The recent launch of Apple’s iPhone 15 and the latest Apple Watches was met with excitement and anticipation. However, with the release of every new Apple device comes the inevitable teardown, providing crucial insights into the internal mechanics.
Unfortunately, the teardown results for the latest iPhones and the latest Apple Watches have revealed some concerning findings, especially regarding their durability and repairability. While
Apple touts small improvements, the reality is a continuation of anti-repair design and fragile construction.
Durability Concerns for iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 Pro Max faced unexpected durability challenges during a rigorous teardown by Zack Nelson on the JerryRigEverything YouTube channel. Known for his harsh testing methods, Nelson subjected the iPhone 15 Pro Max to various stress tests, including bending and flexing.
For years, iPhones have passed these tests and shown little to no give. However this was not the case for the latest Pro iPhones. The black glass on the iPhone 15 Pro Max shattered under pressure during the bend test, raising questions about its structural integrity. In contrast, the standard iPhone 15 Pro exhibited better resilience, but subsequent disassembly exposed soldered antennae, making repairs more difficult.
Repairability Challenges
A comprehensive teardown by iFixit shed light on the repairability of the iPhone 15 Pro series. Although iFixit praised the improved back glass repairability, it highlighted a major concern. Replacing the battery in the iPhone 15 Pro still necessitates display removal, posing a risk of accidental damage during battery replacement.
Moreover, Apple’s part-pairing trend was observed, causing warning prompts and functional issues when using genuine Apple parts from other devices for repairs. This issue has been a persistent challenge, leading to a reduced repairability score for the iPhone 15 Pro.
Recyclability Issues and Sustainability Concerns
The introduction of a titanium and aluminum bonded frame in the iPhone 15 raises recyclability concerns. Traditional electronic recyclers often struggle with processing titanium components.
Additionally, the presence of these frames may pose challenges in recycling facilities, potentially dulling the cutting blades in aluminum recycling machines. Apple’s focus on sustainability is further questioned due to these recyclability challenges.
Apple Watches – Limited Upgrades and Features
The teardown of the Ultra Watch 2 and Series 9 Apple Watches revealed minimal hardware upgrades, especially concerning the anticipated double-tap feature.
Apart from standard upgrades like new chips and batteries, iFixit found little innovation in the latest Apple Watches. Notably, the only notable change was a new foam in the Series 9, making the upgrade less compelling for existing users.
Conclusion
The recent teardowns of Apple’s iPhone 15 and the latest Apple Watches have exposed critical concerns regarding durability, repairability, and recyclability.
These findings emphasize the need for Apple to address these challenges to enhance the longevity and sustainability of its devices.
Additionally, customers are urged to weigh these factors before investing in the latest Apple devices, considering the repairability and environmental implications.
