iPhone Disassembly Guide

iPhone 4
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 3G
Updated: 04 Feb 2011

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

070-2616-B

 Apple Inc.
2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of
Apple.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple is not responsible
for printing or clerical errors.
Apple
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
USA
+ 1 408 996 1010
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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General Information
These procedures will cover the following for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G:
Proper method for opening and closing of the unit.

Check internal LCIs for triggering or signs of tampering.

Check for internal corrosion.

Check for missing components.

Identify the internal serial number label.

These instructions and the associated tools are for use by:
Apple Authorized Carrier Partners

Apple Authorized Service Providers

Before You Begin

Check for Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) activation externally before opening the unit.
- See the iPhone VMI Specification (070-2515) for details on identifying LCI triggers.

Make sure the iPhone is powered off (red slider)

Make sure you are working on a properly grounded ESD-safe mat and are wearing a properly
connected ESD-safe wrist strap

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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iPhone 4 Disassembly Instructions

iPhone 4 at a Glance
Headset Jack

Sleep/Wake
button

Second
microphone
(for noise
suppression)

Receiver

Ring/Silent
switch

Main Camera

Status bar

LED Flash

Volume
buttons

Application
icons

Front camera

SIM card tray

Apple Retina
display

(GSM model only)

Home button

Dock
connector

Microphone

Speaker

What You Will Need

ESD wrist strap

ESD-safe workstation
Important: Proper ESD precautions must always be used when opening iPhone.

iPhone Torque Driver and Bit (922-9606)

iPhone Torx Security Bit (922-9627)

iPhone 4 Battery Removal Fixture (922-9607)

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APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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iPhone 4 Model Differences

The iPhone 4 (GSM model) and iPhone 4 (CDMA model) are very similar, but can be easily differentiated by:
1.

The presence or lack of a SIM card tray (see first image below). The GSM model has a SIM card tray on the right
edge, whereas the CDMA model does not.

2.

The different positioning of joints on the metal band (see all images below).

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iPhone 4 Back Cover Removal

Step

Description

Detailed Instructions
a)

Remove Back
Cover

Photo

Insert the iPhone into the fixture as shown

and lock in place by engaging the red lever.

b) Use the iPhone Torque Driver and

appropriate bit (cross-head or torx security, as
needed) to remove the two (2) dock screws
through the corresponding holes in the
fixture screw mask.
c)

Remove the phone from the fixture. Carefully

slide the back cover up as shown and remove
from the unit.

d) Set the back cover aside.

a.

Internal Check

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

Inspect for internal damage or missing

components:
iPhone 4 (GSM model) shown here; iPhone 4
(CDMA model) has a slightly different layout.
See iPhone 4 Internal Check for details on
damage, tampering or how the unit should
appear.

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Step

Description

Detailed Instructions
a)

Photo

Place the back cover on the iPhone and align

the locking tabs so the back cover sits flush
against the stainless steel band. Carefully
slide the back cover down and into the
locked position.

b) Insert the iPhone into the fixture as shown

and lock in place by engaging the red lever.
2

Reinstall Back
Cover
c)

Using the iPhone Torque Driver and

appropriate bit (cross-head or torx security, as
needed), insert two (2) dock screws in the
corresponding holes and carefully tighten.

Note: The dock screws can be easily damaged, use the

iPhone Torque Driver to prevent over-torquing.

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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iPhone 4 (GSM model) Internal Check

Internal Liquid Contact Indicators
The iPhone 4 (GSM model) contains two internal liquid contact indicators (LCI) on the shield of the main board and
over one of the screws. If either of these indicators are activated (red), it indicates contact with liquid, which can
cause damage that is not covered under warranty.

LCI and
Tamper Label
(underneath
battery removal
pull tab)

LCI
Serial Number Barcode
(side of stainless steel band)

Missing Internal Parts or Modules

If there are missing internal components or parts, it is considered evidence of disassembly or modification, which:
is NOT covered under warranty.

is NOT eligible for paid repair.

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

070-2616-B

iPhone 4 (CDMA model) Internal Check

Internal Liquid Contact Indicators
The iPhone 4 (CDMA model) contains one internal liquid contact indicator (LCI) on the shield of the main board.
If this indicator is activated (red), it indicates contact with liquid, which can cause damage that is not covered
under warranty.

(underneath
battery pull
tab)

Missing Internal Parts or Modules

If there are missing internal components or parts, it is considered evidence of disassembly or modification, which:
is NOT covered under warranty.

is NOT eligible for paid repair.

