iPad Air 2 Teardown

Written By: Sam Goldheart
Published: 22/10/14
  • Comments: 56

iPad Air 2 Teardown

Published: 22/10/14

Teardown

Introduction

What's lighter than Air? An Air 2. Join us as we disassemble the new, shaved-down iPad Air 2, and see whether Apple's thinnest device is still its least-repairable.

Live and breathe teardowns? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for the latest teardown news.

  1. OFFLfFgIqRGNjWOE
    OFFLfFgIqRGNjWOE
    pHUJodY1OrdAfgKK
    4YoryJcgGyHSPwAO

    • Just add air? That would be too easy. Apple has packaged all kinds of revised hardware into its thinnest tablet yet:

    • Fully laminated, 9.7" IPS Multi-Touch LCD with a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution at 264 ppi and antireflective coating

    • A8X 64-bit CPU (rumored to be a triple-core, 1.5 GHz SoC) paired with 2 GB RAM and M8 motion coprocessor

    • 8-megapixel rear iSight camera capable of recording 1080p/30fps or 720p/120fps video + 1.2-megapixel 720p front-facing camera

    • Touch ID fingerprint sensor + barometer + dual microphones + 3-axis gyro + accelerometer + ambient light sensor

    • 802.11ac dual-antenna MIMO Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0

    • 16, 64, or 128 GB on-board storage

    2 gb ram O_o

    VISION463 -

  2. 5wrECi2XFsBAnDpC
    5wrECi2XFsBAnDpC
    YWhNGCQWDAdVgLAE

    • The iPad Air 2 marks the beginning of a new model number pattern, A15XX. In this case, the iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi bears the model number A1566.

    • In addition to a new model number, the iPad Air 2 introduces Touch ID into the iPad family.

    • If you're new to the game, Touch ID allows you to use your fingerprint to unlock your iPad. You can also use it to authorize purchases from the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store.

    • The Touch ID sensor is capable of registering your fingerprint from any angle—which means no matter what the orientation, your device reads your fingerprint and knows who you are.

  3. X2OvFWlXT5HVgTnf
    X2OvFWlXT5HVgTnf
    Q2AiFHZFNrPopYDf

    • Pencil-thin is so last year. This gold brick is now slightly thinner than a pencil.

    • In all seriousness, the 6.1 mm profile is impressive. Not only is the iPad Air 2 thinner than the original iPad Air, it's even thinner than the latest iPhones—and lacks the latter's controversial camera bump.

    • Close inspection also reveals that the dual mic inched its way closer to the iSight camera, apparently chasing the hold switch clean off the device.

    • Not only is this iPad Air 2 thinner, but it is lighter too. How much lighter? About 12 pennies worth.

  4. Hey, Goose! (Yes, Maverick?) I feel the need...the need for heat!

    • Hey, Goose! (Yes, Maverick?) I feel the need...the need for heat!

    • We had high hopes for finding some exterior screws on the Air 2—after all, the iPhone 6 Plus proved Apple can do tablet-sized gadgets, without the glue.

    • Alas, it's not to be—the sleek chassis is utterly devoid of screws.

    • We are forced to pile on—iOpeners, that is.

    • We promise to post a blow-by-blow description of this thoroughly technical opening procedure at a later date.

    But you didnt….

    Rich S -

    Have an ipad air 2 that doesn’t charge (apple logo then blank screen). A video would still be nice!

    senddarrenmail -

  5. 6iZUH3wyNdaPQGAH
    6iZUH3wyNdaPQGAH
    d4dUy3cEftlApqat

    • Coming up next: classic iPad reruns—careful prying and tons of heat.

    • The newly-bonded front panel is more rigid than in previous iPad models, and therefore feels a bit sturdier to pry against—however, flexing the glass still disturbs the LCD, even when you aren't inserting the pick very deeply.

    • That being the case, the glued-down display remains the iPad's only access point, so there's still a risk of damaging it even when performing ordinary repairs.

  6. yMuU4kkiQ5WLt2gx
    yMuU4kkiQ5WLt2gx
    Pe3v2IMFKupDIqta

    • Upon successfully opening the iPad Air 2, we immediately note that all the display cables now reside near the lower edge.

    • This is a welcome change from the previous iPad Air, whose digitizer and LCD cables effectively booby-trapped two edges of the display.

    • In case you were wondering how much room you have to wedge your opening pick in between the front panel assembly and rear case, it's not much. There's little margin for error in this Air 2's margins.

