Iphone 18 Pro's Innovative Camera Design Complicates Repairs

WHO:

Engadget - Apple is the manufacturer of the iPhone 18 Pro.

Techmeme - Elizabeth Chamberlain is a contributor from iFixit News.

WHAT:

Engadget - The iPhone 18 Pro features a variable aperture camera.

Techmeme - The iPhone 18 Pro's system on a chip (SoC) is now located outside the logic board for improved cooling.

Techmeme - The variable aperture design includes multiple moving parts, complicating repairs.

HOW:

Engadget - The variable aperture is designed to enhance photo quality but poses significant repair challenges.

Techmeme - The design of the iPhone 18 Pro's camera includes a mechanical pupil that is complex to repair.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 11:58 UTC)

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro, which features a cutting-edge variable aperture camera designed to enhance photo quality. This new model includes a system on a chip that is now positioned outside the logic board for improved cooling, but the intricate design with multiple moving parts complicates repairs. Elizabeth Chamberlain from iFixit News highlights that the mechanical pupil in the camera adds to the challenges technicians will face when servicing the device.