iPhone 1st Generation Communications Board Replacement - iPhone (1st Generation)

Step 1 | SIM Card

Using a SIM card eject tool or a straightened paper clip, gently push into the small aperture located adjacent to the headphone jack.
Using gentle pressure, depress the paper clip to eject the SIM card tray.

Step 2

Using your fingers, extract the SIM card tray from the iPhone by moving it outward.

Step 3 | Antenna Cover

To detach the antenna cover, depress the two upper tabs, which are visible in the image, inward toward the black cover; this action disengages the two catches situated on the underside.

Step 4

Carefully insert the metal spudger in the space separating the antenna cover from the dock connector, ensuring it does not enter the dock connector.
Using a metal spudger, carefully separate the antenna cover from the silver front bezel by inserting the spudger into the space between the dock connector and the cover, lifting gently close to the two tabs to establish a slight separation.

Step 5

Using an iPod opening tool, gently separate the antenna cover from the front bezel by sliding the tool’s wedge-shaped end into the space between them, ensuring the wedge faces the antenna cover.
Position the tool at the corner, then advance it upwards until it contacts the metal backing.
Perform the identical steps again for the opposite side of the dock connector.

Step 6

Apply firm, even pressure while sliding the antenna cover upwards, disengaging it from the iPhone's sides. Should resistance be encountered, verify the cover is fully raised to release the retaining clips.

Step 7 | Case

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the rear panel by unscrewing the three fasteners that hold it in place.

Step 8

Opening the iPhone requires patience and focus; allocate sufficient time and remain calm to successfully complete this delicate procedure.
Using a dental pick, proceed to the subsequent step by inserting it into the small, square-shaped aperture.

Step 9

Carefully detach the rear panel, beginning on the side containing the control buttons.
Insert the dental pick fully into the square-shaped opening, exercising sufficient force and potentially employing slight oscillation to ensure complete insertion.

Step 10

To release the rear panel, use a dental pick and apply a rapid, counterclockwise force directly outward, perpendicular to the display assembly's surface; a swift action is preferable to avoid bending the case.

Step 11

Carefully disengage the rear panel from the iPhone's casing by gently sliding a spudger between the panel and the device's frame, focusing on the corner and top edges.

Step 12

Using the same steps, work on the opposite side of the iPhone; insert the dental pick fully into the rectangular opening, which may require slight movement and firm pressure to ensure complete insertion.

Step 13

To release the rear panel, use a dental pick and apply a rapid, rotational force, ensuring the pressure is directed straight outward from the display assembly; a swift movement minimizes the risk of case deformation, as a slow approach increases the likelihood of bending the housing.
Because the headphone jack cable connects the rear panel to the iPhone's internal components, avoid complete separation at this stage.

Step 14

Prior to detaching the headphone jack cable, ensure the device is powered down.
Carefully detach the headphone jack cable connector from the logic board using a spudger.

Step 15 | Communications Board

Carefully lift the adhesive orange tape that holds the white antenna cable in place on the iPhone's side.

Step 16

Carefully detach the two antenna cables from the communications board with a spudger, noting that a small amount of adhesive secures these connections and may require extra effort during removal.

Step 17

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the three screws.

A logic board is affixed to the iPhone, close to the camera, by a Phillips #00 screw.
Locate the logic board and remove the two Phillips #00 screws, one positioned at each corner.

Step 18

Carefully detach the camera connector using a spudger.
Carefully extract the camera module from the iPhone, ensuring no damage occurs.

Step 19

Starting at the frame edge furthest from the battery connectors, use a spudger to gently separate the battery from the plastic frame; the battery is secured with adhesive and requires slow, careful prying to release.
To prevent damage, position the battery so it doesn't fully seat within its compartment, taking care to avoid stressing the battery wires—their soldered connections are fragile.

Step 20

Using a spudger, gently lift the logic board a small amount from the side furthest from the battery connector; avoid excessive upward movement to prevent damage to the four connectors remaining attached to its underside.

Step 21

Carefully insert a spudger between the logic board and the device housing, in the area previously occupied by the camera; avoid excessive upward force at this stage to prevent damage to the four remaining connectors securing the logic board.

Step 22

Carefully raise the logic board a small amount, then use a spudger to gently separate the display ribbon cable from its connector.
To release the speaker connector, advance the spudger toward the battery and the iPhone's center, following the disconnection of the initial connector.

Step 23

Carefully flip the logic board over and, using a spudger, detach the touch sensor cable connector located on its underside.

Step 24

Using a spudger, gently lift the black locking bar, rotating it a full 90 degrees; note that the image depicts the bar in its rotated position.

Step 25

Carefully separate the battery and logic board assembly by sliding them horizontally, ensuring they move clear of the orange antenna and completely exit the iPhone's casing.

Step 26

The iPhone incorporates a two-layer circuit board assembly; the communications board sits directly above the logic board.
Using a spudger, gently work it into the space between the metal shielding and the circuit boards, as illustrated, and apply controlled pressure to release the connector's grip.

Step 27

Carefully continue disjoining the boards, noting that the silver metal shielding might resist separation. Should this occur, gently maneuver around the perimeter of the board to release the shielding.
To replace the communications board, detach it by desoldering its connections from the battery; refer to the battery replacement guide for instructions on battery removal.