  7. C22CPX1joRG2A5Fs
    C22CPX1joRG2A5Fs
    FkNXjCx6IIbk3XCQ
    UNrLBSq1eLoVdvDV

    • The design of the Air 2's Touch ID sensor cable closely resembles that of the new generation of iPhones.

    • With the home button removed, we discover a single IC on the home button assembly:

    • NXP Semiconductors 8416A1 Touch ID Sensor

    • Further inspection reveals even more ICs on the front panel assembly:

    • Parade Technologies DP675 LCD Driver

    • Texas Instruments TPS65143A LCD Bias Solution For LCD Panels

    Who is the manufacturer of the LCD screen? Also, does it use IGZO technology or not? Thanks.

    Stas -

    I see that here the ipad air 2 has gotten the hot glued touch I'd

    Cooper -

    There's a small chip under the orange marking. It's soldered on the same ribbon connected to the TouchID button.

    Does anyone know what this chip does?

    Mac Shack -

    I'm trying to figure that out myself. I purchased a replacement LCD assembly and that's not included.

    jorge marroquin -

    It is a smart cover chip i am trying to figure out the correct name to order the part.. it come on each screen but you can never be to careful!

    Veronica Royal -

  8. EsY3FtKNMlHXREMk
    EsY3FtKNMlHXREMk
    QhiHxIMOGCFBAFMM
    5YEQhCPJyt5ypXCQ

    • Next we set our spudgers to the fancy, and tiny, new speaker units.

    • Unfortunately, they are not speaking to us, and their markings don't have many secrets to divulge...

    • Not waiting around for the awkward silence, we press on to glory.

  9. 4cHBKlWHcBbqYVXf
    4cHBKlWHcBbqYVXf
    PV1PowVvkmUkUdpf
    FoGAaVR2YQuHcCqi

    • Our next step is to remove the FaceTime HD camera and microphone-encircled 8 MP iSight camera.

    • When compared to the larger, bump-inducing iSight camera from the iPhone 6 Plus, we can see they aren't quite the same—but it's indeed a leap in quality over the iSight camera found in the first-gen iPad Air.

    Is there any way to identify the manufacturer of the rear-facing camera?

    Markus Erdmann -

  10. RXxBQ2bQ5wXfXFk2
    RXxBQ2bQ5wXfXFk2
    WXyIiOJSSkJPFk1W

    • The location and design of the headphone jack remains mostly identical. We say mostly due to one small change...

    • It seems the FaceTime HD camera ambient light sensor has been split into two sensors—one now residing on the headphone jack.

  11. XXonDwF3XgyUSJHx
    XXonDwF3XgyUSJHx
    2GPyWorxRHmfaSjG

    • Our Wi-Fi model's antennas now grace the top of the iPad, where previously they were ensconced along the lower edge.

    • We're curious to see where the Air 2 LTE models will hide their cellular antennas.

    • With the swoop of a spudger, the antennas are roused from their foamy beds.

    Do you plan on doing a teardown of the LTE version?

    zac206 -

    Are these easy to change out? Just bought an ipad air 2

    and I think the antenna is bad :(

    vsenesac1216 -

    Repairing iPads has never been easy, but it's do-able! We have a guide for replacing the antennas right here. I personally wouldn't recommend cracking your iPad open if it's new, but if you bought it used/out of warranty then go for it.

    Jeff Suovanen -

  12. lGqEfUVEDZuqFCpD
    lGqEfUVEDZuqFCpD
    PxYHTKtSqNRQdUCo

    • In a bevy of twos, we pull the first of two microphones, the second ambient light sensor, and the (single) power switch from the iPad Air 2.

    • A second round of twos brings us the other microphone, and two volume switches on a single cable.

  13. fWfAOORUWJZdSBMN
    fWfAOORUWJZdSBMN
    xBr1ZCRDUPGKfdHE
    dRvyTGJSMRLMDr3G

    • The following markings were found on the microphones:

    • M1300 5743 M1 334 (found on the power button cable assembly)

    • M1300 5723 M1 334 (found on the volume buttons cable)

    • On a side note, the power and volume buttons stack nicely.

  14. hqhJWV4MbTehb2rx
    hqhJWV4MbTehb2rx
    NeGiCOhnBaNRXUqx
    gg4a4NnqTv6jBsiI

    • Unfortunately, the logic board is still glued in—so we call our trusty iOpener out of retirement for one more gig.

    • After some careful and tedious prying, we have ourselves a logic board!

    • Upon removal, we are saddened to see that the Lightning connector cable remains soldered to the logic board.

    • This makes logic board removal even more of a chore. It also means that replacing the Lightning connector basically requires replacing the entire logic board.

