Tag Archives: Teardown

M4 iPad Pro teardown reveals an important sustainability upgrade

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As expected, the Internet is abuzz over the new M4 iPad Pro’s ultra-thin design, but there are also reasonable concerns over the device’s durability and longevity because of that design as well. Fortunately, a bend test proved that the tablet has enough resistance to withstand accidents within reason, but accidents will still happen regardless. Displays will get cracked and batteries degrade and, sooner or later, the new iPad Pro will become old and will need to be repaired. When that time comes, how easy and expensive will it be to open up the thinnest iPad in the world and replace those broken parts? It turns out, that Apple made one very important step toward improving the device’s repairability, at least for one of the most common types of repairs.

Designer: Apple (via iFixit)

Whether it’s a smartphone or a tablet, mobile devices have two or three parts that easily get damaged or need to be replaced. Screens crack or shatter after accidental falls, charging ports get damaged or blocked, and batteries start to lose their charge faster or, worse, start to bloat. For the iPad Pro, getting to any of these parts has always been a chore and a risk, but the M4 iPad Pro has surprisingly made it easier to remove and replace the battery without removing as many important parts.

Opening up the iPad Pro is still an exercise in patience and dexterity, perhaps even more so now with a new Tandem OLED display. A closer look at that screen reveals not the dual-layered panels that Apple used to explain the technology, but, for all intents and purposes, it practically functions the same way. Long story short, there’s a high chance that the screen will be damaged beyond repair when you try to open the iPad Pro just to replace the battery.

Fortunately, the battery itself is easy to reach, as it is immediately exposed after removing the display. There are a few parts that need to be unscrewed to gain access to the pull tabs, but there’s no need to remove daughterboards, logic boards, or even speakers. Considering this is Apple we’re talking about, that’s a rather ground-breaking change and a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, Apple’s “size zero” design does also come with its drawbacks, like many of the parts now glued down rather than screwed down, just because there’s virtually no space left for screws. And then there’s the new Apple Pencil Pro that’s still an expensive disposable accessory as far as repairability is concerned. All in all, the M4 iPad Pro represents a significant step forward for Apple when it comes to making the tablet a more sustainable option on top of being one of the best of its kind.

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Apple Vision Pro iFixit teardown reveals what’s inside and how it works

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Apple has entered a new product category with the Vision Pro. The expensive eyewear, positioned to transport us into the future of VR, is an expensive deal to begin with at $3,499. So, ripping something of that value apart to just reveal how repairable it is and to what it packs within that makes it worthy of making Apple a new category giant may seem obnoxious to us.

But that’s little of a deterrent for the folks at iFixit, who pride in tearing down the latest gadgets to see how easy or difficult it is to repair them and examine what makes it a favorite. In that scheme of things, iFixit has put its heating guns and prying tools to use to tear open Apple’s new tech marvel. What they see is pretty straightforward: a few easy-to-remove parts and then complicated screws, connectors, and seals to get past before fully revealing the impressive cameras and more.

Designer: iFixit

Between the easy take offs and the intricate connectors, the Vision Pro – iFixit teardown reveals – has some unbelievable tech crammed. Some of this is never seen before, especially the advanced EyeSight display which it is discovered uses several videos of the wearer’s eyes simultaneously.

As the iFixit video runs through the teardown it shows Apple’s new AR/VR headset is similarly detailed and intriguing as the other Apple devices. So, the process of tearing it down is not easy and required a heat gun, screwdrivers, prying tools, and lots of effort. But as you’ll see, the effort is worth appreciating.

First up, the video suggests the customizable face cushion, light seals are easy to pull off, while the power chord has to be turned to unlock. The device’s knit band pops easily off the headgear stems, from the integrated latch. Stem with speakers disassemble the eye housing swiftly as well leaving the cameras, sensors, battery, R1 chip, and EyeSight display to take a look into.

