Introduction: IPhone Disassembly - a Guide Inside the IPhone

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A guide on how-to disassemble the iPhone. This guide is provided by PowerbookMedic.com

We've also posted a quick overview video on YouTube.


Do not copy or reproduce any contents of this manual without the express written consent of PowerbookMedic.com.

Step 1: Unpacking the IPhone

Picture 1 :The box. It is very stylish as is usual with Apple products.
Picture 2 : Inside the box. Here you can see the standard packaging and the first look at the beautiful display of the iPhone.
Picture 3:All of the accessories. It comes with a lot of standard items including the dock connector, mini power adapter, manuals, and headphones.
Picture 4: The iPhone by itself. Very sleek.
Picture 5: The activation screen.

Step 2: Opening the IPhone

Picture 1: To open the case, it is first advised to protect the back casing if you are inexperienced. It is easy to slip and accidentally damage the casing.
Picture 2: It is best to overdo it since we will be using sharp metal tools that could very quickly damage the unit.
Picture 3: The first thing to do is remove the rubber backing. You will need to wedge your flat tool (such as a putty knife) into the groove and gently pry it up but to be careful not to bend the casing.
Picture 4: Once it is loosened, you can pop it off. It will generally bend backwards. There are a couple of clips holding it to the upper metal back casing so watch for those clips.
Picture 5: Once you have the rubber back off, there are two screws to remove. One is located near the middle.
Picture 6: The other is located to the far left.
Picture 7: After this, you will need to do start releasing the clips along the edge of the case between the front frame and the back case. This can be tricky and it is best to get your flat tool and slide it through the groove until you hear them pop as they release.

Step 3: Removing the Sim Card

Picture 1 : The sim card is held on a tray and slid into the slot as seen in the picture above.
Picture 2 : Gently start pulling up and away on the now partially freed front case. You will then be able to see the tray slightly move out enough to be able to grab the tray and pull it out.
Picture 3: The card with its tray is now free.

Step 4: Inside the IPhone

Picture 1: Once the sim card is out, you can now free any remaining clips and flip the back case over and lay the two pieces side by side. You now get your first real look at the guts of the iPhone.
Picture 2: Pictured is the battery that is soldered to the logic board, so switching out the batteries are going to be a pain just like on the iPod nanos.
Picture 3: The headphone board is pictured above and is located on the back case to the right. It is very similar to the 3rd and 4th gen style iPod headphone board. It is attached by one cable that controls the audio to the headphone board and the power button.
Picture 4: The headphone board cable can simply be removed by gently prying up on the connection to the logic board.
Picture 5: There are several screws holding the front metal frame on which surround the LCD. There are three on each side.
Picture 6: There is a small gasket covering one screw on the right side of the dock connector on the bottom.
Picture 7: And two on the bottom.
Picture 8: And two on the top.
Picture 9: You can now remove the front metal frame.
Picture 10: Pictured above is the heat shield covering the logic board and the camera. There are three screws holding down the board. One is near the camera and the two longer screws are towards the sides.
Picture 11: You can pop off the camera by gently prying up on the connector to the main board.
Picture 12: There is a small piece of tape holding down one of the antenna cables. You can simply peel off the tape.
Picture 13: There are two accesible cables on the underside of the logic board. These can be popped off just like the other cables mentioned previously.
Picture 14: The battery is held on by adhesive to the front case and soldered to the logic board by three wires. It can be gently pryed up from the bottom to loosen the adhesive.
Picture 15: You can then pull back the logic board and you can see the LCD cable. It is one of the standard iPod connectors and can be tricky if you aren't experienced with them. The locking bar needs to be flipped up and then the cable can slide out.
Picture 16: The iPhone is now disassembled.