With the official release of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro, this highly anticipated new model brings significant upgrades in performance, camera capabilities, and thermal management. However, do these technological advancements come at the cost of repairability? In this teardown, Phonefix will explore the internal structural changes of the iPhone 17 Pro and the challenges they pose for repairs through a detailed disassembly.
I. Detailed Disassembly Steps
The disassembly should be performed in a well-lit, clean, and dust-free environment. Place a small tray or screw organizer on the workbench to keep removed screws and components organized to avoid confusion. Below is a step-by-step guide to each disassembly step, including the tools required, how to perform each operation, and special precautions to take.
Step 1: Removing the Rear Cover / Back Panel Preparation
· Ensure the iPhone is completely powered off.
· Apply heat to the edges of the rear cover to soften the adhesive.
· Use a hot air gun or heating pad to apply heat evenly, paying special attention to the bottom edge and corners, as Apple typically uses stronger adhesive in these areas.
· Then, use a suction cup to gently lift one end of the rear cover, insert a spudger to slide along the edge, and slowly separate the back panel from the mid-frame.
· Avoid using hard metal tools to pry forcefully, as this may scratch or crack the glass.
Points to Note:
The back panel glass is fragile—apply force evenly. Control the heating temperature to avoid damaging the glass or internal components (e.g., around 80–100°C, depending on the materials and adhesive type).
Step 2: Removing the Bracket and Disconnecting the Battery Flex Cable
· After removing the rear cover, a metal bracket (protective plate) becomes visible. This bracket is secured with approximately 14 Pentalobe screws.
· Use a Pentalobe screwdriver of the corresponding size to remove these screws one by one.
· It is best to categorize the screws, as some may differ in length or thickness.
· After removing the bracket, note that the battery flex cable may still be adhered to the rear glass cover or bracket.
· Gently disconnect the battery flex cable using an anti-static tweezers or plastic spudger to ensure the power is disconnected and avoid accidental short circuits.
· Then, remove the bracket along with the battery (as the bracket and battery are partially bonded or fixed together) and set the entire assembly aside.
Points to Note:
The battery flex cable is highly sensitive—excessive force or improper angles can easily damage it. The Pentalobe screwdriver must be the correct size to avoid stripping the screw heads.
Step 3: Disassembling the Logic Board and Internal Flex Cables
Operations:
· The logic board is positioned horizontally in the middle of the device to enhance drop resistance and make the overall structure more compact.
· First, remove the metal shield protecting the iPhone motherboard and other flex cable interfaces, then disconnect all flex cables connected to the logic board (screen, front camera, rear camera, wireless charging coil, etc.).
· When disconnecting the rear camera flex cable, exercise extreme caution: the new rear camera sensor is larger, and the flex cable is shorter, leaving little room for operation. Incorrect force or angle may easily damage the flex cable or interface. Use foam tape to temporarily cover and protect the cable during operation.
Points to Note:
The flex cable connectors are very fragile, especially those connected to the logic board. Use tweezers to carefully unplug them—specialized tools are recommended. Avoid performing this step in poor lighting or with obstructed visibility to prevent accidental damage.
Step 4: Camera Module Disassembly
1. Front Camera Module Disassembly:
· Remove the screws securing the front camera shield or lens assembly.
· Note that the new iPhone 17 Pro front camera module has a larger sensor area, and the positions of the dot projector and flood illuminator have been swapped.
· During disassembly/installation, ensure these components are properly aligned; otherwise, Face ID or camera functionality may be affected.
· Before disassembly, use tape or foam tape to cover the front camera flex cable to prevent scratches or misalignment.
2. Rear Camera Module Disassembly:
· Remove the screws securing the rear camera lens.
· Carefully remove the iPhone camera parts. Due to the larger size and modified support structure, take extra care to avoid twisting the lens or pulling the flex cable.
Points to Note:
After replacing the front camera module, test whether Face ID passes diagnostics. If mismatched or misaligned, Face ID may not function properly.
Step 5: Peripheral Components (Speaker, LiDAR, and Antenna)
Operations:
· Remove the top speaker module: First, disconnect its flex cable (usually under a protective shield on the logic board), then remove the securing screws and take out the speaker.
