iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Teardown

• This device utilizes a '14 Bionic' processor, incorporating a fourth-generation Neural Engine for enhanced performance.The screen measures 6.1 inches diagonally, presenting a resolution of 2532 by 1170 pixels.A Super Retina XDR OLED display is integrated, featuring True Tone and HDR capabilities for vibrant visuals.
• The rear camera assembly comprises a 12-megapixel system.An ultra-wide angle lens is included, characterized by an aperture of ƒ/2.4.
• A wide-angle lens is also present, offering an aperture of ƒ/1.6.The 'Pro' model distinguishes itself with an additional telephoto lens, possessing an aperture of ƒ/2.0.Furthermore, the 'Pro' model incorporates a LiDAR scanner for depth sensing.Internal memory options include 64 GB for the standard iPhone 12 model.The 'Pro' variant provides a larger 128 GB storage capacity.The device supports 5G connectivity, encompassing both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies.Wireless communication is further enhanced by 4x4 MIMO LTE technology.Wi-Fi 6, adhering to the 802.11ax standard, provides high-speed wireless networking.
• Bluetooth 5.0 enables wireless connections with compatible accessories.MagSafe technology facilitates magnetic attachment of accessories.Wireless charging is supported at a power level of 15 Watts.The device's ingress protection rating has been upgraded to IP68.
• This enhanced IP68 rating allows submersion to a maximum depth of 6 meters.Submersion is permissible for a duration of up to 30 minutes, conforming to IEC standard 60529.
• The Neural Engine contributes to accelerated machine learning tasks.The 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 standard provides improved network efficiency.
• The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality experiences and photographic capabilities.The device's internal storage is non-removable and user-unserviceable.

The iPhone 4's debut, featuring squared-off edges reminiscent of Braun design aesthetics, was preceded by an unintentional disclosure stemming from a misplaced prototype.

The return of a squared design, thankfully without the previous incident, provides a fresh aesthetic while potentially enabling increased screen size within a comparable overall device footprint.

To illustrate design evolution, a comparative arrangement showcases the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and the original iPhone 4.

Distinctive millimeter wave antenna windows are present on United States versions, a feature designers likely find undesirable, albeit less so than the required European regulatory markings.
These historically significant devices were efficiently prepared by our European operations, capitalizing on the time difference while the United States was inactive.

Let's proceed with disassembling these devices.

As expected, the initial securing components consist of two Pentalobe screws.
Employing suction handles and opening tools should allow for relatively simple access to the internal components.

Applying warmth and maintaining composure will be beneficial during the separation process; prior experience suggests potential variations in difficulty, possibly due to a modified adhesive formulation providing enhanced two-meter immersion protection.
Apple has begun mandating the use of heat within authorized repair facilities for device disassembly, signifying a shift in their established protocols.

The screen assembly now pivots outward from the right side, potentially simplifying repair procedures for left-handed technicians; this change represents a notable adjustment.
Since the introduction of the iPhone 7, the device's display has consistently opened from a leftward direction; prior models, including the 5 and 6 series, utilized a bottom-to-top opening mechanism, while earlier iPhones required almost complete disassembly to access the internal components.
Disconnecting the connector shield proves somewhat challenging when the display remains affixed, but repositioning the screen can create additional clearance for the screwdriver's use.
A reflective image of the internal components is now visible during the repair process, offering a unique perspective.

• Having deactivated both displays, we initiate a visual comparison exercise.The activity involves identifying subtle distinctions.The iPhone 12 is positioned on the left side, while the 12 Pro occupies the right.A numerical designation of 12 is associated with the left device.Another numerical designation of 12 Pro is associated with the right device.From a top-down perspective, the devices exhibit minimal visual variation, excluding the camera shield design.This observation is notable due to its unexpected nature.
• The designation 'Pro' appears premature for the 12 Pro at this stage.
• A more detailed examination is warranted.The devices now offer suitable backgrounds for customization.High-resolution wallpapers for both the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will be made available on the iFixit homepage.
• Preliminary assessments reveal that the displays function equivalently when exchanged between the standard iPhone 12 and the 12 Pro.
• Despite minor discrepancies in the specified maximum brightness levels, as noted by attentive users, the displays remain functionally compatible.Additional information pertaining to this compatibility exists.Further investigation will be conducted to uncover additional specifics.We will attempt to acquire more comprehensive data regarding this phenomenon.Subsequent analysis may clarify the underlying reasons for this interchangeability.

