After tearing down the iPhone Air, the team at iFixit has now given the iPhone 17 Pro the same treatment. Their detailed teardown reveals a mix of impressive engineering and one design setback when it comes to repairability.
A Look Inside the Vapor Chamber
Inside the iPhone 17 Pro, most of the components are packed into the top third of the device. That leaves the rest of the space for the battery, USB-C port, and Taptic Engine.
The biggest highlight from iFixit’s findings is the new vapor chamber cooling system. Under the CT scan and microscope, they revealed the copper lattice and indentations that let liquid inside boil, evaporate, and condense in a continuous cycle.
This design moves heat away from the chip more efficiently, which should help with performance during heavy use.
Apple also made a change to the battery design. According to iFixit, the 17 Pro does not feature a dual-entry design, so you cannot access parts like the battery through the back glass anymore.
However, there is a new removable battery tray that is screwed into place with Torx screws. The battery still uses Apple’s electrically de-bonding adhesive, but the new metal casing makes it safer and easier to handle compared to older designs.
Is Scratchgate a Real Problem?
Shortly after launch, some iPhone 17 Pro users noticed scratches and scuffs on their devices, which sparked talk of a “scratchgate.” iFixit’s closer look confirmed that the issue is real, especially on the sharp edges of the camera bump.
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The problem lies in the anodization process. On the edges, the coating is thinner and less even, which makes the aluminum underneath easier to expose when scratched. Under the microscope, iFixit showed how even something as soft as a penny can chip away at the coating.
Repairability Score
Despite the new cooling system and removable battery tray, the iPhone 17 Pro still received a repairability score of 7 out of 10 in iFixit’s testing. The score reflects Apple’s improved battery handling but also the drawback of reverting to a front-only access design.
An earlier teardown by REWA Technology also highlighted how the iPhone 17 Pro is easier to repair.
Overall, the teardown confirms that the iPhone 17 Pro is both innovative and flawed. The vapor chamber cooling system is a strong step forward, and the removable battery tray is good news for repairs. On the other hand, scratchgate is a genuine issue that Apple will likely need to address in future models.
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