iPhone 17 Repairability: What You Need to Know Before Buying Refurbished

The new iPhone 17 lineup brings exciting innovations - thinner designs, stronger materials, and improved durability. But what about repairability? For those who care about sustainability and want to extend the life of their device through refurbishment, this is a key question. At refurbed, we’re committed to making technology last longer - and you don’t need to worry: refurbed’s catalogue of experts refurbish every iPhone to the highest quality standards, at the best price points on the market.

iPhone Air – Slim, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Repairable

At just 5.6mm, the iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest model yet. Usually, thinner devices mean harder repairs - adhesives instead of screws, sealed components, and higher costs if something breaks. Thankfully, the Air challenges that expectation.

• Accessibility: Both front and back entry points make internal access easy.
• Battery: Removable with electrically debonding adhesive strips, now with a protective metal casing that adds safety and durability.
• Core components: USB-C port, display, and camera remain relatively straightforward to replace.
• Build quality: Its titanium housing keeps it sturdy and resistant to bending, while the scratch-resistant display makes daily use worry-free.

The result? A device that is not only sleek, but also refurbishment-friendly.

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iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max – Durable, But More Complex to Repair

The new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models take a different route. With aluminium replacing titanium and a bulkier design, these models focus on strength and durability.

• Durability: More scratch-resistant than the iPhone 16 Pro, earning a “B” EU rating compared to last year’s “C.”
• Repairability trade-offs: Access is limited to the front display - the rear entry point is gone. While rear glass replacement is simple, deeper component repairs are more complex.
• Battery: Uses the same adhesive strip system, but without the metal casing found in the Air.
• Assembly: Fewer adhesives but more screws, which means more steps for refurbishers.

Overall, the Pro models are more durable out of the box, but present extra challenges for those who want easy refurbishment.

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iPhone 17 – A Reliable Continuation

The iPhone 17 stays true to its predecessor. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and that’s actually a good thing.

• Easy entry: Accessible from both front and back.
• Battery: Same debonding adhesive strips as other models, though without a protective casing.
• Material: Aluminium frame offers sturdiness without major compromises.

In short, it’s not revolutionary - but it continues Apple’s recent trend of making the base iPhone one of the most repairable flagship smartphones.

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Why Repairability Matters for Refurbishment

Every repairable iPhone means less e-waste and a longer life cycle. At refurbed, devices like the iPhone Air, 17 Pro/Max, and 17 base model can be renewed, tested, and given a second life - saving costs of up to 40% compared to new, while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 83%.

And here’s the most important part: you never need to worry about the complexity of repairability. refurbed’s catalogue of expert technicians ensure that every iPhone is refurbished to the highest quality standards, while delivering the best price points on the market. That way, you enjoy peace of mind - and a device that feels like new.

👉 Ready to make the sustainable choice? Explore our refurbished iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max today.