iPhone 6 Plus Teardown
The iPhone's development has included the introduction of 3G connectivity, periodic model designations incorporating an "S," biometric fingerprint scanning capabilities, and ultimately culminated in the iPhone 6 Plus.
During this live demonstration, we will be disassembling and examining the complete iPhone 6 Plus.
A standard iPhone 6 disassembly procedure is also available if that's what you require.
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Step 1 | iPhone 6 Plus Teardown
You are now working on an iPhone 6 Plus.
Let's explore the distinguishing features of this large-format mobile device, as you requested.
Let's explore the distinguishing features of this large-format mobile device, as you requested.
- The device utilizes an Apple A8 processor featuring a 64-bit architecture.
- The motion coprocessor is an M8, second generation.
- Available memory ranges from 16 gigabytes to 128 gigabytes.
- The screen measures 5.5 inches diagonally and presents a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 401 pixels per inch, characteristic of a Retina HD display.
- The device incorporates an 8-megapixel iSight camera featuring 1.5-micrometer pixels, phase-detection autofocus capabilities, and optical image stabilization, alongside a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera.
- The device incorporates a Touch ID home button fingerprint sensor, a barometer, a 3-axis gyro, an accelerometer, and an ambient light sensor.
- The device supports Wi-Fi connectivity using the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac standards, incorporates Bluetooth version 4.0, includes Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality, and provides 20-band LTE capabilities.
Step 2
Australian technicians have reported a common issue.
Approximately 50 individuals had already gathered in a queue yesterday at 1:00 PM Australian local time.
Approximately 1,000 individuals had gathered in a queue by 7:00 AM.
Due to limited iPhone 6 Plus availability—only 40 units were on hand—our disassembly crew faced a wait time placing them at position number 53.
This guide utilizes an iPhone 6 Plus, generously provided by Ricky, an iFixit contributor from Australia.
This Ricky is a different individual than the one previously referenced.
With gratitude to MacFixit Australia for their generous hospitality and workspace, the disassembly is now underway at their facility, which also provides Mac and iPhone upgrades, accessories, and iFixit toolkits for purchase.
Approximately 50 individuals had already gathered in a queue yesterday at 1:00 PM Australian local time.
Approximately 1,000 individuals had gathered in a queue by 7:00 AM.
Due to limited iPhone 6 Plus availability—only 40 units were on hand—our disassembly crew faced a wait time placing them at position number 53.
This guide utilizes an iPhone 6 Plus, generously provided by Ricky, an iFixit contributor from Australia.
This Ricky is a different individual than the one previously referenced.
With gratitude to MacFixit Australia for their generous hospitality and workspace, the disassembly is now underway at their facility, which also provides Mac and iPhone upgrades, accessories, and iFixit toolkits for purchase.
Step 3
The iPhone 6 Plus Pop-Tarts Bluetooth/NFC speaker will be available at most grocery stores.
With dimensions of 158.1 mm in length, 77.8 mm in width, and a thickness of 7.1 mm, the iPhone 6 Plus is noticeably larger, comparable in size to a Pop-Tart.
Although measuring 7.1 mm, this iPhone model is slightly less bulky than its predecessor, the iPhone 5s, which had a thickness of 7.6 mm.
With dimensions of 158.1 mm in length, 77.8 mm in width, and a thickness of 7.1 mm, the iPhone 6 Plus is noticeably larger, comparable in size to a Pop-Tart.
Although measuring 7.1 mm, this iPhone model is slightly less bulky than its predecessor, the iPhone 5s, which had a thickness of 7.6 mm.
Step 4
The iPhone 6 Plus, mirroring the iPhone 5s, comes in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray finishes; for demonstration purposes, we utilized the Gold model.
To confirm you have the correct iPhone 6 Plus model, check for the identifier A1524.
Due to limitations in camera sensor thickness reduction, iPhone 6 models exhibit a protruding camera assembly, a design element that has drawn criticism. While the lens is protected by sapphire glass, the resulting protrusion raises concerns about the device's overall resilience.