This is according to iFixit the first scratch of the detailed teardown that would be revealed in the near future. The initial teardown however shows that the Vision Pro is inside out what we have heard of. It has some high-end tech within its small form factor, but it will require some elbow grease to repair.

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OnePlus 12 teardown reveals what it takes to keep this phone cool

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Smartphones today are practically small yet powerful computers that you can hold in your hand and fit in your pocket. And just like any computer, the more powerful it is, the more heat it generates. In the past, smartphones could get by with simple cooling techniques that didn’t take much engineering or design to implement. Of course, those no longer work today, and sometimes even the common “vapor chamber” isn’t enough to keep the device from running hot. That’s why you’ll often hear brands boasting about some new advanced cooling technology, and a teardown of the new OnePlus 12 shows just how far some have to go to make sure your phone doesn’t turn into an incendiary device, whether you’re gaming, browsing the Web, or even simply charging it.

Designer: OnePlus (via JerryRigEverything)

It’s probably debatable whether the OnePlus 12 is the most powerful smartphone in the market to date, but it is one of the first to launch with the shiny new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Benchmarks do speak in its favor, which suggests that despite its rather classy appearance, the OnePlus 12 is a gaming-worthy device. This also means it is in even more need of a more effective cooling solution compared to gaming smartphones with insane designs that include a tiny fan inside.

OnePlus does talk about a “Dual Cryo-velocity Vapor Chamber Cooling System,” which is just its fancy way of saying that its latest flagship has a ginormous cooling system. That size is mainly due to actually having two vapor chambers on top of each other, acting as redundant cooling systems that work doubly hard to keep not just the processor cool but the battery as well. Of course, you wouldn’t actually see the stacked vapor chambers even from the teardown, because they’ll just look like a large, flexible copper plate.

The size of this material, however, does show the almost ridiculous lengths designers and engineers have to go through to ensure the safety of such a powerful device. And it’s not just because of the powerful processor but also thanks to super-fast battery charging, which means even more heat being generated. The teardown also shows the trick that OnePlus (and other manufacturers) use to pull off this quick charging feat: split the battery into two and charge both small packs at the same time.

Although not the focus of the video, the teardown does suggest how relatively easy it is to open up the OnePlus 12. It was only when it came to separating the screen did things got really risky, but if you’re trying to replace the display, chances are it’s already dead in the first place. OnePlus is noted to have a solid parts replacement program, so much of that effort in prying open the OnePlus 12 won’t be in vain.

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Pixel Watch iFixit teardown reveals its beauty is only skin deep for now

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Google finally launched the first smartwatch under its own Pixel brand, and the reception of the wearable device has been a bit mixed. Its unique dome-like display definitely gives it a unique visual personality, but the jury is still out when whether that’s actually a strength or a liability. Even with years of references and lessons from other manufacturers, the Pixel Watch seems to have all the makings of a first-gen device, especially once you start to open it up. As iFixit discovered, the smartwatch’s simple yet attractive design doesn’t extend inside, and the device could be a nightmare for both owners and technicians that need to simply repair a cracked screen or a loose crown.

Designer: Google

Unlike almost all Wear OS smartwatches today, the Pixel Watch does away with the visible external bezels with a very curved glass that covers the screen. It’s almost like the Apple Watch, except that it comes in a circular shape. Like the Apple Watch again, the Pixel Watch utilizes a digital crown, but the similarities end there. The crown has been noted to look a bit cheap, and at least one reviewer has experienced the domed screen cracking for no apparent reason.

These flaws on their own wouldn’t be too disastrous if it were easy to fix the Pixel Watch, which isn’t the case yet for this first attempt. To its credit, the back is easily removable with some heat and prying, and iFixit a mysterious adhesive that could be good news for repairs in the future. The screen can also be pried off with the same techniques, but it cannot be disconnected unless you really dig inside.

