As we move forward in the smartphone era we not only see them packing more power on the inside but boasting better material usage and durability as well. Handset makers, since past few years, have started making their devices more difficult to crack open. In case of Apple, opening up an iPhone by yourself means voiding the warranty. Moreover, even if you think of doing it all by yourself, it
Here are Apple iPhones that are easiest and most difficult to repair As we move forward in the smartphone era we not only see them packing more power on the inside but boasting better material usage and durability as well. Handset makers, since past few years, have started making their devices more difficult to crack open. In case of Apple, opening up an iPhone by yourself means voiding the warranty.
Moreover, even if you think of doing it all by yourself, it is not a cakewalk until and unless you have some special tools. iFixit, a website known for dissecting tech products, has been testing iPhones and their reparability since years. So based on their scores, here are the iPhone smartphones that are the most difficult to repair.
The Apple iPhone (1st generation) is the oldest and the most difficult to repair according to iFixit. It uses standard Philips screws and has hidden clips that make it extremely difficult to open it without damaging the device. The battery too is difficult to replace.
The iPhone 4, which came out in 2010, is still repairable to a certain extent. It has screws that can be opened easily and limited adhesive as well. It has a more modular design as compared to the first iPhone. Replacing the camera, however, is difficult.
The iPhone 4 successor gets the same score by iFixit. It has the same screws and limited adhesive for easy opening up. However, removing the back panel is slightly difficult as it required a pentalobe driver. In addition, the LCD is fused in front glass.
Apple iPhone 5C and 5S, both smartphones that came out in 2013, get the same 6/10 score. Both have their batteries adhered, making it difficult to remove. It also requires a pentalobe driver to open up.
Apple iPhone SE is just a couple of years old. It gets 6/10 repairability score as the placement of the Touch ID makes it difficult and tricky to open. However, the battery can be accessed easily and replaced.
Like the iPhone SE, the newest trio in the market, iPhone 8,8 Plus and iPhone X get 6/10 score by iFixit. Since the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus smartphones have glass back panels, it is difficult to get it replaced once broken. The iPhone X has glass dominated front and back, making it difficult to find a replacement.
Apple iPhone 3G is comparatively easier to repair as it has just one issue. The smartphone’s battery is placed under the logic board, making it difficult to replace.
The iPhone 3GS has the same issue as the iPhone 3G. Its battery placement under the logic board makes it difficult to replace. However, it is easier to replace LCD and front glass.
Apple iPhone 5 that launched in 2012 get 7/10 score as it requires a pentalobe driver for opening. The front panel is easy to remove and the battery can be replaced without much hassles.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus get 7/10 score as Apple does not share repair manuals with repair shops or consumers, making it difficult to open and replace components in general.
Both the iPhone 6s and the 6s Plus come with a common issue due to which they get 7/10 score by iFixit. Like the iPhone 5, these also require a pentalobe driver for opening up.
