The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are very repairable devices, but the new variable aperture camera is a tricky repair. In a detailed teardown, iFixit examined components inside both models.

The headline feature is a variable aperture camera using six overlapping polymer-composite blades in the same footprint as the iPhone 17 Pro. Magnetism moves each blade, almost as thick as a human hair. Slots and holes guide the blades around pins on the driving mechanism. Their tight tolerances and glues make repair near impossible, so replacement is preferred.

Access to the camera is relatively simple because the assembly is modular. However, entering the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max still requires removing the glued-down display, which risks cracking the plastic frame. The battery tray uses screws, but the battery remains glued to it.

The logic board matches the refreshed A20 Pro layout, with thermal chainmail above it and NAND storage inside the board sandwich. The C2 modem is missing in the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max.