The small, squishy battery needs to be removed first, which needs a bit of heat that could be a disaster waiting to happen. There is a maze of screws and components that you need to get out of the way first before you can even disconnect the display cable. Even after all that, it is nearly impossible to remove the crown and buttons without risking irreparable internal damage. Considering these mechanical parts are likely to fail at some point, that’s not a reassuring scenario.

To be fair, this is Google’s first smartwatch, so there’s still ample room for improvement on all fronts. It’s not a great first step, though, especially considering how late it is already in the game. Perhaps more worrying is that this is a company that is notorious for suddenly canceling products and services, even those that many people have heavily invested in already. It’s going to be a tense waiting game to see if future Pixel Watches will be able to rise to the challenge or be unceremoniously put to pasture after one or two tries only.

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Apple Watch Ultra is rugged and capable but tech giant still leaves a lot to make repairability effortless

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It’s unwise to shell $800 odd for a smartwatch and not have the confidence that it will last for a lifetime. This may be a slightly exaggerated statement but no matter how you choose to see it, the new Apple Watch Ultra, in Apple’s own interpretation, is the “most rugged and capable smartwatch” yet. It is a ‘perfect balance between ruggedness, corrosion, and weight,’ thanks to its impressive titanium frame.

It’s customary for Apple devices to go through rigorous testing for their exorbitant claims; no wonder then, the Apple Watch Ultra has already been under the hammer and through dive chambers. Now the pros at iFixit have taken Ultra into their hands and doing what they know best. The bloggers have given us a detailed peek into the watch to help us understand the repairability aspect of the new Apple device.

Designer: iFixit

Provided in a 49mm titanium case, the Apple Watch Ultra is designed essentially as an exploration tool that you can take 100m underwater, into the desert, or anywhere life takes you. The completely redesigned watch is a reliever from the similar watch form factor Apple was delivering since 2014. The design has been appreciated and even criticized by some for its bold and bulk outlook, however, that is still the last thing iFixit cares about.

These guys show that the Apple Watch Ultra can be opened from both the front and the back. The rear has, for the first time on an Apple Watch, screws to clip open the ceramic caseback which should’ve increased the chances of repairability and battery replacement. The construction is sturdy with easy access GPS antennas (which should mean better GPS accuracy on the watch), and a glue-like gasket holding the unit impermeable. The gasket destroys the moment the back panel is peeled off. Interestingly the watch is no longer fully waterproof, unless it is replaced.

The battery is not accessible from the caseback, instead, the screen needs to be ripped apart. The titanium case is paired with a flat sapphire crystal display, which does not make getting under it any easy. In fact, the guys at iFixit crack the OLED screen in the process of getting to the Apple Watch Ultra’s 2.1Wh battery, which is huge in comparison to the 1.19 Wh battery in the Apple Watch Series 8.

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iPhone 14 is the most repairable since iPhone 7 – teardown reveals impressive details

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Samsung hasn’t changed its smartphone design architecture since 2015, and Apple its one major competitor has broken the jinx by designing the iPhone 14 from the inside out as one of the biggest updates in half a decade. At the announcement event, Apple did hint about iPhone 14’s repairability ease but nothing like they could have, and that’s a surprise. They should have made it their pivotal agenda alongside the Dynamic Island interface exploits to gain more traction.

Just like it is with iFixit, now’s the time for Apple’s new cherry to get the undressing treatment to reveal fresh new details. Earlier in the year, Apple launched the Self Service Repair Program for the iPhone SE, 12 and 13 models. The initiative has genuine Apple parts and tools for DIY’ers who want to shred apart their Apple devices. Now, with the iPhone 14, Apple has made things a whole lot easier.

Designer: iFixit with Apple

The inside of the iPhone has been revamped as compared to the predecessor just to make it ultra-easy for repair tasks. The removable back and front glass are something to behold, as Apple has mounted all the internals on a new midframe. That means you’ll not have to shell out tons of money if you break the glass. Earlier it was $500 upwards but with this redesign the number will drastically reduce to $169 – $199 for a cracked screen iPhone 14 or 14 plus models.

