iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Teardown

Introduction

Thanks for joining for a live teardown of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. If you missed the livestream, you can catch the recording. Scroll down for the written analysis, including bonus disassembly of the new MagSafe power puck. For more iPhone 12 teardowns, check out the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max teardowns.

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Tools Required:

• P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone (1)
• Suction Handle (1)
• Heavy-Duty Suction Cups (Pair) (1)
• Curved Razor Blade (1)
• Heat Gun (1)
• iFixit Opening Picks set of 6 (1)
• Tri-point Y000 Screwdriver (1)
• Standoff Screwdriver for iPhones (1)
• Spudger (1)
• Phillips #00 Screwdriver (1)
• Tweezers (1)
• Jimmy (1)

Step 1 - iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Teardown

Image showing the disassembled components of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, including the logic board, batteries, cameras, speakers, and other internal parts.

Key specifications:

• A14 Bionic with fourth-generation Neural Engine
• 6.1 inch (2532 × 1170 pixels) Super Retina XDR OLED display with True Tone and HDR
• 12 MP camera system with ultra-wide angle (f/2.4) and wide angle (f/1.6) cameras; the Pro includes a telephoto (f/2.0) camera and a LiDAR scanner
• Onboard storage of 64 GB (iPhone 12) and 128 GB (12 Pro)
• 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) connectivity, plus 4x4 MIMO LTE, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, and BT 5.0
• MagSafe 15 Watt wireless charging
• Improved IP68 rating (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes under IEC standard 60529)

Step 2

Images showcasing the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro from different angles, highlighting their design and colors.

The iPhone 12 series features squared edges, reminiscent of the iPhone 4 design. These flat edges offer more screen real estate without increasing the phone's size. A comparison is made with the iPhone 4, 11, and 11 Pro. US models include a millimeter wave window, while EU models feature regulatory markings.

Step 3

Images demonstrating the initial steps of opening the iPhone 12/12 Pro, showing the removal of Pentalobe screws and the use of opening tools.

The process begins with removing Pentalobe screws. Suction handles and opening picks are used for access. Heat is applied to soften adhesive, a procedure now also used by Apple in authorized repair centers.

Step 4

Images illustrating the process of separating the display from the iPhone 12/12 Pro body, showing the right-edge opening mechanism.

The display opens from the right edge, potentially making repairs easier. This differs from older models like the iPhone 7 (opposite side) and the 5/6 series (bottom-to-top). Removing the connector shield with the screen attached requires careful maneuvering.

Step 5

Images showing the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro with their displays removed, highlighting the internal layout and camera shields.

With displays removed, a comparison reveals minimal visual differences between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, aside from camera shields. Early tests indicate displays are interchangeable, despite slight differences in maximum brightness.

Step 6

Images displaying the rear camera modules of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, emphasizing the difference in the number of lenses and the presence of the LiDAR scanner on the Pro model.

The primary difference is the Pro model's extra camera module and LiDAR sensor, while the standard 12 has a plastic spacer. Both models feature 12 MP wide (f/1.6) and ultra-wide (f/2.4) cameras. The Pro adds an f/2.0 telephoto lens, ProRAW, dual OIS, and LiDAR benefits.

Step 7

Images showing the removal of the SIM card reader and speakers from the iPhone 12/12 Pro, with close-ups of the speaker gaskets.

Modular SIM card readers are noted. The logic board has increased in size to accommodate 5G chips, leading to a rearrangement of internal components. Speakers are secured with Phillips screws and feature orange rubber gaskets instead of adhesive, simplifying removal and replacement.

Step 8

Images of the iPhone 12/12 Pro chassis with the Taptic Engine exposed, and a comparison with the iPhone 11's Taptic Engine.

Standoff screws are present near the bottom of the case. The Taptic Engine is identical in the 12 and 12 Pro, slightly smaller but thicker than the iPhone 11's. Dimensions are provided: iPhone 12 series Taptic Engine measures 22.25 mm x 9.48 mm x 3.56 mm, while the iPhone 11's measured 26.9 mm x 11.18 mm x 3.44 mm.

Step 9

Images depicting the removal of the battery from the iPhone 12/12 Pro using adhesive pull tabs.

The battery is secured with four stretch-release adhesive tabs. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro use the same 10.78 Wh battery, which is interchangeable between models. This is a decrease from the iPhone 11 series. The efficient A14 chip is credited with maintaining battery life. The absence of the previous L-shaped battery design is noted, possibly due to cost-saving for 5G components.

Step 10

X-ray images of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, showcasing the internal components including the MagSafe charging array and the differences in frame materials.

