Teardown shows iPhone X has two battery cells and tiny motherboard

Unlike that of previous iPhone models, the battery of the iPhone X consists of two cells. Apple has further reduced the pcb of the device considerably compared to previous iPhones. This is evident from the teardown of iFixit.

The iPhone X went on sale Friday, and sites like iFixit and Chipworks are taking the opportunity to publish their teardowns of the device. The site notes that the inside of the iPhone X is largely occupied by a dual battery: one of the cells is horizontal, the other is vertical. As with the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus, the screen opens sideways.

Furthermore, iFixit is surprised about the miniaturization of the pcb: the motherboard is said to have a size of 70 percent of that of the iPhone 8 Plus. Apple has achieved the reduction by folding the PCB in half, as it were. According to iFixit, Apple previously only did this with the very first iPhone. The site notes that repairing the motherboard is very difficult, if not nearly impossible.

Ultimately, iFixit gives the smartphone a 6 in terms of repairability. Replacing the battery and screen is doable, although the latter is considerably more expensive than before. The frequent use of screws instead of glue is a plus. Complex use of cables hinders repair options and the presence of glass on the front and back increases the risk of fall damage. In the event of a broken rear, every part and the entire chassis must be replaced, the site states.