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

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jul 13, 2008
5,505
3,513
NJ
Been trying to figure out how the Apple Watch would open, assuming Apple didn't go with a completely-closed design. There are no screws on the chassis, unless there are small screws in the area where the band connects. Does anybody have more info on the extent that an Apple Watch is able to be opened, and if the chassis can be separated from the unit or if it's more akin to modern Apple products where the internal electronics have to be removed piece-by-piece in order for the chassis to be removed?
 
Been trying to figure out how the Apple Watch would open, assuming Apple didn't go with a completely-closed design. There are no screws on the chassis, unless there are small screws in the area where the band connects. Does anybody have more info on the extent that an Apple Watch is able to be opened, and if the chassis can be separated from the unit or if it's more akin to modern Apple products where the internal electronics have to be removed piece-by-piece in order for the chassis to be removed?


Would be very funny if it's glued! (Like iMac)
 
The case back may be press fitted in place. To remove would require a powerful suction device most likely.
 
iMac displays are held on with magnets. not glue.....

The older iMacs used magnets. The current ones use custom-cut pieces of double-sided tape. The repair kits include a tool to open the case and a new set of tape pieces.

When they started to glue the display to the cover glass, the whole assembly probably got too heavy for the magnets to hold reliably. That's when they started using tape.
 
The older iMacs used magnets. The current ones use custom-cut pieces of double-sided tape. The repair kits include a tool to open the case and a new set of tape pieces.

When they started to glue the display to the cover glass, the whole assembly probably got too heavy for the magnets to hold reliably. That's when they started using tape.

every iMac i've seen opened up including the newer ones with no optical drive have magnets and i've worked at the genius bar. what proof do you do have?

i don't work there anymore but thats what i've seen
 
every iMac i've seen opened up including the newer ones with no optical drive have magnets and i've worked at the genius bar. what proof do you do have?

i don't work there anymore but thats what i've seen

Nope, he's right. The newer iMacs don't use magnets anymore.
 
every iMac i've seen opened up including the newer ones with no optical drive have magnets and i've worked at the genius bar. what proof do you do have?

i don't work there anymore but thats what i've seen

There were threads showing how to open the case here on MacRumors just after the iMacs started shipping. This was the most popular thread, but the photos aren't there any more:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1507713/

Repair kits, including the pre-cut tape and Apple's instructions, have been seen on eBay and elsewhere.

If you pass a small steel object like a paper clip near the edges of iMac screen, older iMacs grab the object and you can easily locate the magnets. But it doesn't work on the current iMacs. I did this comparison myself in an Apple store when the new ones were released.
 
There were threads showing how to open the case here on MacRumors just after the iMacs started shipping. This was the most popular thread, but the photos aren't there any more:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1507713/

Repair kits, including the pre-cut tape and Apple's instructions, have been seen on eBay and elsewhere.

If you pass a small steel object like a paper clip near the edges of iMac screen, older iMacs grab the object and you can easily locate the magnets. But it doesn't work on the current iMacs. I did this comparison myself in an Apple store when the new ones were released.


there are still magnets. i've seen plenty of repairs.
 
i have a 21.5 not a 27


but also, have you been in person when one was open? i have multiple times.

Fine, the 21.5" teardown is very similar:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2638+Teardown/17829

I have NOT seen these open in person. I have seen multiple descriptions, with pictures, from a number of different sources. You're the ONLY person I've seen claim that these iMacs are held shut by magnets. I just want you to point out the location of the magnets.

The magnetic closure system is quite obvious in the teardown of an older iMac:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485
 
Fine, the 21.5" teardown is very similar:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2638+Teardown/17829

I have NOT seen these open in person. I have seen multiple descriptions, with pictures, from a number of different sources. You're the ONLY person I've seen claim that these iMacs are held shut by magnets. I just want you to point out the location of the magnets.

The magnetic closure system is quite obvious in the teardown of an older iMac:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485

this is odd. i've seen different things.
 
Pretty sure it's unibody, no removable parts.

I'm not sure what you mean by "unibody".

iMac bodies have a single structural aluminum shell piece. They can be opened up in a few minutes by anyone with proper tools and a bit of training. Virtually everything inside can be removed and replaced.

Follow the iFixit links above if you want to see what's in an iMac.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.