Apple’s new iPhone Air has been marketed as the company’s thinnest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.64 mm thick. While slim devices often raise concerns about durability and repairability, the design of this model has sparked a lot of curiosity about how Apple balanced those challenges.
In its latest teardown, iFixit examined the internals of the iPhone Air and revealed that Apple has managed to combine sleek design with better-than-expected serviceability. Instead of stacking components vertically, the logic board sits above the battery, which creates a flatter disassembly process. This approach avoids the complications of older slim iPhones that were prone to bending and difficult repairs, while also reducing stress on the board and leaving more room for accessible servicing.
Inside, the iPhone Air carries Apple’s A19 Pro chip, the upgraded C1X modem, and the new N1 WiFi chip, all integrated within a compact logic board. The device skips some hardware compared to its larger counterparts, like a second rear camera or a bottom speaker, but this streamlined approach contributes to faster repairs and fewer points of failure.
Battery life has been a mixed point of discussion, as the 12.26 Wh cell is smaller than recent iPhone Pro models. However, Apple’s efficiency gains allow it to deliver “all-day” use in practice. More importantly, battery replacements are straightforward thanks to electrically debonding adhesive strips and a protective metal casing. iFixit also confirmed that the same cell is used in Apple’s MagSafe battery pack, offering interesting compatibility for repair and replacement.
The teardown further highlights structural improvements. The titanium frame and redesigned midframe give the iPhone Air greater rigidity than older thin iPhones that suffered from bending issues. Apple also redesigned the MagSafe coil to fit inside the slim chassis without compromising wireless charging performance, demonstrating careful engineering in balancing size and functionality.
When it comes to repairs, iFixit notes that the display detaches cleanly using Apple’s familiar adhesive strips, making it easier for technicians to replace one of the most common failure points. The modular USB-C port is another notable highlight. Ports are often among the first parts to fail, and while Apple does not sell it as a standalone replacement, the Air’s design makes it feasible to swap when needed. The port is housed in a 3D-printed titanium bracket, an approach that reduces material waste while maintaining strength.
Sustainability also plays a larger role this year. Apple is using recycled cobalt in the iPhone Air’s battery and leveraging additive manufacturing techniques for smaller components like the port housing. These choices not only improve repairability but also reinforce Apple’s environmental messaging.
Finally, iFixit awarded the iPhone Air a 7 out of 10 repairability score, higher than many expected for a device this thin. The combination of modular design, accessible adhesives, and fewer fragile stacked components makes it one of the more repair-friendly iPhones in recent years.
Overall, the teardown highlights a refreshing direction for Apple’s design language. Despite being the thinnest iPhone, the Air is not locked down by excessive adhesives or complex part stacking. Instead, its modular components and improved accessibility suggest that thin does not have to mean unrepairable. While users may still need third-party parts and services for certain repairs, the findings make it clear that Apple is experimenting with ways to make even its sleekest devices more sustainable and repair-friendly.