Similar to the HTC One M8, the iPhone 6 Plus incorporates two plastic antenna bands affixed to its exterior housing; these bands facilitate wireless signal reception, compensating for potential obstruction caused by the device’s full metal construction.
To confirm you have the correct iPhone 6 Plus model, check for the identifier A1524.
Due to limitations in camera sensor thickness reduction, iPhone 6 models exhibit a protruding camera assembly, a design element that has drawn criticism. While the lens is protected by sapphire glass, the resulting protrusion raises concerns about the device's overall resilience.
Similar to the HTC One M8, the iPhone 6 Plus incorporates two plastic antenna bands affixed to its exterior housing; these bands facilitate wireless signal reception, compensating for potential obstruction caused by the device’s full metal construction.
Step 5
Apple continues to use Pentalobe screws instead of standard Phillips screws, but the Pro Tech Screwdriver Set will allow their removal.
Although we prefer simpler fasteners, thankfully disassembly doesn't require applying heat to remove the specialized screws.
Although we prefer simpler fasteners, thankfully disassembly doesn't require applying heat to remove the specialized screws.
Step 6
Using the iSclack tool, carefully separate the display assembly from the rear enclosure.
Exercise care, recalling previous unexpected complications.
Carefully, and without observing any apparent security mechanisms, begin opening the small, gold-colored container.
The Touch ID sensor cable’s repositioning mirrors the iPhone 5’s streamlined layout—a design choice that also simplifies the opening process and enhances repair safety, reflecting the model’s then-leading repairability rating.
A metal bracket secures the display assembly cables to the logic board, mirroring a design previously used in older iPhone models.
Exercise care, recalling previous unexpected complications.
Carefully, and without observing any apparent security mechanisms, begin opening the small, gold-colored container.
The Touch ID sensor cable’s repositioning mirrors the iPhone 5’s streamlined layout—a design choice that also simplifies the opening process and enhances repair safety, reflecting the model’s then-leading repairability rating.
A metal bracket secures the display assembly cables to the logic board, mirroring a design previously used in older iPhone models.
Step 7
After detaching the display assembly, the internal components of the iPhone 6 Plus become visible.
Although the iPhone 6 Plus’s internal components share a design resemblance with the iPhone 5s, the significantly larger battery—a noticeable difference in size—suggests extended battery performance.
Although the iPhone 6 Plus’s internal components share a design resemblance with the iPhone 5s, the significantly larger battery—a noticeable difference in size—suggests extended battery performance.
Step 8
A metal bracket fastens the home button assembly in place.
Once the bracket is detached, the home button can be dislodged from the front panel assembly.
The construction mirrors the previous model's button assembly, though accessing it for repair requires additional time.
Once the bracket is detached, the home button can be dislodged from the front panel assembly.
The construction mirrors the previous model's button assembly, though accessing it for repair requires additional time.
Step 9
The cable assembly incorporating the front camera also houses the earpiece speaker, microphone, and ambient light sensor, all of which are mounted on the front panel assembly.
Step 10
Detach the front panel assembly's metal plate.
Apple significantly improved the home button's connection to the logic board, eliminating the previous short and vulnerable cable design found in iPhone 5s models; the new cable now extends to the phone's opposite end.
Extending the cable is unnecessary for functionality, but facilitates future repairs.
Apple significantly improved the home button's connection to the logic board, eliminating the previous short and vulnerable cable design found in iPhone 5s models; the new cable now extends to the phone's opposite end.
Extending the cable is unnecessary for functionality, but facilitates future repairs.
Step 11
Disconnecting the battery is the subsequent procedure; this involves its removal from the iPhone 6 Plus.
Employ metal tweezers to remove the metal bracket securing the battery connector.
At the base of the battery, you'll find adhesive tabs designed for easy removal.
Successfully extracting the adhesive pull tab from an iPhone battery is straightforward, but improper technique can result in irreversible damage to the battery and device.
Like 3M Command adhesive, this product is designed to detach cleanly; proper removal involves pulling the tab in a manner that causes the entire adhesive strip to separate.
