iPhone Air teardown: repairability without sacrificing thinness

iFixit’s teardown of the new iPhone Air awards it a provisional 7 out of 10 repairability score — notable for a phone that measures just 5.6mm thick. The report highlights several design choices that make repairs more approachable rather than more difficult.

Key findings

• Repairability score: 7/10 (iFixit)
• Battery: Easily swappable; uses the same metal‑cased cell as Apple’s MagSafe Battery accessory, and employs electrically released adhesive for safer replacements.
• USB‑C port: Modular design that should simplify replacement or cleaning.
• Dual‑entry access: Access to the battery can be achieved from the back glass as well as the display, reducing risk to the OLED when swapping batteries.
• Design: Despite being Apple’s thinnest iPhone at 5.6mm, the slimmer profile didn’t force added repair difficulty — iFixit calls repairs “more approachable, not less.”

Battery life & practical notes

Apple traded some battery capacity to keep the phone ultra‑thin, but early reviews report nearly a full day of typical use — comparable to other iPhone 17 models. iFixit also notes the included battery closely matches the MagSafe Battery accessory; the metal casing helps with durability and makes replacement easier.

Sources & where to learn more

Full teardown: iFixit — iPhone Air teardown

MagSafe Battery on Amazon: Buy/compare MagSafe Battery Pack

Question for readers: Would you pick a thinner phone even if it meant shorter battery life, or is ease of repair and battery longevity more important? Share your thoughts below.