• The SIM card readers, constructed in a modular fashion, prove beneficial for repairs, although their positioning deviates from prior designs, as the SIM tray, logic board, and battery are now situated on opposite sides.The rationale behind this design alteration becomes apparent upon examining the logic board, which has significantly increased in dimensions compared to the 11-pro.
• This substantial enlargement likely accommodates Qualcomm's 5G chips, preventing it from fitting within its original location beneath the camera assembly.A departure from previous practices, the speakers in both models are secured using Phillips screws, simplifying their removal.During speaker removal, a noticeable difference is observed: bright orange rubber gaskets replace the conventional sticky adhesive behind the speaker grilles, mirroring a design often found in Samsung devices.
• The implementation of these gaskets streamlines the speaker removal and replacement process, eliminating the need for adhesive rework seen in earlier models.
• Given that speaker removal is necessary for battery replacement, this design change represents a positive advancement from a repair perspective.
• This innovative gasket design simplifies maintenance procedures and enhances the overall repair experience.

• Numerous standoff screws are commonly encountered towards the base of the device's enclosure.Fortunately, our Marlin Precision Screwdriver Set, specifically designed for iPhones, includes a standoff driver to address this specific need.
• A small, unoccupied volume exists within this area, potentially sufficient for accommodating a 3.5 mm plug, although this is unlikely.
• The Taptic Engine exhibits identical characteristics across both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models.Our evaluations confirm these engines are functionally equivalent.The Taptic Engine is marginally smaller than the one found in the standard iPhone 11.Additionally, it possesses a slightly increased thickness.For precise dimensions, the iPhone 12 series Taptic Engine has dimensions of 22.25 mm x 9.48 mm x 3.56 mm.
• In contrast, the previous generation Taptic Engine, sourced from the green iPhone 11, measures 26.9 mm x 11.18 mm x 3.44 mm.These measurements highlight the dimensional differences between the Taptic Engine versions.The provided measurements detail the size variations of the Taptic Engine components.

• Information received from reliable sources indicates that the battery specifications are identical across the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.

• Speculation suggests Apple may be utilizing less expensive components to mitigate the costs associated with 5G technology, and this change aligns with that theory.

• The shift away from unique L-shaped battery designs suggests a potential move towards cheaper components.

• The MagSafe wireless charging coil is prominently visible within the device's interior.

• The darker appearance observed on the right side of the iPhone 12 Pro X-ray is a natural consequence of the stainless steel frame's increased density compared to the aluminum frame of the iPhone 12.

• A 4-gigabyte LPDDR4 SDRAM module, specifically a Micron D9XMR MT53D512M64D4UA-046 XT:F, provides memory; the iPhone 12 Pro incorporates 6 gigabytes of RAM.
• A Kioxia NAND flash memory chip, model KICM224AY4402TWNA12029, provides 64 gigabytes of storage capacity.
• The Qualcomm SDR865 handles 5G and LTE wireless communication.
• The Qualcomm SDX55M manages the 5G modem-RF system, alongside the SMR526 intermediate frequency integrated circuit.
• An ultra-wideband radio frequency transceiver is present, identified as a USI/Apple U1 chip.
• The Avago AFEM-8200 serves as a high and mid-power amplifier, incorporating a duplexer for signal management.
• The Apple APL1094 343S00437 integrated circuit regulates power distribution throughout the device.
• Careful manipulation is required to separate the logic board, as it contains delicate components.

