The iPhone 6S may look identical to last year’s iPhone 6, but it’s not the same phone. As with previous S models, Apple put most of the changes on the inside.
In this Cracking Open teardown, I take you through the process of disassembling the phone. To read my full analysis, check out the article, iPhone 6S teardown reveals upgrades galore, similar hardware layout.
No surprises in the iPhone 6S box.
Like the previous model, the 6S measures 5.44 inches tall and 2.64 inches wide. It’s 0.2 millimeter thicker and about a half an ounce heavier, but I doubt most people will notice these differences.
The iPhone 6 (right) and iPhone 6S (left) both have a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, but the newer phone features Apple’s 3D Touch technology, which can detect how much pressure you apply to the screen. Perhaps, this is why Apple covered the 6S’ display with a new kind of chemically strengthened glass.
Apple upgraded the FaceTime camera from 1.2 megapixels to 5 megapixels.
Apple offers the iPhone 6S in Silver, Gold, Space Gray, and a new Rose Gold finish.
The new 12-megapixel iSight camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second.
Apple continues to use pentalobe screws to hold the front panel to the body.
Apple used additional/stronger adhesive one the iPhone 6S compared to the iPhone 6. Opening the cases was more difficult and took slightly more time, even with this specialized tool.
Apple reduces the number of front panel connectors from four (on the iPhone 6) to three.
Behind the metal plate, which covers the back of the display, sits the hardware that enables the iPhone 6S’ 3D Touch technology.
The new hex-head standoff is easier to remove than the previous slotted version used in previous iPhones.
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Previously, Bill was an IT manager in the social research and energy industries. He has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Louisville, where he has also lectured on computer crime and crime prevention.
