Latest iPhone 15 Pro Max – Teardown & Disassembly Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In today’s teardown, we take a deep dive into the internals of the iPhone 15 Pro Max Blue Titanium Edition, released on September 22, 2023. This teardown highlights the updated design choices, new internal structures, and all the techniques required to safely disassemble the device. With redesigned components like the display adhesive, 5G flex cable routing, and a new charging port configuration, this repair showcases Apple’s ongoing design evolution. Careful attention is needed at every step to avoid damaging sensitive parts like the OLED screen, proximity sensor, and NFC flex cable. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to perform a complete teardown confidently.

See the official Apple specs for this model

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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 experience with delicate components and proper handling of adhesives and flex cables.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a heating mat set between 80 to 90 degrees Celsius, isopropyl alcohol (99% proof), a suction cup holder, a Phillips screwdriver, a plastic pry tool, a plastic card, a T2/T3 screwdriver, a tri-wing screwdriver, and a spudger for safe component removal.

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Heat the Front Screen

• Place the iPhone on a heating mat at 80–90°C for about 5 minutes to loosen the screen adhesive.
• Apply 99% isopropyl alcohol along the screen edges for better separation.
• Let the phone sit undisturbed to ensure the adhesive begins to weaken.

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Remove Pentalobe Screws

• Use a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the screws from the bottom of the phone.
• These screws are located near the charging port.
• Set the screws aside carefully, noting their location for reassembly.

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Separate the Screen

• Use a suction cup and gentle palm pressure to lift the screen from the edges.
• Insert a pry tool to slowly work around the screen edges without going deep.
• Take extra care around the curved corners and thinner bezels.

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Address Hardened Adhesive

• Notice the white OCTA hardened glue sealing the display to the frame.
• Work slowly as this adhesive reinforces the waterproofing of the device.
• Carefully separate the display without damaging internal components.

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Open the Display Like a Book

• Open the screen from the side with the power and volume buttons.
• This exposes the proximity sensor and LCD flex connection.
• Do not pull or stretch the display—support it while working inside.

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Remove Metal Bracket Screws

• Remove six Phillips screws covering the metal bracket on the logic board.
• These screws secure the main LCD and proximity sensor connections.
• Use an appropriate driver to avoid stripping the screw heads.

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Disconnect Display Flex & Sensors

• Lift the metal bracket and disconnect the LCD flex and proximity sensor.
• Carefully remove the connectors to free the screen from the device.
• Set the display aside in a safe place.

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Remove Top Speaker Screws

• Unscrew and remove the top speaker assembly.
• Take note of the screw locations to ensure correct reinstallation.
• Lift the speaker gently as it may be lightly adhered.

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Detach Camera Assembly

• Disconnect the rear camera connections from the logic board.
• Remove the main camera unit, including the 48MP periscope lens.
• Note that this assembly includes the wide and ultra-wide lenses.

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Remove Face ID & LiDAR Components

• Disconnect the front Face ID and LiDAR scanner.
• These components are mounted near the top speaker.
• Gently lift them out using a plastic spudger.

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Remove Loudspeaker and Taptic Engine

• Remove screws holding the stereo loudspeaker in place.
• Note the cushioning added to both the loudspeaker and Taptic Engine.
• Take extra care with fragile padding and wire routing.

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Remove Battery Safely

• Apply isopropyl alcohol and heat to the back of the battery.
• Avoid using pull tabs; instead, use a curved spudger or spatula.
• Gently lift the battery without puncturing it.

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Disconnect Logic Board Connections

• Remove all remaining flex connections from the logic board.
• Disconnect the charging port and action button connections.
• Watch for screws beneath metal brackets and adhesive layers.

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Remove Logic Board & NFC Flex

• Unscrew and lift the logic board, using a T2/T3 Torx driver.
• Locate and disconnect the NFC wireless pad connected underneath.
• Be cautious with the tri-wing screw hidden under adhesive.

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Access Charging Port Area

• Note that the charging port is secured by numerous screws.
• Two screws at the bottom are difficult to reach without disassembling more components.
• Use zoomed-in views or proper angles to access tight areas.

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Remove the Charging Port

• Use alcohol and heat to loosen adhesive holding the USB-C port.
• Remove all visible and hidden tri-wing screws.
• Gently pry out the port using a spudger, ensuring no screws are missed.

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Remove the Back Panel

• Apply isopropyl alcohol and heat generously around the edges.
• Use a suction cup and plastic card to begin separation.
• Be cautious around the top edge where more adhesive is concentrated.

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Final Back Panel Removal

• Switch to a curved screen disassembler to find the initial gap.
• Do not use the metal tip aggressively—switch to plastic cards to finish.
• Carefully lift the back glass, using finger pressure to pop internal hinges.

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Separate Midframe and Frame

• With the front, back, and internals removed, the midframe remains.
• This final separation gives you access to all modular parts.
• Observe how Apple’s modular redesign simplifies replacements.

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CONCLUSION:

The iPhone 15 Pro Max teardown reveals both subtle and significant changes in Apple’s internal design approach. From added adhesive for better waterproofing to the newly placed 5G cable and modular NFC, it’s clear this device is built for durability. Yet, the complexity of its layout demands precision and patience. Following each step ensures you avoid damaging key components like the OLED display or logic board. Apple’s new design also promotes easier back glass replacements, making DIY repairs slightly more approachable than before.

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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.

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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: support@tekdep.com

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