iFixit Tears Down iPhone Air, Finds Battery Dominates Design
In a detailed teardown analysis, repair experts at iFixit revealed that the newly launched iPhone Air has a battery that occupies roughly two-thirds of its device. The findings suggest that Apple's design prioritizes battery life over other components, mitigating issues seen in earlier thin iPhones.
According to iFixit's report, the logic board and other essential components are clustered at the top of the phone, while the majority of the middle and body house a large battery identical to the one included in Apple's iPhone Air MagSafe battery pack. This design choice helps prevent damage to the logic board under pressure, as seen in earlier "Bendgate" incidents.
"We were surprised by how much space was dedicated to the battery," said Kyle Wiens, iFixit's CEO. "It's clear that Apple is prioritizing battery life and durability over other considerations."
The iPhone Air's design shift from earlier models may be attributed to advancements in battery technology and a growing demand for devices with longer battery life.
Background on the issue of Bendgate highlights the importance of designing devices with durability in mind. In 2014, Apple faced criticism after reports emerged that some iPhone 6 Plus users experienced bending issues due to the phone's thin design and placement of the logic board.
Industry experts weigh in on the significance of iFixit's findings:
"The fact that Apple has prioritized battery life is a testament to their commitment to user experience," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. "However, this also raises questions about the environmental impact of manufacturing devices with larger batteries."
The teardown analysis provides valuable insights into the iPhone Air's design and may influence future device development.
As for next developments, Apple has not commented on the iFixit report or its implications for future product designs. However, industry observers expect that manufacturers will continue to prioritize battery life and durability in their products.
Sources:
iFixit teardown analysis
Kyle Wiens, iFixit CEO
Daniel Ives, Wedbush Securities analyst
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*