iPhone 18 Pro Max Teardown Reveals Potential for Component Production in Vietnam

A teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, recently released in Vietnam, has revealed significant internal structural changes and an optimized component layout compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Despite similar external dimensions and appearance, the internal design shows notable improvements. The disassembly process utilized specialized equipment combining heat and vacuum suction, allowing the display to be removed in approximately five minutes. Internal components are largely protected by a metal cover surrounding the battery pack, shielding most of the components except for the camera and Face ID sensor modules. The Face ID sensor is now concealed beneath the display, posing no visual impact during normal use. A key change is the battery, which has transitioned from being secured with adhesive to being held by a metal frame with screws, making replacement significantly easier. The battery capacity has increased to 5,391 mAh, resulting in a slight increase in thickness. The battery connector's position on the motherboard has also been relocated. The main camera module is larger, incorporating a variable aperture system that allows for adjustments in light intake and control over depth of field. This enhancement aims to improve low-light photography and detail in background elements. The motherboard is more compact, featuring an upgraded "vapor chamber" cooling system that directly contacts the Apple A20 Pro chip, enhancing heat dissipation. Apple states this new cooling system has triple the surface area of the previous generation. Further modifications include a larger speaker, a horizontally oriented SIM card tray, the use of numerous screws, and more complex interconnect routes, which collectively make motherboard removal more intricate than before. Consistent with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the 18 Pro Max continues to feature the MagSafe system, with integrated magnets on the back for wireless charging and compatible accessories. According to the technician who performed the teardown, the repairability of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated at 8 out of 10. The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max were announced on September 9th, with sales in Vietnam commencing on September 18th. Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro starts at VND 38.99 million for the 256GB model, while the 18 Pro Max begins at VND 41.99 million for the 256GB version.