14 DAY TRIAL // The people at RapidRepair have gotten their hands on an iPhone 3G S and popped it open. The site also offers a step-by-step, do-it-yourself guide to open the iPhone 3G S, although it’s recommended to let Apple’s technicians take care of this “dirty” business.
RapidRepair begins by pinpointing the tools required for the job, which include the ever-useful small Phillips Screw Driver, a small Flathead, a heat gun, an exacto razor & Safe Open Tool and the Repair Toolkit (available here). The curious are also advised to gather all necessary tools and place their iPhone 3G S on a clean, flat surface.
Noting that the device is very similar in appearance to its predecessor, the iPhone 3G S comes with earbuds, USB charger, USB Cable, Manual and the SIM Opener, RapidRepair shares. “Just like before, we need to remove the bottom 2 screws by the dock port. Simply use your small phillips driver to remove them,” the guide begins.
“To get the iPhone 3G S LCD Screen lifted, you will need a small suction cup or to poke a paperclip through the screwless holes in a hooked motion. A suction cup is key,” the post outlines. “Don't get too far ahead of yourself. Be very careful when lifting the LCD module. There are several cables attached inside, and if you lift to [sic.] quickly, you will tear one,” step one ends.
Moving on to step two, the site reveals that, by lifting up the LCD module very carefully, you will be able to remove the three ribbon cables, as well as the far-left cable. “Orange stickers will help you find the cables inside,” the guide explains. At this point, the following inner parts can be distinguished:
#1 LCD Screen #2 Digitizer #3 Ear Speaker #4 Headphone Jack #5 Wireless
“It's worth noting that we've already identified parts that differ from the iPhone 3G,” the site reveals. “The LCD screen looks to have a different driver package, and components on the end of the cable have been changed. No word yet if the iPhone 3G LCD is compatible with the new iPhone 3G S and vice versa.”
To have a closer look at the insides of the iPhone 3G S, visit the site in question here.
