Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch Scores a Meager 2 out of 10 Repairability on iFixit Teardown

[dgstorm]

It's that time again! We have a new iPad device, and the folks at iFixit are committed to displaying the inner intricacies of it. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is on their operating table today, and it comes out of the surgery with a measly 2 out of 10 repairability. The problem lies with the heavy use of glue throughout the design. Of course, this is also one of the reasons the iPad line is considered such a solid-feeling, premium device.

Here's a recap of the final findings from the iFixit folks:

iPad Pro Repairability Score: 2 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair)

• While not soldered in place, the battery is very solidly adhered—no more pull tabs like we saw in the larger iPad Pro 12.9"
• The Smart Connector port is virtually impossible to replace—but incorporates no moving parts and is unlikely to fail.
• The LCD and front panel glass are fused together. This slightly simplifies the opening procedure.
• The fused front panel increases the cost of screen repair, and the risk of damaging the LCD when opening.
• Gobs of adhesive hold everything in place making all repairs more difficult.

What do you think of the iPad Pro guts on display?

Source: iFixit

 

[scifan57]

The internal components are arranged completely differently, requiring much design effort.

Apple had to have been working on the 9.7" iPad Pro well before the 12.7" iPad Pro was released last year.