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

070-2616-B

iPhone 3G/3GS Disassembly Instructions

iPhone 3G/3GS at a Glance
Headset jack

Sleep/Wake
button

Receiver

SIM card tray

Ring/Silent
switch

Camera
(on back)

Volume
buttons

Status bar

Touchscreen

Application
icons

Home button

Dock
connector

Speaker

Microphone

What You Will Need

ESD wrist strap

ESD-safe workstation
Important: Proper ESD grounding and precautions must always be used when opening iPhone.

ESD-safe Phillips #00 screwdriver

iPhone 3G/3GS Display Removal Fixture (922-8728)

SIM Tool or paper clip (size #1)

Packing tape

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APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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10

iPhone 3G/3GS Display Removal

Step

Description

Detailed Instructions

a.

Insert the iPhone into the Display Removal

Fixture as shown with dock connector
facing out.

b.

Flip the red lever to lock the iPhone in

place. The fixture should sit flush with the
iPhone locked firmly in place.

c.

Remove the two (2) cross-head dock screws

to the left and right of the dock connector.

Remove Bottom
Screws

Note: Save the screws for reuse.

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APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

Photo

Save for reuse.

070-2616-B

11

Step

Description

Detailed Instructions
a.

Photo

Press the metal handle down with enough

pressure to create suction between the
display glass and the suction cup.
Note: If the display is cracked, apply packing
tape to the glass to provide a smooth surface for
the suction cup. Do NOT let tape go over the
edge onto the bezel.

b.

Slowly lift the metal handle upwards with

firm pressure to pop the display out of the
back housing. This may require moving the
handle to the left and right to unseat the
display. Do not use excessive force.

c.

As the display assembly just begins to lift,

use the flat side of a black stick to make
sure that the dock connector flex cable
(located at the front left corner, and labeled
4) does not stick to the back of the display.

Unseat Display
Module

Carefully separate while lifting, if needed,

while avoiding components on the flex
cable assembly.

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APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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12

Step

Description

Detailed Instructions
a.

Photo

You can remove the iPhone from the

fixture if needed for inspection as
follows:
Pinch the suction cup to release the
suction, being careful to not twist or
pull on the display assembly.

b.

DO NOT open the iPhone more than 45

degrees, or damage to display assembly
connectors may occur.

c.

Inspect for internal damage or missing

components

Internal Check

See iPhone 3G/3GS Internal Differences

for details on how the unit should
appear.
See iPhone 3G/3GS Internal Check for
details on damage or tampering.
a.

Insert the display assembly into the top of

the housing, being careful to insert the
three tabs at the top (Receiver end) of the
display assembly.
Note: Make sure the top of the housing
and the display assembly sit flush and there
is not an excessive gap.

Reseat Display
Module and
Insert Screws

b.

Once the display assembly is lined up with

the housing, gently push the bottom of the
display assembly into the housing while it is
laying on a flat surface.

c.

Reinstall (2) cross-head dock screws, one on

each side of dock connector.

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APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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13

iPhone 3G/3GS Internal Differences

The iPhone 3GS may look similar to the iPhone 3G, but the hardware is very different. Please use the photos below
to properly identify iPhone 3GS:

iPhone 3GS Internal

iPhone 3GS Display Assembly

Rounded Silver
Conductive Pads

Closed SIM Holder

Design

New LSI Locations

#7 Antenna
Connector

The pictures below will help to identify iPhone 3G:

iPhone 3G Display Assembly

iPhone 3G Internal

Black Mylar Pad

Open SIM holder

Squared Black Pads

Copper Tape

Square Conductive
Tamper Label

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APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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iPhone 3G/3GS Internal Check

Internal Liquid Contact Indicators
The iPhone 3G/3GS contains two internal liquid contact indicators (LCI) on the shield of the main board. If either of
these indicators are activated (red), it indicates contact with liquid, which causes damage that is not covered under
warranty.

Missing Internal Parts or Modules

If there are missing internal components or parts, it is considered evidence of disassembly or modification, which:
is NOT covered under warranty.

is NOT eligible for paid repair.

Internal Tamper Label

The iPhone 3G/3GS contain a tamper label near the lower right corner of the unit. If this label is damaged or
removed, it is considered evidence of disassembly or modification, which:
is NOT covered under warranty.

MAY qualify for a paid repair.

2011 Apple Inc. All rights reserved

APPLE NEED TO KNOW CONFIDENTIAL

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15