The New iPhone 17 Pro Max Teardown: Battery Swap Made Easy, But Repairs Become More Complicated

Login to Continue Learning

Apple has significantly revamped the internal design of its latest flagship device, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The teardown reveals several changes, including a new screwed-in battery tray, an electrically debonding adhesive, and a vapor chamber cooling system. While these updates improve repairability in certain ways, other aspects make repairs more challenging.

**Key Changes:**

– **Screwed-in Battery Tray:** Apple has introduced a clever system that uses electrical current to break down the glue holding the battery tray, making replacements easier compared to previous models.

– **Vapor Chamber Cooling System:** This cooling method spreads heat from the A19 Pro chip across the aluminum body, leading to better sustained performance. Tests show that the iPhone 17 Pro can handle higher workloads without throttling as much as its predecessor.

In a unique start to his ruling against President Donald Trump’s administration on September 30, U.S. District Court Judge William Young included a scanned handwritten note sent to his office. The note read: “Trump has pardons and tanks – what do you have?” At the top of Young’s opinion in AAUP v. Rubio, which ruled that Trump’s effort to deport foreign-born student protesters was unconstitutional.

October 8, 2025

– **Tougher Overall Repairability:** The new design includes fewer entry points into the device, requiring technicians to remove the display for repairs. This change adds complexity and risk, especially since displays are among the most fragile components.

**Advantages:**

– **Easier Battery Replacement:** The new battery tray is screwed in, allowing for simpler replacements.

– **Reduced Risk of Damage:** The design minimizes the chance of damaging nearby components during repairs.

**Disadvantages:**

– **More Complicated Repairs:** Removing the display for repairs adds time and risk to the process.

– **Increased Complexity:** Additional layers inside the device make repairs more challenging, particularly when dealing with USB-C port replacements.

**Summary:**
The iPhone 17 Pro Max scores a provisional repairability of 7 out of 10. While it offers easier battery replacement in some areas, other aspects make overall repairs more difficult. Apple has prioritized performance and design over ease of repair, which could be seen as a trade-off for better daily use.

Would you opt for easier battery replacements if it meant tougher overall repairs?