  15. G3FWF2MOmX2tNVLK
    G3FWF2MOmX2tNVLK
    GuHXLmKOUG6v41eN

    • At last, the main course. An entire plate of chips for us! Yum.

    • Apple APL1012 A8X 64-bit Processor

    • Elpida/Micron Technology F8164A3MD 8 Gb (1 GB) RAM (1 GB x 2 = 2 GB total)

    • SK Hynix H2JTDG8UD1BMR 128 Gb (16 GB) NAND Flash

    • NXP 65V10 NFC Controller (as found in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus)

    • Apple (Cirrus Logic) 338S1213 Audio Codec

    • NXP Semiconductors LPC18B1UK ARM Cortex-M3 Microcontroller (Apple M8 Motion Coprocessor)

    • Murata 339S02541 Wi-Fi Module

    So..... For everyone who was waiting for iFixit to tell you how much RAM the iPad has, you're SOL. We still have no clue officially.

    Mark -

    ...It has 2 GB of RAM.

    Miroslav Djuric -

    Trust in Miroslav

    Matt Gordon -

    Glad to know that it has 2GB of RAM :D

    Mick -

    It has NFC? what for? Apple made it clear that Pay on the iPad will only work with online purchases!

    Rafael Ribeiro Pires -

    I'm guessing the NFC is for merchants, not customers. I was surprised when it seemed there wasn't an NFC module, since this would be such a natural for point of sale systems in small businesses!

    Norm Margolus -

    Isn't the NFC module the buyer/customer side of the equation, and you need other hardware to handle the merchant side?

    Run Buh -

    The NFC module they use can handle both ends of the transaction.

    Norm Margolus -

    People are saying there's no NFC antenna, so this module is just for the secure hardware for doing apple pay online.

    Norm Margolus -

    It has the M8 Co-processor like the iPhone 6 and 6+ but no InvenSense MP67B 6-axis Gyroscope and Accelerometer Combo the the M8 uses in the iPhone?

    Tom S -

    How do you know this information? Teardown reveals just the gyr/accel combo, did not mention the manufacturer... can you clarify?

    gokmain -

    i want to know differences between material of A7 and A8x

    Masoud Salimi -

    This iPad Air 2 is WiFi only or WiFi with cellular ??

    hackermy -

    Which one is the iCloud chip

    Asad John -

  16. QVlegTLiN4YgAjeR
    QVlegTLiN4YgAjeR
    6LOcrHuUaAY5t3Qk
    NjxlLORYEJtUILEX

    • More chips for those who want seconds:

    • Maxim Integrated MAX98721BEWV Boosted Class Amplifier

    • Broadcom BCM5976 Digitizer Controller

    • Texas Instruments TI48WHXDP 343S0583

    • Fairchild Semiconductor FDMC 6683 and FDMC 6676BZ (two ICs that date all the way back to the iPad 2)

    • Bosch Sensortec Barometer BMP280 Accelerometer BMA280

    Anyone know where is the WiFi module ???

    hackermy -

  17. hUrGYoCQAJNVHClg
    hUrGYoCQAJNVHClg
    jIeUQXiic24y321e
    NPYRMRVW4vDib1Ce

    • The battery, now freed from the logic board's grasp, is ready for removal.

    • It looks like we're going to need more help to get out of this sticky situation. Cue iOpener.

    • It takes more heat and prying to free this dual-cell energy slab from the rear case.

    • It's not the worst, but it would be nice to leave the plastic cards on the sidelines for a battery replacement, for once.

    • The 27.62 Wh battery in the iPad Air 2 drops a bit from the previous Air's 32.9 Wh capacity.

    • Apple claims the same 10-hour battery life as the original Air, so more efficient power use seems to be on tap here—though early reviews indicate that real-world battery life is still down a bit from the Air 2's predecessor.

    How much does each cell weigh? It'd be interesting to see cell weights and capacities listed for Apple devices over time.

    mbeatty -

    If the battery was 1 mm thicker, how much more Wh would it provide?

    Frippe -

    Why the battery is formed by two parts instead of one?

    sinichinimaru -

  18. DsTSVQIawQaFSl2I
    DsTSVQIawQaFSl2I
    YPZOSKyD3ZCI3YVG

    • After removing every component from the rear case, all that remains in this lifeless shell are the Smart Cover magnets.

    • Good news everyone! Last year's Smart Cover is still compatible with the iPad Air 2.

    • Finally, a small escape from Apple's yearly upgrade cycle!

    Well that's the most useful revelation in tis teardown. I can get a smart cover now while waiting for this to get to Thailand.

