Unfortunately, it won’t be easy to repair all iPhone 14 models. iFixit took apart the iPhone 14 Pro Max and determined that the most easily repairable internal components didn’t carry over.
A broken rear window will be more difficult for you to repair yourself. If your iPhone is out of warranty, you’ll have to pay dearly ($549 in the U.S.) for repairs at the Apple Store. While the company never said the Pro models would get this upgrade, it’s worth considering if you plan to keep your phone working with a bit of surgery.
What’s unclear is why Apple hasn’t rethought internal components across the entire iPhone 14 lineup. iFixit suggests that Apple wanted to limit possible delays. especially given the supply chain risks associated with the new camera and display technology for the Pro family.
The disassembly contains a few more exciting things. In the U.S. iPhone 14 versions, Apple hasn’t replaced the recently removed SIM card tray with anything else. This was done to encourage eSIM roll-out than to save space. iFixit was also unable to find a dedicated satellite antenna for emergency communications, suggesting that Apple could use regular cellular or WiFi antennas to send SOS messages.
iFixit also states that the overall repairability of the iPhone 14 Pro “isn’t terrible” except for the need to activate parts. However, unless Apple unifies the design, do-it-yourself repair enthusiasts will have to make sacrifices if they want an iPhone that can be repaired with comparatively little difficulty.