X-ray images highlight the MagSafe wireless charging array. The stainless steel frame of the iPhone 12 Pro appears denser and more opaque in X-rays compared to the iPhone 12's aluminum frame.

Step 11

Images of the iPhone 12/12 Pro logic board being disconnected from the chassis, showing cables and screws.

After battery removal, attention turns to the logic board. Cables are disconnected, and the board is secured by three screws.

Step 12

Images of the iPhone 12/12 Pro logic boards with various integrated circuits (ICs) highlighted and labeled for identification.

The logic boards of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are nearly identical. Key components identified include:

• Apple APL1W01 A14 Bionic SoC, layered under Micron D9XMR MT53D512M64D4UA-046 XT:F 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM (6 GB RAM on the 12 Pro)
• KICM224AY4402TWNA12029, 64 GB of Kioxia NAND flash memory
• Qualcomm SDR865 5G and LTE transceiver
• Qualcomm SDX55M 5G modem-RF system and SMR526 intermediate frequency IC
• USI/Apple U1 ultra-wideband chip
• Avago AFEM-8200 high/mid power amplifier with integrated duplexer
• Apple APL1094 343S00437 power management IC

Step 13

More images of the iPhone 12/12 Pro logic boards with different ICs highlighted and labeled.

Further IC identification includes:

• NXP Semiconductor CBTL1614A1 display port multiplexer
• Texas Instruments SN61280 camera power management
• STMicroelectronics STB601A04 power management
• STMicroelectronics STWPA1-3033ABM wireless charging IC
• Texas Instruments SN2611A0 battery charging IC
• Apple/Cirrus Logic 338S00537 mono audio amplifier
• Apple/Cirrus Logic 338S00565? audio codec

Step 14

Images of the iPhone 12/12 Pro logic boards with ICs highlighted.

Additional IC identification:

• Bosch Sensortec unknown accelerometer
• Qualcomm SMR526 RF transceiver
• Apple 338S00564 power management
• Qualcomm PMX55 power management
• Skyworks Sky5 RF module
• Texas Instruments LM3637 LED driver (likely)

Step 15

Images showing the 5G mmWave antenna modules.

US models feature 5G mmWave antenna modules embedded in the frame and logic board. The frame antenna is a USI product, labeled 339M00104 S30U7FH.

Step 16

Images showing the removal of the Lightning connector assembly, Face ID components, and MagSafe charging coils.

Components like Lightning connector assemblies, Face ID, and flash modules are largely identical across models. The MagSafe charging arrays contain 18 magnets, with their polarity aiding alignment for charging efficiency.

Step 17

An image representing the overall 5G integration.

The teardown concludes with observations on 5G integration, noting compromises made for new 5G components.

Step 18

Textual summary of component observations: battery, logic board, Taptic Engine, speakers.

The new battery is described as gaunt and low-tech. The logic board has increased in size, and the Taptic Engine and speakers have new shapes. While concessions are made for nascent technology, Apple maintains tried-and-true screen and battery repair procedures.

Step 19

A follow-up article is mentioned regarding the iPhone 12's repairability score, which comes with an asterisk.

Step 20 - MagSafe Charger Teardown

Images of the Apple MagSafe charger being disassembled, showing its exterior and internal components.

The MagSafe charger is compatible with Qi-compatible devices. An X-ray view is provided, comparing its magnet ring to the Apple Watch charger's single center magnet.

Step 21

Images illustrating the process of opening the MagSafe charger using heat and tools.

The MagSafe charger is opened by targeting the seam where rubber meets metal, using heat, suction cups, and a razor knife.

Step 22

Images showing the internal charging coils and the circuit board of the MagSafe charger.

Inside, charging coils are revealed. The underside of the cover has an etched copper sticker. The circuit board is covered by a metal shield and houses a chip likely related to STMicroelectronics' 15 W wireless charger IC.

Step 23

X-ray images of the MagSafe charger, focusing on the USB-C connector and strain relief. Also, images of the disassembled components.

X-rays provide a close-up of the strain relief at the cable attachment point and the USB-C connector. Links to related articles on LiDAR and the iPhone 12 mini teardown are provided.

Step 24 - Final Thoughts

An image displaying the 'Repairability Score: 6 out of 10' gauge for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.

The iPhones 12 and 12 Pro earn a 6 out of 10 on the repairability scale:

• Display and battery replacements remain a priority.
• Most important components are modular and easy to access or replace.
• Liberal use of screws is preferred over glue, but requires organization and specific drivers (pentalobe, tri-point, standoff, Phillips).
• Increased waterproofing complicates repairs but reduces the likelihood of difficult water damage repairs.
• Glass on front and back doubles drop damage likelihood; back glass breakage requires replacing the entire chassis.