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Inside the New iPhone 15 Pro – Teardown & Disassembly Guide


OVERVIEW:

In today’s teardown, we’ll be disassembling the iPhone 15 Pro to examine Apple’s design changes, internal hardware, and repairability. This model closely resembles the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with notable differences in camera technology and screen size. We’ll go step by step, covering each major component, including the USB-C charging port, logic board, and back glass panel.


REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1-2 Hours to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring experience with fragile OLED displays, handling delicate flex cables, and working with high-temperature adhesives.


STEPS:

Tools You Need

This repair requires a heat gun for loosening adhesives, along with a set of precision tools, including a 1.5mm Pentalobe screwdriver, Tri-Wing screwdriver, and Phillips screwdriver for removing screws. A pry opening tool and suction cup holder help safely separate components, while a plastic spudger assists in delicate disassembly without damaging internal parts.


Remove the Bottom Screws

  • Begin by unscrewing the two panelope screws located near the charging port.
  • This opens up access to begin loosening the screen from the frame.
  • Be cautious, as the bezels around the screen are thin and delicate.

Heat the Frame and Apply Isopropyl Alcohol

  • Use a heat gun around the perimeter of the device to soften the adhesive securing the screen.
  • Apply isopropyl alcohol sparingly around the frame to help dissolve glue.
  • This step is critical due to Apple’s improved waterproofing and tighter LCD seal.

Lift the Screen

  • Use a suction cup to gently lift the display from the frame like opening a book.
  • Carefully insert a plastic pry tool and work around the edges to loosen the adhesive.
  • Take care not to insert the tool too deep, especially near corners where the bezel is thinnest.

Remove the Screen Bracket

  • Once the screen is lifted, you’ll see a metal bracket covering the LCD and proximity sensor connectors.
  • Unscrew the six Tri-wing screws securing this bracket.
  • Remove the bracket and set it aside safely.

Disconnect Battery and Display

  • Begin by disconnecting the battery to prevent any short circuits.
  • Next, disconnect the LCD display and proximity sensor cables.
  • Remove the screen and confirm it powers on before continuing.

Unscrew and Remove Internal Components

  • There are approximately 66 screws holding the internal hardware together.
  • Begin removing screws securing the loudspeaker, charging dock, and logic board.
  • Keep screws organized, as they vary in size and thread.

Remove Rear Camera System

  • Disconnect the triple-camera module, including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.
  • Note that the 15 Pro features a 3x optical zoom, unlike the 15 Pro Max’s 5x.
  • Set the 48MP camera module aside after removal.

Disconnect the Top Speaker and Face ID Camera

  • Disconnect the ribbon cables connected to the top speaker and Face ID module.
  • Gently remove the 12MP front-facing camera, which supports HDR and cinematic mode.
  • Remove the 3D LiDAR scanner as part of this step.

Extract Loudspeaker and Taptic Engine

  • Remove the stereo loudspeaker, which is attached to the charging dock.
  • Detach the Taptic Engine — unchanged from last year’s model.
  • Set these components aside, taking note of their positions.

Remove the Battery

  • Apply isopropyl alcohol beneath the battery and gently heat it.
  • Avoid using pull tabs as they tear easily — instead, use a metal spudger with a concave tip.
  • Carefully pry up the 3274 mAh battery without puncturing it.

Disconnect Final Logic Board Connections

  • Disconnect the final cable for the USB-C charging dock.
  • Remove the 5G antenna module — present only in US versions.
  • Remove the NFC wireless pad connector by unscrewing the bracket.

Remove the Logic Board

  • Gently lift the logic board after removing all connections and screws.
  • The board houses the Apple A17 Pro Bionic chip and 8GB RAM — a notable upgrade.
  • Set the logic board aside for inspection or replacement.

Remove the Charging Port

  • Unscrew hard-to-reach Phillips screws securing the USB-C charging dock.
  • Use a plastic spudger to lift and separate the dock.
  • The dock includes the microphone module and must be removed as one unit.

Extract the Back Glass

  • Apply heat and isopropyl alcohol around the back panel to weaken adhesive.
  • Use a suction cup to lift the edge and insert a plastic card to carefully separate it.
  • Proceed slowly to avoid scraping off inner coatings or damaging the NFC pad.

Detach the Back Panel

  • Continue adding alcohol between the adhesive and panel for easier removal.
  • Work around all corners gently, noting that the top corners offer more resistance.
  • Once fully loosened, remove the back panel, revealing the mid-frame housing.

CONCLUSION:

Disassembling the iPhone 15 Pro is a complex task that requires the right tools and a steady hand. From the front OLED screen to the logic board with its A17 chip and newly integrated USB-C port, each component is densely packed and securely fastened. Apple has improved both the seal and internal modularity, making some aspects of repair easier. However, detailed attention is crucial, especially during battery and back panel removal. With this guide, careful execution can make a successful teardown achievable.

Before and After Teardown & Disassembly

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

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


MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

Not comfortable doing the repair yourself? TekDep offers a mail-in repair service for professional assistance.


SHOP PARTS:


SHOP TOOLS:

Using the right tools is crucial for a safe and successful repair. Investing in precision tools reduces the risk of damaging components.


HAVE QUESTIONS?

For questions or troubleshooting, feel free to contact TekDep Support or drop a comment below!

  • Phone: 818-456-4479
  • Email: support@tekdep.com

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

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