    Mark -

    Smart Cover magnets are on the same place, but what about the sleep sensor ?

    Will work the sleep funtion too ? or is it on another place ?

    I do not see any reference to that sensor.

    netamaya -

    I've got a new ipad air 1 case with keyboard that is activated by these magnets on the left edge, but won't activate with the magnets on the air 2 unless i shift over the ipad about an inch and it will turn on not in it's intended spot

    cllcomputers -

  19. GfoYJkspYNvGsSBP
    GfoYJkspYNvGsSBP
    yIYjedtJBheJErNP

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

    • The battery is still not soldered to the logic board.

    • The LCD and front panel glass are now fused together. This slightly simplifies the opening procedure.

    • The fused front panel also increases the cost of repairing a cracked screen, and increases risk of damage to the LCD when opening.

    • Just like in previous iPads, the front panel is glued to the rest of the device, greatly increasing the chances of cracking the glass during a repair.

    • Gobs of adhesive hold everything in place making all repairs more difficult.

    Fusing the screens makes replacing and cracked front glass hellishly expensive as you now have to replace the whole assembly - ebay almost £200.00

    Dan -

Author

Sam Goldheart

Member since: 19/10/12

465332 Reputation

22 comments

Which 3-axis chip is in the iPad Air? Invensense, same as the iPhone 6 series?

wolfgangrumpf -

As usual, Apple creates a product that looks amazing, acts OK and is retarded when it comes to repairing.

Alexander -

What is the PMIC for Apple A8X processor?

What is the chip for eComoass? Still AKM AK8963?

JJ Wu -

From the marking of the WFi module, the supplier is USI not Murata.

JJ Wu -

Does anyone know of a reasonably priced supplier, in the UK, for the screen assembly?

Dan -

Need small help i want to know the exat dimension of iPad air 2 BATTERY such as (LXBXH).

yogesh sharma -

Great job. How thick is the glass display? The glass and touch screen is all one part, right?

Hyun Kim -

I found a small transparent blue plastic piece with 3 holes inside my ipad air 2 when opening it. I'm not sure if it came of from something that i detached. I had to replace the volume button flex. Does anybody know where this small piece of plastic belongs ??? best regards Henrik

henrik -

this sounds like the plastic cover they use to cover the adhesive on the parts, its probably just been left there mistakenly from assembly, is it a paper thin piece of plastic? if it is then thats it.

hjb -

Is there a 3-axis magnetometer in the iPad Air 2? Is it the same as the iPhone 6?

berberian2 -

STEP 10

Can the headphone jack assembly be replaced? What is the source?

derekiverson8 -

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone has replaced a screen on ipad air 2 with 4g? I didnt know if it was harder to remove a broken screen and if its ok to use heat to open it up in that area. Also the screens LCD has failed so only displays in one area sporadically so is it worth buying a new one to replace or do I risk it having the same faliure? I've checked it on quicktime on mirrored screen and everything seems good on there. Thanks in advance for any replys :)

Jono -

In Step 7. What is the little piece of black tape just to the left of the home button, but taped down to the front glass of the screen and just above it there is a small what appears to be an IC chip. My new screen/LCD display assembly did not come with that piece, just a small piece that looks reminiscent of the iPad mini's IC chip where you had to once solder the thin strip over the part with the small solder points that were all in a row. Do you know what I'm talking about? I wish I could post a picture here with it circled. Anyway, does the iPad Air 2 need this IC chip to function? Or should I just throw some Kapton tape over it and hope for the best?

Matt Smith -

This is the sleep/wake sensor. It is required in order to function properly.

D3cypher -

is this sensor for cases capable of sleep/wake?

jorge marroquin -

What is the large octagon shaped chip to the right of the Texas Instruments chip? When I opened mine looking for the cause of my digitizer failure it looked like a blown capacitor with

bcwillson -

My battery came in with the broken circle hole donut like thing thats nearby the battery connector. Will the battery work if that thing is broken?

Mike -

i need diagram for ipad air 2 please

mohamedshawky101 -

hi everyone, can someone tell me how to fix an ipad a1566 with display problem, i did test with 3 differents lcd and still not working, the logic board is having issues with display! the ipad is not mine, i wanted change the broken lcd as service to my store client! please help...i dont want pay it as new! =(

gerardo -

Looks like no answers are given here, just some plastic tools.

Scott Andrews -

hoparlör seti satın almak istiyorum.

Abdullah Sevgi Türkdönmez -

Bonjour, Où se trouve la carte graphique? car je souhaiterai la changer mon ipad fait des couleurs inversés et impossible de regler!

shani20022003 -