor chamber with three times the surface area of the iPhone 17 Pro. According to iFixit, the A20 Pro chip uses a new package placing the silicon die side-by-side with memory, allowing the processor to connect directly to the vapor chamber via thermal material.
Display Frame Damage and DIY Repair Challenges
Despite modular camera assemblies and a glue-free battery tray, the teardown exposed a concerning issue involving display repairs. iFixit reports that the plastic frame around the display suffered damage on three of the four devices opened during their assessment.
Although Apple has used this specific plastic frame since the iPhone 15 Pro, iFixit warns it is too early to determine if the damage is widespread or an isolated anomaly. The team suggests the phone’s enhanced thermal system may draw heat away from the display as heating pads try to soften the adhesive.
A cracked plastic frame prevents the display from sitting flush after reassembly, which can compromise water resistance. Furthermore, iFixit notes that internal components like the USB-C port remain difficult to access, requiring technicians to dismantle much of the phone’s interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the repairability score of the iPhone 18 Pro?
According to iFixit, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max hold a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10 while the team waits for replacement parts and further testing.
How does the new variable aperture work?
The system uses six thin polymer composite blades controlled by electromagnets to adjust light intake and depth of field, ranging from f/1.48 to f/4.
Why are display repairs a concern on the iPhone 18 Pro?
iFixit reported that the plastic frame around the display was damaged on three out of four units opened during teardowns, which can impact water resistance and proper reassembly.
Did you know? Apple’s latest A20 Pro chip places the silicon die side-by-side with system memory, removing memory from the thermal path to maximize cooling efficiency.
Have you ever attempted a smartphone repair by yourself? Share your experience in the comments below, and explore our latest hardware reviews for more deep dives.
Worth a look