Overview

• The custom vapor chamber sits over the A19 Pro and spreads heat through the aluminum frame, with iFixit recording 34.8°C and no throttling versus 37.8°C and throttling on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
• Apple consolidated most internals into the top third of the device, and the battery now rides in a screwed‑in metal tray with electrically de‑bonding adhesive for cleaner removal once the display is off.
• Apple dropped the dual‑entry design, so major jobs like battery, camera module, and USB‑C port replacements require front access, and the USB‑C swap alone involves removing roughly 22 screws.
• The mix of pentalobe, tri‑point, and Torx/Torx Plus fasteners increases complexity, though the tray‑based battery and day‑one repair manuals contribute to the 7/10 repairability assessment.
• Microscopy of early scuffs supports “scratchgate,” with the anodized finish chipping at sharp camera‑plateau edges due to spalling, while flatter surfaces hold up better.