That the new iPhone 15 models represent a significant evolution over their predecessors is something we already knew. The changes in materials, new cameras, the action button, and USB-C are all improvements reflected on the inside of the devices. An interior that we can now see because iFixit has dismantled the new iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Small changes that together set a trend
The internal design of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is, evidently, very similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, there’s more than meets the eye. As seen in the video, the new device features a redesigned frame that makes it easier to remove the rear glass panel. This significant improvement promises to considerably reduce repair difficulty in case of breakage. This feature had already been incorporated into the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models and is now making its way to the Pro range of the iPhone 15.
Continuing with the teardown, one of the most notable aspects, likely to catch the attention of photography enthusiasts, is the incorporation of the new Telephoto lens with a tetraprismatic system, which allows for a 5x optical zoom, as Apple explained. A lens that, as we can see, is positioned horizontally, not vertically like in other phones. This decision allows Apple to maintain the same design for the bottom section of the phone as the iPhone 15 Pro.
Moving to the innermost part of the device, iFixit shows us that the logic board of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is very similar to that of the iPhone 15 Pro. Notable in both models is the inclusion of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X70 modem. This component promises to take 5G connectivity to a new level, offering much faster speeds than we’re accustomed to.
iFixit has given the iPhone 15 Pro Max a repairability score of four out of ten, according to their criteria. They attribute this score to Apple’s policy of pairing different parts, which makes it necessary for repairs to be carried out with official parts. This is a measure that, especially when we’re talking about parts that directly impact the security of our data, such as Face ID, ports, and similar elements, makes perfect sense.
Setting aside the options, what is clear is the enormous effort that Apple has put into the iPhone 15 this year. With clear changes in internal components, their placement, frames, ports, and other improvements, we are looking at an iPhone that sets the path for future models to follow.
