iPhone 18 Pro gets a 7/10 iFixit rating: what the score really means
According to WIRED, iFixit disassembled a brand‑new iPhone 18 Pro and assigned it a 7 / 10 repairability rating. The score matches the iPhone 17 Pro’s rating from 2025, but the new phone adds a variable‑aperture camera that changes the repair picture.
The teardown basics
iFixit’s teardown video shows the phone being opened, the screen peeled away, and major modules lifted out. Two parts stand out:
- Camera module – the main 48‑MP sensor sits behind six tiny, hair‑thin aperture blades that rotate to give two different f‑stops. The whole assembly detaches with a handful of screws.
- Battery – the rear glass is glued to the frame, so you must pry the screen off first. Once the screen is removed, the battery is held only by screws, not additional adhesive.
The rest of the internals – logic board, speakers, wireless charging coil – follow the same layout Apple has used for the last few generations.
Variable aperture: a double‑edged sword
The variable aperture is the first of its kind in an iPhone and the first moving‑part camera mechanism in any iPhone. It works by rotating six microscopic blades; each blade’s width is comparable to a human hair. When the blades open wider, more light reaches the sensor, improving low‑light performance. When they close, depth‑of‑field control improves video.
From a repair perspective, moving parts mean more failure points. iFixit calls fixing an individual blade “almost‑impossible.” If a blade bends or a motor stalls, the practical solution is to replace the entire camera assembly. That replacement will cost considerably more than swapping a single component, even though the assembly itself is relatively easy to pull out.
Battery removal: glue‑first, screw‑later
Apple still glues the front display to the chassis. The glue is strong enough that a heat gun or special opening tool is needed to separate the screen without cracking it. Once the display is off, the battery sits on a small metal bracket and is secured with three Torx‑T5 screws. No adhesive holds the battery itself, which is a modest improvement over older iPhones where the battery was glued in place.
The two‑step process adds labor time but reduces the risk of damaging the battery during removal. For DIY repairers, the main hurdle remains the screen‑opening step; after that, the battery is straightforward.
What a 7 / 10 rating actually tells you (analysis)
The number alone can be misleading. iFixit’s rating system weighs several factors: part availability, tool requirements, the number of fasteners, and the presence of proprietary components such as glued‑in displays. A 7 / 10 means the phone is “moderately repairable” – better than many flagship phones that score 4–5, but still far from a perfect score of 10.
The trade‑off here is clear: Apple has kept the overall modularity of recent iPhones, allowing technicians to replace the battery and camera without destroying the rest of the phone. However, the introduction of a moving‑part camera adds a hidden cost. In practice, a cracked camera housing will likely require a full‑module swap, which can run $200‑$300 on the aftermarket, compared with a $50‑$80 battery replacement.
Who benefits? Users who are comfortable opening a glued screen and have access to a torque‑controlled screwdriver will still find the phone serviceable. Repair shops gain a clear, repeatable procedure for battery swaps. Who loses? Anyone hoping to salvage individual camera parts, or those who expected a lower price for a camera repair because the module is easy to remove.
What to watch next? Apple’s self‑repair program, launched in 2021, still restricts access to the variable‑aperture mechanism. If Apple releases a dedicated repair kit for the aperture blades, the effective repairability could climb toward an 8 or 9. Conversely, if the EU tightens its “right‑to‑repair” rules and forces Apple to redesign the aperture for easier service, we may see a shift in future scores.
Comparing the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro
| Feature | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| iFixit repairability rating | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Camera module removal | Easy (few screws) but full‑module replacement required if aperture fails | Easy removal, no moving aperture – individual component repair possible |
| Battery removal | Screen glued; battery secured with screws | Same glue step; battery also screwed in |
| Main repair obstacle | Variable‑aperture mechanism | No moving parts in camera |
| External rating (PIRG) | Not listed yet | D‑ (poor) |
The table shows that the overall score has not changed, but the underlying difficulty has shifted from a generic camera design to a specific moving‑part issue.
Practical steps for owners today
- Buy a repair kit early – If you plan to replace the battery yourself, get a heat‑gun or adhesive remover, a set of Torx‑T5 drivers, and a suction cup for the screen.
- Consider a spare camera module – Because individual blade repair is unlikely, having a replacement camera assembly on hand can save time and money if the aperture fails.
- Use Apple’s Self‑Repair portal – Register your device, request the official parts list, and follow the step‑by‑step guide Apple now provides for battery and screen replacements.
- Check local repair shops – Verify that the shop has experience with the variable‑aperture camera; a generic iPhone repair shop may not be prepared for that component.
- Monitor EU and US legislation – New regulations could force Apple to redesign the aperture or make spare parts more affordable, which would directly affect repair costs.
By understanding where the iPhone 18 Pro’s repair challenges lie, you can plan ahead, budget for possible component swaps, and avoid surprise repair bills.
