Step 22
The first of three microphones comes out of the iPhone 5 along with the Lightning connector assembly.
It is safe to assume that the microphone located at the bottom front of the device is used for voice commands and voice calls.
The other two microphones remain in the device, for now, waiting towards the top of the phone.
Step 23
The Lightning connector looks like it could be swallowed by the the 30-pin dock connector.
Here we can clearly see the eight leads in the new Lightning connector.
While there hasn't been any official word on the pin-out for the Lightning connector, we can confidently say that two of them will be used for power and ground. As for the other six, well, that's anyone's guess.
Apple claims that the Lightning connector is all digital. However, they also claim that the iPhone 5 supports analog audio-out and VGA video, indicating that there may be some kind of digital-to-analog conversion going on inside the cable.
Step 24
Further investigation into the Lightning connector shows a neat array of pins and a clip to hold the cable in place.
Each pin (shown in the third picture) is springy and gold plated on the end to ensure good conductivity between the Lightning cable and the socket.
Step 25
Even with several components remaining, the back case is impressively light.
Using a high tech, advanced precision scale, we conclude that the entire rear case of the iPhone 5 weighs only slightly more than just the glass rear panel of the 4S.
Step 26
Pressure contacts on the vibrator motor mean that replacing it doesn't require soldering or prying up small connectors.
Unlike the iPhone 4S, which used a linear-oscillating vibrator, Apple has gone back to a rotational motor with a counterweight.
We praised Apple in the past for going with the quieter and less annoying linear oscillating vibrator, but now we're scratching our heads as to why they went back.
Step 27
The ear speaker comes out easily with two screws and connects to the display assembly with spring contacts.
The speaker in the iPhone 4S was adhered to the fragile power button ribbon cable and required a lot of work to remove. Now it pops right off the display assembly—another hooray for repairability!
Step 28
Apple's newest iteration of its classic home button sports an integrated metal support bracket, which we hope will greatly strengthen the oft-used switch.
Many iPhone 4 and 4S users have experienced the woes of a faulty home button, but haven't been brave enough to attempt the repair. This new design should not only increase longevity, but also make replacing the home button a lot less of a hassle.
A side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 display assemblies.
Step 29
What first appeared to be part of the LCD assembly is easily removed after the turn of a few screws.
This plate is likely used for shielding and heat dissipation. The spring contact near the screw suggests that the plate could also be used for grounding.
We've had some inquiries if this shield was made of Liquidmetal. Sorry to disappoint, folks, but it doesn't seem to be that alloy. The plate has the same resistance of stainless steel and is slightly magnetic, just like stainless steel.
Step 30
Based on a user request, we looked into the concerns about "Scuff Gate," the fear that the black coating scuffs off too easily.
We found that the side is pretty tough, but the chamfered edge can be susceptible to scuffing, making for a shiny streak on the side.
Moral of this story: be careful, or get a case. Or be free like the wind and just don't care.
Step 31
One of the iPhone 5's biggest selling points was the updated 8 megapixel iSight camera.
Although it's hard to see many differences between this camera and last year's model on the outside, Sony made some significant upgrades, including improved low light performance and 40% faster image capture. iPhone 5 camera is on the left.
Will your pictures be this good? That depends—will you take the time to snap photos of something besides your dinner?
Step 32
Apple was very proud of the fact that they are using a sapphire crystal in their new-and-improved camera.
Since sapphire is such a hard material, it would be sensible that the outermost element of the camera is made of sapphire.
We tried scratching the clear cover with a pair of steel tweezers and the lens remained scratch-free.
While this doesn't confirm that the protective cover is made from sapphire crystal, it does mean that it is quite hard and scratch resistant.
After giving it some thought, we decided that a few passes with a pair of tweezers wasn't a sufficiently thorough scratch test for the camera lens coating.
The rear case of the iPhone 5 doesn't hold up well to a barrage of sandpaper and keys, but the lens cover remains crystal clear. Wow.
Step 33
We have found them! Just as Apple promised, there are more microphones residing in the top of the device.
First, we find the front facing top microphone, presumably for FaceTime and speakerphone capabilities.
And on the back? It's starting to look like a triple microphone! The rear-facing microphone partners up with the rear-facing camera for recording video, and is also used for canceling out background noise when on calls.
Step 34
iPhone 5 Repairability: 7 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair)
We're quite happy that the glass/display is the first thing that comes off the iPhone 5. The majority of iPhone repairs are due to a shattered front glass.
The battery comes out with a bit of prying once the front panel is removed.
The iPhone 5 still uses Pentalobe screws on the exterior, making it more difficult to open the device.
The front glass, digitizer, and LCD are all one component, thereby increasing cost of repair.
Lots of smaller components are soldered to one ribbon cable, increasing the cost of repairing just one component.