Employ metal tweezers to remove the metal bracket securing the battery connector.
At the base of the battery, you'll find adhesive tabs designed for easy removal.
Successfully extracting the adhesive pull tab from an iPhone battery is straightforward, but improper technique can result in irreversible damage to the battery and device.
Like 3M Command adhesive, this product is designed to detach cleanly; proper removal involves pulling the tab in a manner that causes the entire adhesive strip to separate.
Step 12
Following the activation sequence, the battery, weighing 43 grams and measuring 4.7 inches by 1.9 inches by 0.13 inches, will detach from the rear case enclosure.
The battery's specifications confirm earlier reports, exhibiting a 3.82 V rating and an energy capacity of 11.1 Wh, equating to 2915 mAh. This represents almost twice the capacity of the iPhone 5s's 1560 mAh battery and surpasses the 2800 mAh capacity found in the Galaxy S5.
Thanks to a larger battery capacity and enhanced power management, the device offers up to 24 hours of talk time when using a 3G connection, and a standby time lasting up to 384 hours.
Due to its increased capacity—a 6.91 Wh, 1810 mAh rating—the Plus model's battery delivers extended performance, compensating for the larger display.
The battery's specifications confirm earlier reports, exhibiting a 3.82 V rating and an energy capacity of 11.1 Wh, equating to 2915 mAh. This represents almost twice the capacity of the iPhone 5s's 1560 mAh battery and surpasses the 2800 mAh capacity found in the Galaxy S5.
Thanks to a larger battery capacity and enhanced power management, the device offers up to 24 hours of talk time when using a 3G connection, and a standby time lasting up to 384 hours.
Due to its increased capacity—a 6.91 Wh, 1810 mAh rating—the Plus model's battery delivers extended performance, compensating for the larger display.
Step 13
Introducing a novel component.
Positioned beneath the logic board and to the battery's right side, you'll find the vibrator assembly.
Using the specialized prying tool designated "Jimmy," carefully separate the vibrator assembly. This tool is universally recognized and essential for this step.
The device incorporates a sensitive arrangement of copper coils, designed to generate alternating magnetic fields. These fields induce movement in a permanent magnet, which is suspended and dampened by two springs.
Positioned beneath the logic board and to the battery's right side, you'll find the vibrator assembly.
Using the specialized prying tool designated "Jimmy," carefully separate the vibrator assembly. This tool is universally recognized and essential for this step.
The device incorporates a sensitive arrangement of copper coils, designed to generate alternating magnetic fields. These fields induce movement in a permanent magnet, which is suspended and dampened by two springs.
Step 14
Carefully remove the rear camera assembly using tweezers.
On the rear of the iSight camera module, you will find a label displaying the identifier DNL432 70566F MKLAB.
The rear-facing camera on the 6 Plus, similar to the iPhone 5s, utilizes an 8-megapixel sensor with 1.5μ pixels and an ƒ/2.2 aperture; however, this model incorporates optical image stabilization and "Focus Pixel" phase-detection autofocus technology.
Although phase-detection autofocus is a long-standing technology in digital single-lens reflex cameras, its integration into smartphones is a more recent development; notably, while the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus popularized this feature, the Samsung Galaxy S5 initially incorporated it.
On the rear of the iSight camera module, you will find a label displaying the identifier DNL432 70566F MKLAB.
The rear-facing camera on the 6 Plus, similar to the iPhone 5s, utilizes an 8-megapixel sensor with 1.5μ pixels and an ƒ/2.2 aperture; however, this model incorporates optical image stabilization and "Focus Pixel" phase-detection autofocus technology.
Although phase-detection autofocus is a long-standing technology in digital single-lens reflex cameras, its integration into smartphones is a more recent development; notably, while the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus popularized this feature, the Samsung Galaxy S5 initially incorporated it.
Step 15
Observe and correct any deviations from a straight line, ensuring tolerances remain within specified limits.