· Disassemble the LiDAR sensor: Carefully disconnect the LiDAR flex cable, remove the screws, and take out the sensor.
· Remove the antenna: The antenna is typically secured with dedicated screws. After removal, the antenna assembly can be taken out.
Points to Note:
The space between these components is very tight, and the number and size of screws have increased compared to previous models, raising the risk of lost or mixed-up screws. Antenna components are often thin and fragile, and their electrical connections are susceptible to bending damage.
Step 6: SIM Tray and SIM Reader
Operations:
· Remove the SIM card tray, which is secured by screws on one side of the frame.
· Then, lift the SIM reader module and disconnect its flex cable from the charging port assembly or logic board. Remove the entire reader.
Points to Note:
In the new iPhone 17 Pro, the SIM reader is connected to the charging port assembly via an extension flex cable. This means that if the charging port assembly fails, it may not only cause issues with charging or data transfer but also prevent SIM recognition. Therefore, during disassembly or replacement of the charging port assembly, ensure this extension flex cable is properly connected and undamaged.
Step 7: Speaker and Taptic Engine (Bottom Speaker, Mid Speaker) Removal
Operations:
· Remove the bottom speaker: First, remove the securing screws, then take out the speaker module.
· Next, remove the Taptic Engine (vibration motor): Apple has used more screws in this section and added an extension flex cable.
· Flip the flex cable over, turn the Taptic Engine to expose the screws and flex cable interface, use tweezers to disconnect the flex cable, and then remove the Taptic Engine.
Points to Note:
The extension flex cable is very thin, small, and intricately routed. Excessive force during Taptic Engine removal may damage the flex cable or connector.
Step 8: Charging Port Assembly / Bottom Structure Disassembly
Operations:
· Remove the screws securing the charging port assembly. Apple has increased the number of screws in this section and introduced an extension flex cable connecting the charging port assembly to the SIM reader and other modules.
· Use isopropyl alcohol or similar to soften the adhesive at the bottom, especially around the charging port assembly.
· Once the adhesive is softened, use a spudger to gently loosen the iPhone charging port assembly, disconnect its flex cable, and remove the entire assembly.
Points to Note:
Some screws along the bottom edge are in narrow, hard-to-reach locations—long or angled screwdrivers may be needed. Clean adhesive residue thoroughly, and avoid allowing alcohol to contact sensitive components, as it may cause corrosion. The extension flex cable is susceptible to pull damage.
Step 9: Logic Board Disassembly
Operations:
· After confirming all flex cables and auxiliary components are disconnected, remove the logic board securing screws.
· Note that part of the wireless charging coil flex cable may still be connected to the logic board—disconnect it first.
· Once all main screws are removed and the wireless charging coil flex cable is disconnected, carefully lift the logic board.
· The logic board is slightly smaller than that of the iPhone 16 Pro, but its iPhone components are more densely packed.
Points to Note:
Due to the more compact internal layout, the logic board has multiple flex cable connectors. A stable fixture is often needed to secure the logic board during repairs to avoid damage from hand tremors or tool slippage. When heating the logic board or performing storage expansion, note the overlapping areas between the NAND storage chip and the A19 Pro chip, as high temperatures may damage both.
Step 10: Battery and Cooling System Disassembly
Operations:
· The iPhone 17 battery still uses a steel shell structure, with capacity increased to 3998 mAh—about 416 mAh more than the 16 Pro.
· Apple has introduced a new vapor chamber cooling system. To remove the iPhone battery, first soften the bottom adhesive or adhesive strips using heat or electrical activation.
· Connect the positive probe to the battery’s silver contact and the negative probe to a metal ground point (e.g., a chassis screw), then apply approximately 9V DC to soften the adhesive around the battery for easier removal.
· Alternatively, if electrical activation is not preferred, use more heat and isopropyl alcohol to soften the adhesive.
· After battery removal, check whether the wireless charging coil is removed with the battery or remains on the back panel/mid-frame, depending on the specific disassembly steps.
