Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
63,194
30,135


Apple is providing Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers with a new heated display removal fixture for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro repairs, according to information obtained by MacRumors from a reliable source.

iphone-12-blue-aluminum.jpg

To open iPhone 12 models, technicians will be required to slide the device into a specialized tray, and then place the tray into the high-temperature fixture for two minutes to warm up the adhesive below the display. Once the adhesive is loose, technicians will be able to remove the display by twisting an arm with a suction cup at the top of the machine.

It is unclear why Apple is requiring that heat be used to remove the display on iPhone 12 models, but it could be due to the devices having a new flat-edge design with a display that sits flush with the frame. iPhone 12 models also have improved IP68-rated water resistance up to a depth of six meters, which could mean the devices have stronger adhesive.

Apple's standard display removal tool for previous-generation iPhones is a relatively basic arm with a suction cup, with no heat involved.

Given that teardowns of iPhone 12 models have already surfaced online, it clearly remains possible to open the devices without using Apple's new heated fixture, but it will be a requirement for Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers nonetheless.

Apple recently disclosed its out-of-warranty repair pricing for iPhone 12 models, including $69 for a replacement battery and $279 for a screen repair. For all other damage, such as cracked rear glass, the repair fee is $449 for the iPhone 12 and $549 for the iPhone 12 Pro. To obtain service, visit the Get Support page on Apple's website.

Update: In response to this news, MacRumors received the following statement from Kyle Wiens, founder of electronics repair website iFixit.com: "iPhone owners should have the ability to repair their own phones. If the new iPhone design requires a fixture to repair, Apple should sell it to their customers."

Update 2: A photo of the heated display removal fixture has surfaced on Twitter:

heated-display-removal-fixture-iphone.jpeg


Article Link: Apple Distributing New Heated Display Removal Machine for iPhone 12 Repairs
 
Last edited:

yurc

macrumors 6502a
Aug 12, 2016
833
1,011
inside your DSDT
iFixit guys must be busy cracking it up right now. Let's see if they old school usual heater method still working for iPhone 12.
 

Seoras

macrumors 6502a
Oct 25, 2007
755
2,000
Scotsman in New Zealand
Update: In response to this news, MacRumors received the following statement from Kyle Wiens, founder of electronics website iFixit.com: "iPhone owners should have the ability to repair their own phones. If the new iPhone design requires a fixture to repair, Apple should sell it to their customers."

Well he would say that wouldn't he being from iFixit and Apple selling it to him perhaps is what he really meant to say.
 

Tech198

Cancelled
Mar 21, 2011
15,915
2,151
cool...so like an oven

Would makes things easier, no more using strength and muscle power.

iFixit only cares about iFixit. Right To Repair is a very bad joke when it comes to highly complex, incredibly physically dense electronics like an iPhone. 'Repairable' phones would cost more, be bulkier, and lose water resistance.

It would work, as long as Apple makes some scarifies.. Don't look like that's gonna happen though.
 

Madonepro

macrumors 6502a
Mar 16, 2011
653
626
iFixit only cares about iFixit. Right To Repair is a very bad joke when it comes to highly complex, incredibly physically dense electronics like an iPhone. 'Repairable' phones would cost more, be bulkier, and lose water resistance.
Yeah I don’t get why they get so irate about it. Yeah sure laptops and desktops should be upgradable, but phones?
Somethings should just be left to experts, not users. Batteries are a grey area, but to get better battery life, companies have integrated them into their devices instead of providing hardware infrastructure to swap them in and out.
 
  • Love
Reactions: LeadingHeat
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.