Most people haven’t even laid their hands on one yet, but the good folks at iFixit have already gotten hold of a new iPhone device and cracked it open to see what its insides look like.

While the new handset is very similar to the existing iPhone 7, it does include a few notable differences, which can be described as follows:

The iFixit verdict

One major change is the introduction of a wireless charging coil which makes Apple’s Qi-based inductive charging technology possible.

There are other, less obvious tweaks, too — such as a smaller 1,821mAh battery — compared to the 1,960mAh battery found in the iPhone 7. However, due to processor upgrades Apple is able to offer the same battery life as the iPhone 7.

The device also features Apple’s new A11 Bionic chip, alongside 2GB of SK Hynix LPDDR4 RAM, a Qualcomm MDM9656 Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, NXP 80V18 Secure NFC module, and assorted other chips.

In addition, iFixit comments on the use of a new Lightning port bracket for more strongly reinforcing the connecter, and a “strange interconnect/antenna cable over the speaker.” The device additionally includes plenty of waterproof seals to help keep it (reasonably) watertight.

The iPhone 8 gains an overall 6 out of 10 for ease of repairability, with 10 being the easiest device to repair. iFixit note that the two most commonly replaced components, display and battery, remain straightforward to access with the proper knowledge and tools.

Repairs are slightly complicated by the water and dust seals, although this also means that liquid damage repairs are less likely. On the downside, the glass back of the new handset will likely prove very difficult to replace, although it’s not yet evident how durable it will be.

The real interesting teardown, of course, will be the upcoming iPhone X — although we’ll need to wait a bit longer to hear what secrets that reveals.

Are you planning to buy one of the new iPhones? If so, which model will you get? Leave your comments below.

Source: iFixit