A Look Inside the iPhone 12 Pro Max – TEKDEP Teardown & Repair Overview

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OVERVIEW:

In this teardown, we’re diving deep into the internal structure of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. From the soft OLED screen to the intricately layered sandwich board, this device showcases Apple’s detailed engineering and strong adhesive design. We’ll walk through the entire disassembly process, taking extra care with sensitive components like the display cables, Taptic Engine, and the embedded top speaker. Each step will be explained thoroughly using only the process seen in the teardown video. If you’re looking to safely open and explore the iPhone 12 Pro Max, this guide will give you everything you need.

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2 TO 3 HOURS to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate parts, precise tool use, and detailed disassembly knowledge.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a heating mat set to 90 degrees Celsius, 99% isopropyl alcohol to soften adhesive, a 0.8mm pentalobe screwdriver, a 0.8mm tri-wing screwdriver, a suction cup, a curved screen disassembler (curved pry tool), and a Torx screwdriver for sandwich board components. Optional tools include a plastic card and spudger for gentle prying.

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Loosen Adhesive Around Screen

• Apply 99% isopropyl alcohol around the screen edge to weaken the adhesive.
• Keep the heating mat at 90°C—any hotter risks thermal damage.
• The iPhone 12 Pro Max has strong IP68 adhesive that needs time to soften before lifting the display.

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Remove Pentalobe Screws

• Use a 0.8mm pentalobe screwdriver to remove the bottom screws.
• These screws are found next to the charging port and are standard across iPhones.
• Set them aside safely as they’re small and easy to misplace.

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Begin Screen Separation

• Use a suction cup and curved pry tool to start lifting the screen.
• Apply gentle pressure all around to avoid damaging the soft OLED Super Retina screen.
• Be especially cautious near the right edge, where the display cables connect.

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Open the Screen Like a Book

• Slowly work around the screen with light prying motions to loosen the adhesive.
• Once free, the screen should open like a book, hinged at the side.
• Avoid stretching or folding the screen as it’s delicate and flexible.

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Remove Tri-Wing Screws for Logic Board Shield

• Use the 0.8mm tri-wing screwdriver to remove screws securing the shield.
• This shield covers the connectors for the digitizer, display, and other key components.
• Set aside the shield to expose the flex cable connectors underneath.

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Disconnect the Flex Cables from the Motherboard

• Gently pop off each connector from the “sandwich board.”
• No adhesive is present, so each cable disconnects like a puzzle piece.
• Take care not to damage any mini ribbon cables that may sit underneath.

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Remove Top Speaker & Proximity Sensor Shield

• Lift the shield housing the top speaker and proximity sensor.
• This is the last iPhone model where the speaker is embedded in the screen rather than the frame.
• Handle components carefully to avoid breaking the sensors.

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Remove Rear Camera Face Plate

• Unscrew the tri-wing screws securing the camera face plate.
• This step helps prevent dust or liquid from damaging the rear camera.
• Once unscrewed, carefully lift the plate to access the camera connectors.

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Disconnect Rear Camera Flex Cables

• Detach each flex cable for the rear camera from the motherboard.
• These connectors are friction-fit and can be removed without tools.
• This iPhone houses a LiDAR scanner beside the rear camera—do not force its connector.

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Remove Taptic Engine and Loudspeaker

• Remove screws to release the Taptic Engine, which provides haptic feedback.
• Next, disconnect and lift out the bottom loudspeaker—part of the stereo speaker system.
• Both components are connected to the dock and can be removed together.

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Remove Torx Screws from Sandwich Board

• Unscrew the three main Torx screws securing the sandwich board.
• These screws link to key components, including the SIM reader and 5G antenna.
• Keep track of screw locations as they are specific in size and placement.

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Loosen Battery Adhesive with Isopropyl Alcohol

• Apply more 99% isopropyl alcohol under the battery to dissolve glue.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes—this is safer than pulling on fragile battery tabs.
• Once loosened, lift the battery gently from the frame.

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Remove 5G Module Connector Sticker

• Peel off the sticker covering the 5G module’s antenna connection.
• This connector is soldered to the board, so battery removal is required to access it.
• Unscrew the Phillips screw and disconnect the antenna flex.

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Unscrew and Remove the SIM Card Reader

• Unscrew and remove the SIM card reader from the side of the board.
• This step is necessary before you can fully lift out the logic board.
• Set the reader aside safely.

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Remove Final Motherboard Screw and Lift Board

• Remove the last screw securing the sandwich board.
• Carefully lift the entire board from the device, ensuring no cables are caught.
• You now have access to the 12MP selfie camera, which is paired with Face ID hardware.

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CONCLUSION:

This teardown of the iPhone 12 Pro Max revealed the device’s dense internal design and intricate layering. From the curved screen disassembly to the final removal of the sandwich board, each step requires precision and patience. Careful handling is key, especially around sensitive areas like the display cables, Taptic Engine, and the Face ID-linked selfie camera. This guide should provide a thorough roadmap for anyone attempting a similar teardown. Always take your time and be mindful of Apple’s tight design tolerances.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Investing in quality tools can make a significant difference in your teardown process.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below. Our community and team will be happy to help!

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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