iFixit has dissected the iPhone 18 Pro, awarding it a modest 7/10 repairability rating. Easy-to-remove camera and battery assemblies offer some hope, but the new variable aperture lens introduces complexity. If this lens breaks, you're likely to need a whole camera replacement, a costly ordeal.
The Achilles heel of the iPhone 18 Pro, according to iFixit, is the variable aperture lens. The lens uses six ultra-thin blades, making individual repair almost impossible. This means any camera damage will require a full replacement, driving up repair costs.
On the plus side, once the screen is removed, the battery is secured by screws, simplifying extraction. All in all, while the iPhone 18 Pro is easier to repair than previous models, it still faces challenges due to its innovative design.
This teardown comes amidst Apple’s long-standing battle with repair advocates. Despite introducing a self-repair program in 2021, the company faced criticism for tool access issues. Progress has been made, but the iPhone 18 Pro still shows that repairability is a balancing act between innovation and ease of repair.