Points to Note:
While the electrical activation method is effective, it poses safety risks: improper operation may cause short circuits or other electrical issues. Ensure the power supply is stable, probes make good contact, the environment is free of conductive debris, and the temperature around the battery is controlled to prevent overheating or damage. Also, avoid tearing the protective layer or electrode contacts during battery removal.
II. New Design Challenges for Repairs
As evident from the disassembly process above, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces many upgrades. While these enhancements are valuable for improving performance, user experience, and reliability, they also bring new challenges for repairs:
1. Increased Variety and Quantity of Screws
Apple has introduced new Pentalobe screws and added more screws in areas like the speakers, charging port assembly, and Taptic Engine. This requires more comprehensive repair tools and meticulous screw management.
2. More Compact Internal Layout and Higher Density
The logic board is smaller but components are packed closer together, with more flex cable connectors. Overlapping areas (e.g., between NAND and the A19 Pro chip) pose higher risks during removal or heating.
3. Shorter Flex Cables and Larger Modules
The rear camera sensor is larger, but the flex cable is shorter, reducing maneuvering room during installation or disassembly and increasing the risk of damaging the flex cable or interface.
4. More Extended Flex Cables and Intermodule Dependencies
The SIM reader is connected to the charging port assembly via an extension flex cable. Failure of the charging port assembly may affect SIM functionality. During repairs, neglecting the impact of the extension flex cable may cause additional issues.
5. Complex Thermal Management and Cooling Design
The new vapor chamber cooling system raises the requirements for disassembling battery or logic board components involving cooling parts. Heating processes must be more cautious to avoid damaging chips or adhesive layers.
6. Adhesive Bonding and Anti-Tampering Designs Persist
Although Apple has reduced adhesive use in some areas (replacing it with more screws), adhesive around the back panel, bottom edges, or battery still requires softening. Adhesive residue and strong bonding prolong disassembly time and may affect post-repair sealing or durability.
III. Repair Difficulty Comparison and Suggestions
Compared to the previous-generation iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro indeed offers significant hardware upgrades (larger sensors, higher battery capacity, more compact logic board design, etc.). However, these improvements almost invariably come at the expense of repairability. Below are some suggestions for repair technicians:
· Upgrade Your Tools: Prepare various screwdriver bits, including the new Pentalobe bits; have long-reach screwdrivers for hard-to-access bottom screws; and acquire high-quality spudgers, heat guns, and display removal tools.
· Handle Flex Cables with Extreme Care: This is especially critical for the rear and front camera modules—compatibility and alignment are paramount. Any bending or pulling may damage the interfaces.
· Follow Safe Battery Replacement Procedures: If using the electrical activation method to soften adhesive, prioritize safety: ensure power is off, probes make good contact, and temperature is controlled. Otherwise, fire or battery damage may occur.
· Exercise Caution with Soldering or Heat Treatments: If replacing NAND or nearby components (e.g., the A19 Pro chip), manage heat dissipation and diffusion during heating to avoid damaging overlapping parts.
· Ensure Part Quality and Module Compatibility: Use genuine or high-quality replacement parts for cameras, front modules, charging port assemblies, etc., as Apple’s new designs demand higher module precision.
IV. Are These Upgrades Worth It?
Many of the iPhone 17 Pro’s upgrades—such as larger camera sensors, increased battery capacity, improved cooling, a more compact logic board, and enhanced drop protection—are significant advancements that offer users better photography performance, longer battery life, and more stable operation. However, from a repair perspective, these "advancements" also raise the barrier for disassembly and repairs:
· Higher tool and experience requirements;
· Increased complexity for component replacements;
· Greater risks (e.g., flex cable damage, chip thermal damage, interface wear);
· Potentially higher costs, as larger and more complex designs may make parts more expensive.
If you are a repair professional or plan to DIY certain components, be prepared to learn new disassembly procedures, purchase appropriate tools, and proceed with extreme caution.
In summary, while the iPhone 17 Pro offers significant improvements in features and performance, Apple's new design does make repairs more difficult and more prone to errors. Therefore, professional repair tools are essential. Please visit China Phonefix to select and update your iPhone repair tools. We will continue to provide you with the most professional tools and the latest information.