Step 16
Given Apple's emphasis on iPhone camera capabilities, frequently highlighting its global popularity during product announcements, a closer examination of the camera's internal components is warranted.
- Carefully detach the camera housing by gently prying with a plastic opening tool.
- The iPhone 6 Plus camera, notably enhanced with greater storage capacity, has become a popular choice among independent and aspiring filmmakers.
Step 17
Examination of the rear camera's internal components confirms the presence of a lens, which is compact in size.
The camera's sensor is located directly under the lens.
Unlike the iPhone 6's camera, this model incorporates optical image stabilization, a previously utilized technology. Within the camera assembly, the left-side lens element is housed inside a small metal cage, and its position is adjusted by electromagnetic coils positioned around the sensor on the right side.
Utilizing data from the gyroscope and the M8 motion coprocessor, the iPhone 6 Plus precisely tracks hand movements, enabling swift adjustments to the lens assembly to counteract instability. This process yields improved image clarity and sharpness, particularly beneficial when photographing in dimly lit conditions.
Step 18
Carefully detach the logic board from the rear case enclosure, noting that it is fastened in place with several screws.
Carefully detach the antenna connector from the rear surface of the logic board using a spudger.
Step 19
Locate the integrated circuits situated on the logic board's exposed surface.
- The device incorporates an Apple A8 APL1011 system-on-chip paired with 1 GB of Elpida LPDDR3 RAM, identifiable by the part number EDF8164A3PM-GD-F.
- LTE modem, Qualcomm MDM9625M.
- Skyworks 77802-23, a low-band LTE pad.
- The component is an Avago ACPM-8020 High Band PAD.
- The ACPM-8010 amplifier module from Avago incorporates power amplification and frequency-balanced resonators.
- The TriQuint TQF6410 is a module functioning as a 3G EDGE power amplifier.
- The InvenSense MP67B integrates a gyroscope and accelerometer into a single device.
Step 20
Additional integrated circuits are located on the logic board's front surface.
- The device is a Qualcomm QFE1100 integrated circuit designed for envelope tracking.
- The RF5159 is an antenna switch module manufactured by RF Micro Devices.
- The Skyworks SKY77356-8 is a mid-band power amplifier device.
- The Bosch Sensortec BMA280 is a three-axis accelerometer.
Step 21
Locate the rear surface of the logic board.
This SK Hynix NAND flash memory module has a capacity of 128 Gigabits, equivalent to 16 Gigabytes, and is identified as model number H2JTDG8UD1BMS.
Wi-Fi functionality is provided by the Murata 339S0228 module.
Power management functionality is handled by the Apple/Dialog 338S1251-AZ integrated circuit.
The device incorporates a Broadcom BCM5976 touchscreen controller.
The M8 motion coprocessor, alternatively identified as the NXP LPC18B1UK, is an ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller.
The device incorporates an NXP PN544 NFC controller within an NXP 65V10 NFC module, which also includes a secure element.
RF Transceiver: Qualcomm WTR1625L
This SK Hynix NAND flash memory module has a capacity of 128 Gigabits, equivalent to 16 Gigabytes, and is identified as model number H2JTDG8UD1BMS.
Wi-Fi functionality is provided by the Murata 339S0228 module.
Power management functionality is handled by the Apple/Dialog 338S1251-AZ integrated circuit.
The device incorporates a Broadcom BCM5976 touchscreen controller.
The M8 motion coprocessor, alternatively identified as the NXP LPC18B1UK, is an ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller.
The device incorporates an NXP PN544 NFC controller within an NXP 65V10 NFC module, which also includes a secure element.
RF Transceiver: Qualcomm WTR1625L
Step 22
Additional integrated circuits are located on the underside of the logic board.
Carrier aggregation functionality with the WTR1625L necessitates the use of the Qualcomm WFR1620 receive-only companion chip, as specified by Qualcomm.
The power management integrated circuit is a Qualcomm PM8019.
The component is a Texas Instruments 343S0694 Touch Transmitter.
The AMS AS3923 is a near-field communication (NFC) amplifier integrated circuit.
