The iPhone 18 Pro's Repairability Rating Is a Step Forward, But Apple Still Has a Long Way to Go

What's Behind the iFixit Rating?

When iFixit dissected the newest iPhone 18 Pro, it found a device that is considerably more repairable than many of its predecessors. The company awarded the phone a score of 7 out of 10, which is notable given Apple's historically tight control over hardware accessibility. This rating matches that of the iPhone 17 Pro, which was also met with praise for its improved accessibility.

But it's not all good news. The most glaring issue lies in a new feature: a variable aperture lens inside the main camera. This innovation, while groundbreaking for smartphone photography, introduces moving parts that make individual repairs extremely difficult—a stark contrast to Apple's usual approach of minimizing complexity in design.

"This camera system is essentially unfixable if any one of its components fails," said an iFixit analyst during the teardown process. "You'd need a full replacement."

A Step Forward, Not a Revolution

Despite the camera's challenges, there are improvements in other areas. The battery, for instance, is now easier to replace. While it still requires removing the screen due to strong adhesives, once that's done, the battery is secured only by screws—making extraction far more manageable than in previous models.

The phone also offers an improved camera assembly that can be removed without requiring specialized tools, which aligns with Apple's ongoing effort to make repairs more user-friendly. The overall design still reflects Apple's emphasis on durability and aesthetic integration, but it shows a clear shift toward balancing these priorities with practicality.

Apple's Evolving Repair Stance

It's worth noting that this progress comes after years of resistance from Apple to the right-to-repair movement. The company has faced intense scrutiny, particularly following European Union legislation mandating more accessible repair options. In response, Apple introduced a self-service repair program in 2021, though it was initially met with skepticism due to limited access to parts and tools.

Over time, Apple has made adjustments, including introducing the Repair Assistant, a digital guide that walks users through the repair process. While these steps have improved the accessibility of repairs, they don't go far enough to address the core issue: Apple's continued use of proprietary and tightly integrated components.

Comparing with Past Models

In previous years, iFixit gave iPhones like the iPhone 17 a D- rating for repairability. That was a wake-up call for Apple, and one that led to some incremental improvements in later models. The iPhone 18 Pro reflects those efforts, but it's not without its drawbacks.

• The camera's aperture system is complex and not meant to be serviced by average users.
• Battery replacement remains a task best left to professionals or Apple-approved technicians.
• While the phone's overall design supports some DIY fixes, it still requires significant effort and precision.

The Bigger Picture: Why Repairability Matters

The question isn't just about convenience—it's about consumer rights and sustainability. When devices are built to last but can't be fixed, they end up in landfills faster than they should. The EU's right-to-repair regulations are pushing companies like Apple to reconsider how they design products, not only for profit but for long-term use.

I've seen firsthand how the lack of repairability affects people in rural areas and developing countries, where access to authorized service centers is limited. If a phone breaks, it often means the entire device must be replaced—a luxury many can't afford.

Apple's latest move with the iPhone 18 Pro is encouraging, but we're still watching how far it will go in truly empowering users and repair professionals alike. The camera's variable aperture may offer more creative control for photographers, but it also highlights a design philosophy that prioritizes aesthetics over usability—a trade-off that needs to be carefully weighed.

Looking Ahead

The iPhone 18 Pro is a solid step in the right direction, but it's only part of the story. As consumers, we must continue demanding transparency and accessibility from manufacturers. Apple's journey toward true repairability will be a long one, but with consistent pressure and regulatory support, we may see more devices that are both innovative and sustainable.

In the end, the goal isn't just to make phones look good—it's to ensure they can last longer, too.