The disassembly revealed a striking design innovation: Apple’s “camera plateau” structure integrates part of the logic board into the camera module. This not only frees up space for a metal-encased 12.26Wh battery, but also shields the board from flex stress.

In structural tests, the iPhone Air’s titanium frame proved nearly unbendable when fully assembled. However, once the internal components were removed, the frame was more susceptible to bending. This is due to Apple’s inclusion of plastic inserts to reduce signal interference - raising questions about long-term durability. As iFixit noted, “Whether these weak points pose real-world issues for users remains to be seen.”

A surprising discovery is that the iPhone Air battery is identical to the one found in Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack. iFixit confirmed that users could technically swap the battery from the pack into the iPhone Air without complications.

Despite its ultra-thin build, the iPhone Air is more repairable than expected. Internal components are layered minimally, the screen and back panel use a simple clamping system for easier removal, and the battery is held in place with adhesive that can be softened using low-voltage electricity - a method first introduced in the iPhone 16.

The USB-C port, printed in 3D titanium alloy, is robust but less scratch-resistant than the main frame. Though glued in place, it can still be independently replaced.

Apple’s in-house silicon dominance

The iPhone Air is also notable for its unprecedented use of Apple-designed chips, making it the most self-reliant iPhone to date. It includes Apple’s own C1X 5G modem, N1 networking chip, and the new A19 Pro processor. While other iPhone 17 models still use Qualcomm modems, the Air marks a complete shift to Apple’s internal silicon.

Thanks to easier access to the battery and display, iFixit gave the iPhone Air a provisional repairability score of 7/10. The score also reflects Apple’s ongoing improvements in repair access, including wider availability of spare parts, detailed repair manuals, and reduced software pairing restrictions - an important move toward “right-to-repair” compliance.

In a bold marketing move, Apple allowed journalists to physically try bending the iPhone Air during interviews following the iPhone 17 launch event. The test was meant to demonstrate the device's structural integrity, but opinions remain divided about how the thin design will hold up under extended use.

Du Lam