• Integrated circuits from NXP Semiconductor are detailed below.The specific IC model number is CBTL1614A1.This component functions as a display port multiplexer.
• Texas Instruments manufactured the following integrated circuit.The IC's identification number is SN61280.This device provides camera power management capabilities.
• STMicroelectronics produced the next IC in this list.The model number for this IC is STB601A04.This component is responsible for power management functions.
• Another IC from STMicroelectronics follows.The IC is designated as STWPA1-3033ABM.This integrated circuit facilitates wireless charging.
• Texas Instruments also produced the subsequent IC.The IC's part number is SN2611A0.This device is a battery charging IC.
• Apple and Cirrus Logic collaborated on the following IC.The IC is identified by the part number 338S00537.This component serves as a mono audio amplifier.
• Apple and Cirrus Logic also produced this IC.The IC's designation is 338S00565.The function of this component remains undetermined, but it is an audio codec.

• The accelerometer is manufactured by Bosch Sensortec, but its specific model remains undetermined.
• A Qualcomm component is present.The identified Qualcomm part number is SMR526.This component functions as an RF transceiver.
• An Apple component is also incorporated into the device.The Apple part number is 338S00564.Power management circuitry is included.
• Another Qualcomm component is utilized.The Qualcomm part number for this power management component is PMX55.Additional power management functionality is provided.
• A Skyworks Sky5 RF module is integrated.
• A Texas Instruments LM3637 is present.An LED driver, most probably, is also included.This component likely controls the illumination of LEDs.

• The pervasive adoption of 5G networks is influencing Apple's design choices, indicating significant alterations were necessary to accommodate the new 5G hardware.
• The replacement battery exhibits a reduced capacity and a conventional design, departing from the previous slim, L-shaped form factor; additionally, the logic board's dimensions have increased substantially, reversing recent progress in component miniaturization, while the Taptic Engine appears diminished in size and the speakers have been redesigned, potentially altering their acoustic properties.
• The design adjustments required to integrate this emerging technology appear unusual, representing a departure from Apple's typical innovative approach.

• Although Apple packages the MagSafe charger separately, necessitating an additional purchase, a dedicated unit was acquired to facilitate thorough evaluation.
• The charger functions with all iPhone models and other devices supporting the Qi wireless charging standard, although our unit will serve a distinct purpose.
  An X-ray image, provided by Creative Electron, offers an initial internal view of the device's construction.
  A comparative analysis with Apple's inductive charging solution for the Apple Watch is possible, with a detailed internal schematic available at the referenced link.
• A noticeable distinction lies in the dark magnetic ring encircling the exterior; both the charger and the latest iPhone models incorporate corresponding magnets, whereas the Apple Watch charger utilizes a solitary central magnet.

• Applying heat may help to reduce the adhesive's viscosity, facilitating separation; subsequently, utilize two suction cups, positioned on opposing sides, to apply force and dislodge the assembly.
  The white covering material on the charging area exhibits minor deformation under stress; however, no separation is observed, suggesting the initial assessment may have been overly positive.
• Employing a razor knife, carefully incise the white covering to gain access to the space between the plastic and metal layers, allowing for subsequent separation.

• A copper foil label, featuring etched circuit pathways aligned with four leads distributed circumferentially, is affixed to the underside of the white cover, directly relating to the charging coil's functionality.

• Accessing the internal components necessitates lifting the inductive coils, exposing the circuit board which is obscured by a metallic protective layer.
• Due to the imminent release of updated iPhone models, intricate microsoldering procedures are bypassed; instead, flush-cutting pliers are employed to sever the components, prioritizing expediency over aesthetic precision.
• A discrete circuit board contains an integrated circuit identified as 'STWPSPA1'.This integrated circuit is probably a variant of the 'STWBC-EP' manufactured by STMicroelectronics.The 'STWBC-EP' is a 15-watt wireless charging integrated circuit.Employing flush cutters provides a functional solution, although the resulting appearance may be less than ideal.The metal shield obstructs visual inspection of the circuit board until it is carefully lifted.

• Additional component separation is unlikely to reveal significant findings, necessitating the use of radiographic imaging for further diagnosis.
• Detailed views illustrating the cable strain relief where it connects to the assembly, alongside a magnified perspective of the USB-C connector, are provided.