iFixit Teardown Reveals How Apple Made the iPhone Air So Thin
The iFixit Teardown Reveals How Apple Made the iPhone Air So Thin, giving us a closer look at the engineering behind Apple’s slimmest iPhone yet. At just 5.6mm, the iPhone Air introduces a bold new design with innovative solutions that balance durability, performance, and repairability.
The Camera Plateau: Apple’s Clever Space Saver
One of the standout findings is Apple’s use of a camera plateau. Instead of fitting everything into the flat chassis, Apple partially placed the logic board inside the camera bump. This design opened up space for a larger, metal-encased battery while reducing stress points that could cause bending.
iFixit notes that while the titanium frame is impressively strong when fully assembled, the empty frame alone shows weak spots. Apple had to leave small plastic gaps to prevent cellular interference, which makes the skeleton bendable. Still, real-world testing suggests the complete iPhone Air is almost bend-proof.
Battery Innovation Confirmed
iFixit also confirmed a long-rumored detail: Apple reused the iPhone Air’s 12.26 watt-hour battery in its new MagSafe Battery Pack. This means the pack’s cell is literally interchangeable with the iPhone Air’s battery, a rare move that highlights Apple’s design efficiency.
For users, this discovery hints at easier battery replacements and improved accessory compatibility. It’s a subtle but important step toward sustainability and user-friendly repairs.
Repairability Gets a Boost
Despite its ultra-thin profile, the iPhone Air is surprisingly repair-friendly. iFixit praised Apple for its clipped-in display and back glass, which can be removed without excessive effort.
Apple also carried over the innovative battery adhesive system first introduced in the iPhone 16. Instead of tricky pull-tabs, the adhesive loosens with a low-voltage electrical current, making battery swaps safer and faster. For a phone this slim, that’s a major win for repairability.
What It Means for iPhone Air Owners
The teardown reveals Apple’s balancing act between cutting-edge thinness and practicality. While the frame alone may not look indestructible, the finished build is sturdy. Pair that with easier repairs and smart battery integration, and the iPhone Air feels like more than just a design statement—it’s a glimpse into Apple’s future hardware strategy.
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