According to iFixit, Apple has refreshed its approach to the design with just one thing in mind – to make it easier for repairs if something goes south. The adhesive on the back is less aggressive and a couple of screws open up the access to the front as well as back. The teardown also reveals the amount of space on the inside to fit the plethora of antennas, camera sensors and Qualcomm X65 modem. Overall, the smartphone scores an impressive 7 out of 10 repairability score which is a rarity for an Apple device.

iFixit is also working on the iPhone 14 Pro Max teardown and I’m excited to know what’s under the hood of that big boy. One thing is for sure, it’ll have nearly about the same repairability score!

The post iPhone 14 is the most repairable since iPhone 7 – teardown reveals impressive details first appeared on Yanko Design.

Disassembled Gadget Art: Where Old Smartphones Go to Die

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Inspired by Todd McLellan’s Things Come Apart object breakdown photography series, Kevin of Etsy shop FEIPPO carefully disassembles smartphones of yesteryear and frames all the pieces for display as wall art. I say smartphones, but he also has some classic Nokia brick phones available as well, which I’m surprised he was able to tear down at all based on how well they were assembled in the first place.

Prices range from $140 to $240 depending on the phone, and each includes all the phone’s original components, although there’s no guarantee if you reassemble all the pieces that it will work again. Still, certainly something to keep in mind in the event of an emergency.

I wonder what my grandchildren will think when they see one of these hanging in the hallway when they come to visit. ‘Whoa grandpa, what the heck is that thing?’ I imagine them asking while taking digital photos with their cybernetic eyeballs and posting them to the latest social media platform telepathically.

[via DudeIWantThat]

Ever wondered how those viral TikTok ‘Sunset’ lamps work? Here’s what is inside them…

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YouTuber BigCliveDotCom calls it a low-power floodlight using “undesirable LEDs”.

Whether you’re on TikTok or even on Instagram, chances are you’ve stumbled across these ‘sunset’ LED lamps. They’ve pretty much shot to popularity over the last month or two, known for creating a perfect circular projection of ambient light, looking like a sunrise, sunset, or even a circular radial gradient of the rainbow spectrum. Influencers are sharing pictures about it, VICE even wrote an entire article on it, and it’s been plagiarized so many times over, I honestly don’t know who the original creator of this lamp is. What I DO know, however, is that it isn’t worth what it costs.

How the TikTok Viral Sunset Lamp works

The sunset lamp can be basically broken down into three components – the LED, the lens, and a dichroic film that helps get that unique color-gradient. Both the lens and film are made of plastic, and the LED is a basic off-the-shelf component that barely costs a couple of cents when purchased in bulk. To be brutally honest, perhaps the most expensive part of the Sunset Lamp is its shipping fees… but enough product-bashing. Let’s just look at how the lamps work, and how you could potentially build your own for under 5 bucks.

How the TikTok Viral Sunset Lamp works

The way the lamp works is similar to a floodlight, or a car’s headlamp – an LED emits light, which is focused using a lens. Similarly, the sunset lamp uses a small 3W LED along with a dome lens, that refracts the light beams in the shape of a perfect circle. Given that car headlights need to be bright, they even use reflector panels to ‘multiply’ the light, but that isn’t really the case with a sunset lamp that’s more focused on creating an ambient ring of soft light. The Sunset Lamp does, however, come with a special dichroic film that’s glued to the back of the lens (you can see it in the teardown image below) that creates that unique gradient. Different lamps use different films, creating everything from an orange halo to a light yellow one, to even those psychedelic rainbow gradients. The dichroic film changes color depending on the angle at which a beam of light hits it – causing that halo effect with colors changing from the center towards the edge.

