Following the iPhone Air disassembly, iFixit has performed an in-depth analysis of the iPhone 17 Pro, uncovering a combination of enhancements and a significant drawback regarding repairability. This article outlines the main discoveries from the disassembly.
### Inside the Vapor Chamber
The disassembly reveals that Apple has structured the internals of the iPhone 17 Pro predominantly in the upper third of the device, leaving the lower section for the battery, USB-C port, and Taptic Engine. A major point of interest is the newly implemented vapor chamber cooling system, which iFixit examined thoroughly. The vapor chamber incorporates a metal lattice and copper indentations that support a constant cycle of boiling, evaporating, and condensing liquid, effectively managing heat dissipation.
### Repairability Setbacks
One of the primary issues noted in the iPhone 17 Pro is the lack of a dual-entry design, hindering access to components like the battery from the rear glass. Nonetheless, a positive aspect is the addition of a removable battery tray, fastened with Torx screws for the first time. Although the battery utilizes Apple’s electrically de-bonding adhesive, the new metal casing improves safety and handling compared to earlier models.
### Is Scratchgate Real?
Soon after the release of the iPhone 17 Pro, users began reporting problems with scratches and scuffs, raising questions about the device’s resilience. iFixit looked into these reports and validated that the anodization process has some technical shortcomings, especially around the camera bump, rendering it more prone to scratches. Their investigation showed that the anodized coating can chip off under a hardness assessment, revealing the aluminum underneath.
### Repairability Score: 7/10
Despite the scratch concerns, the iPhone 17 Pro garnered a repairability score of 7/10, aligning with the iPhone Air. The addition of a removable battery tray somewhat counterbalances the constraints of the front-access-only design.
For a thorough examination of the disassembly, you can watch iFixit’s complete video breakdown.
For further information, check out the full teardown [here](https://www.ifixit.com/News/113388/iphone-17-pro-teardown).
