iFixit has already conducted teardowns on each iPhone 15 variant and all the latest Apple Watch models. Now, following a similar approach as they did with the FineWoven cases, the repair company is providing a detailed microscopic examination of Apple’s standard iPhone 15 model.
Utilizing the DSX1000 microscope from Evident Scientific, iFixit brings attention to several notable alterations on the latest iPhone. Beginning with image stabilization, the company demonstrates the sensor-shift stabilization of the iPhone 15 in operation. iFixit elaborates, describing how the camera employs “four electromagnets to reposition the camera sensor, ensuring image stability. This technology, however, has its constraints in terms of stabilization, as it can only adjust the sensor along two axes, addressing minor vibrations.
Concerning the new 48MP sensor, iFixit draws an analogy to rainfall to explain the 48 million photosites featured on the camera. They state, “Imagine each photosite as a tiny bucket. When there is heavy rainfall, each bucket can gather a substantial amount of water. In photographic terms, this is akin to well-lit conditions where each photosite can produce meaningful image data. However, in the case of light rainfall, equivalent to a dimly lit environment, the small buckets face a challenge. They cannot collect enough water to provide accurate measurements. The circuitry responsible for reading the bucket levels resorts to making approximations. In terms of images, this results in a noisy, grainy photo in low-light situations.
The publication goes on to elucidate why Apple opts to amalgamate the images to produce 12 MP photos. They illustrate this concept by saying, “Imagine if four stations poured the water they collected into a single bucket. This consolidation simplifies the process of measuring the water. By assessing the water level in one combined bucket rather than four separate ones, you effectively reduce the total number of buckets from 48 million to 12 million. While the quantity of buckets is reduced, the accuracy of the measurement improves.”
Despite the entertaining overview provided by iFixit in this microscopic examination of the iPhone 15, the company still underscores the need for Apple to enhance the repairability of its devices. They state, “Apple’s efforts toward modularity, as evidenced by the dual-entry design, represent a positive stride in an already solid foundation. Nevertheless, the challenge posed by parts pairing—a seemingly arbitrary obstacle that adversely affects refurbishers, recyclers, and everyday repairers—continues to loom large.
Hence, iFixit assigns a repairability score of 4/10 to this phone. You can find the complete video below, and it’s highly recommended to watch, particularly if you haven’t had the opportunity to witness a comprehensive view of the iPhone’s inner workings.