How the TikTok Viral Sunset Lamp works

What you’ve got at the end of the day is quite a masterclass in branding too. Calling it a low-intensity floodlight wouldn’t move as many pieces as calling it a ‘sunset lamp’ does. It’s easier to grasp, sounds more poetic, and resonates well with its audience – the same way a ‘Retina Display’ sounds much better than a ‘display with high pixel density’. Couple that with the fact that the lamp absolutely took off on TikTok and it really helps explain the product’s sheer success.

If you still find the idea of a Sunset Lamp rather intriguing but you don’t want to spend an average of $25 to buy your own, you could easily build one using parts available online. Just look for a good ‘condenser lens’ on the web (they come for a bunch of cents on AliExpress) and pick up a cheap nightlight from your nearby hardware shop and you can practically put together your own sunset lamp for a couple of bucks. You can get your hands on dichroic film from a gift shop too (just test out those metallic gift-wrapping papers) or better still, just take a marker to the back of your dome lens and color it in.

Or if you’re just plain lazy, go ahead and buy one off Amazon.

How the TikTok Viral Sunset Lamp works

How the TikTok Viral Sunset Lamp works

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Your Apple AirTag meets a drill to create a keyring hole with in thrilling DIY!

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Apple has put a lot of effort into designing the round-shaped AirTag, and it shows in the compactness of size. The tracker manages to fit in the UWB (Ultra-Wide Band connectivity module) version in such a small space that’s barely bigger than the battery fitted inside. Compare that to the Tile Mate or Galaxy SmartTag, and you already know which one is more practical. The small footprint and chip-like thickness of the AirTag make them ideal for real-life usage, and it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket – as another advantage. Apple AirTag though has one chink in the armor. It doesn’t come with a keyring hole, and that’s frustrating, to say the least. The only way to use it as a cling-on tracker for your keys or other things is to buy an extra peripheral. Or is there a way to get around it?

As teardown pros iFixit got down to opening the latest Apple accessory – that’s making all the news – they decided to drill a hole in the AirTag itself. To make it keychain-ready, like the competition, they carefully drilled a punch hole on top of the tracker using a 1/16” drill bit. Surprisingly, the AirTag survived the operation without any functional dystrophy, post the drilling bit. Even the sound profile didn’t change much, so the accessory is as good as out of the box. Yes, it does have a keychain hole now!

iFixit demonstrates how to precisely drill between the notches in the circuit board to avoid puncturing any circuitry and make the tracker non-usable. Removing the battery is another thing that needs to be done without fail before venturing out if you do want to try this DIY to create a loophole in your tag. It should be noted, even if you manage to replicate iFixit’s feat, it will certainly void the accessory’s warranty. Opening up the battery housing isn’t as easy as the other two trackers, and requires some effort and a steady hand. So do keep noted about the facts.

Designer: iFixit

Drilling a hole in the AirTag demands a steady hand, and only venture out if you know what you’re doing. Else, this could turn out into an ugly misadventure.

Cute little tracker the size of a half-dollar coin. The only thing that is a deal-breaker is the absence of a keyring hole.

The compact size of the Apple tracker took a considerable amount of R&D to arrive at the final, commercially available form factor. That’s how precise the design process was in refining the final product!

The circuitry and the battery fit snug into place, making perfect use of the small space inside. However, it is not an easy task opening the AirTag as compared to the competition.

It’s better in looks and functionality for real-life usage due to the small footprint and the round shape. Just imagine the scenarios you can put the tracker to use.

The Tile Mate has a square shape while Galaxy SmartTag goes for a rounded off squarish-shape. While they both are bigger than the AirTag, Apple’s tracker is more aesthetically designed.

The circuit board and the magnet on the AirTag make it more or less opaque to the X-rays. The image here gives a very good idea of the space you’re left with to drill the hole.

Make no mistake, the AirTag is not as easy to open as the other two trackers in question.

So, are you ready to take the risk, and put your AirTag on the line for the sake of convenience and saving a few dollars?