Apple Watch Series 3 Teardown -- The Electronics Inside 81

pchan — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:37:40 GMT

Current Revision posted to Documents by pchan on 1/2/2024 10:37:40 PM

In this episode, David explores the inner workings of a 42mm Generation 3 Apple Watch, sent in by a viewer. The watch was damaged, specifically the screen or digitizer, presenting the perfect opportunity to take it apart and explore its internal components. The first step is to delicately lift the screen and digitizer assembly. This involves careful heating to soften waterproof seals and precise work to avoid damaging the glass.

Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

As we progress through the teardown, we gain insights into the design choices, such as the use of gold foil-like material for insulation and the need to heat the aluminum back for disassembly. We take a closer look at the Taptic Engine, understanding its role in providing vibrational feedback. The numerous screws and connectors showcase the watch’s meticulous engineering.

Throughout the teardown, David faces challenges reminiscent of the iPhone 3G assembly. Tiny screws and delicate parts must be handled with absolute precision. We uncover details about the Apple Watch's crown mechanism, which looks like it may have an optical sensor installed underneath for rotation measurement. The video provides a detailed tour of various components, including the battery, biometric sensors, and the Taptic Engine, highlighting the impressive miniaturization achieved in this device.

The teardown concludes with an examination of the motherboard, emphasizing the multitude of connections, ribbons, and the optical sensor for the crown. While some components remain adhered or shielded, David chooses not to destructively open the RF-shielded system-on-chip, acknowledging the repairability challenges. The teardown sheds light on Apple's design priorities, putting aesthetics above repairability, a characteristic synonymous with the brand.

element14 Presents | About David | Project Videos | The Electronics Inside

Tags: Electronics disassembly insights, Precision screw handling in teardowns, Aluminium back disassembly in smartwatches., Teardown of Generation 3 smartwatches, Apple Watch, Insights into gadget engineering, Internal components of smartwatches, Apple Watch teardown, Device repairability challenges, smart watch, Miniaturization in electronic devices, Wearable tech, Technical challenges in screen and digitizer replacement, Wearables, Haptic Engine functionality, Biometric sensors in wearables, Aesthetic vs. repairability in Apple devices, Apple Watch design examination, Waterproof seals in electronic devices

Apple Watch Series 3 Teardown -- The Electronics Inside 81

tariq.ahmad — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 22:37:40 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Documents by tariq.ahmad on 1/2/2024 10:37:40 PM

Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

element14 Presents | About David | Project Videos | The Electronics Inside

Apple Watch Series 3 Teardown -- The Electronics Inside 81

tariq.ahmad — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 20:06:18 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Documents by tariq.ahmad on 1/2/2024 8:06:18 PM

Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

element14 Presents | About David | Project Videos | The Electronics Inside

Apple Watch Series 3 Teardown -- The Electronics Inside 81

tariq.ahmad — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:07:38 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Documents by tariq.ahmad on 1/2/2024 5:07:38 PM

After a kind donation to The Electronics Inside, we finally have some kind of basis for comparison for the Garmin Fenix 7 Solar! So, how different is it to the Apple Watch?

Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

element14 Presents | About David | Project Videos | The Electronics Inside

Tags: Apple Watch, smart watch, Wearable tech, Wearables