The audio codec is a Cirrus Logic 338S1201.
BMP280, a pressure and temperature sensor manufactured by Bosch Sensortec.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Chipworks for their invaluable assistance in identifying the components used in this device; their expertise was essential to the completion of this guide.
Carrier aggregation functionality with the WTR1625L necessitates the use of the Qualcomm WFR1620 receive-only companion chip, as specified by Qualcomm.
The power management integrated circuit is a Qualcomm PM8019.
The component is a Texas Instruments 343S0694 Touch Transmitter.
The AMS AS3923 is a near-field communication (NFC) amplifier integrated circuit.
The audio codec is a Cirrus Logic 338S1201.
BMP280, a pressure and temperature sensor manufactured by Bosch Sensortec.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Chipworks for their invaluable assistance in identifying the components used in this device; their expertise was essential to the completion of this guide.
Step 23
Carefully detach the iPhone 6 Plus's single speaker.
Despite the lack of clear labeling, the speaker’s construction utilizes a modular design. The speaker’s country of manufacture is currently unknown.
Despite the lack of clear labeling, the speaker’s construction utilizes a modular design. The speaker’s country of manufacture is currently unknown.
Step 24
The headphone jack, Lightning connector, and several antenna connectors are all components of the Lightning connector assembly.
These compact cable assemblies offer efficient use of space, however, the daily stress of repeated pulling can damage the headphone jack connection.
These compact cable assemblies offer efficient use of space, however, the daily stress of repeated pulling can damage the headphone jack connection.
Step 25
Several antennas are located on the upper portion of the rear case enclosure and require attention.
Carefully manipulate the antennas with tweezers to avoid damage.
Carefully manipulate the antennas with tweezers to avoid damage.
Step 26
Toward the conclusion of disassembly, you will encounter both the power button ribbon cable assembly and the volume button ribbon cable assembly.
The assemblies feature small parts connected by delicate, thin wires, similar to the arrangement of bulbs on a string of decorative lights.
The assemblies feature small parts connected by delicate, thin wires, similar to the arrangement of bulbs on a string of decorative lights.
Step 27
The power button's enclosure incorporates a newly designed rubber gasket, and its installation requires careful attention.
To enhance water and dust protection, contributing to greater device longevity, gaskets are also fitted around the volume buttons.
To enhance water and dust protection, contributing to greater device longevity, gaskets are also fitted around the volume buttons.
Step 28
Following the repair, the iPhone 6 Plus achieved a performance score of seven out of ten, representing an upgrade compared to the iPhone 5s.
As with previous iPhone 5 models, the display unit is detached as the initial step in the repair process, which streamlines screen replacements.
Accessing the battery is relatively simple; however, it necessitates a specialized pentalobe screwdriver and familiarity with adhesive release methods for removal, though the process itself isn't complex.
To improve the iPhone 5s’s repairability and reduce the risk of damage during disassembly, the fingerprint sensor cable’s path has been altered; previously, this cable was prone to tearing if care wasn't taken when opening the device.
Due to the use of unique, non-standard Pentalobe screws securing the exterior components, a specialized screwdriver is essential for disassembly.
Due to Apple's policy, detailed repair documentation for the iPhone 6 Plus is unavailable to both authorized and non-authorized service providers, as well as individual users.
As with previous iPhone 5 models, the display unit is detached as the initial step in the repair process, which streamlines screen replacements.
Accessing the battery is relatively simple; however, it necessitates a specialized pentalobe screwdriver and familiarity with adhesive release methods for removal, though the process itself isn't complex.
To improve the iPhone 5s’s repairability and reduce the risk of damage during disassembly, the fingerprint sensor cable’s path has been altered; previously, this cable was prone to tearing if care wasn't taken when opening the device.
Due to the use of unique, non-standard Pentalobe screws securing the exterior components, a specialized screwdriver is essential for disassembly.
Due to Apple's policy, detailed repair documentation for the iPhone 6 Plus is unavailable to both authorized and non-authorized service providers, as well as individual users.