Apple‘s latest offerings, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are making headlines for their innovative frame design, potentially simplifying screen and battery replacements, as detailed in a teardown analysis conducted by iFixit, a prominent parts vendor and advocate for gadget repair.

Despite the promising frame design, the new iPhones received a rather lackluster repairability score of 4 out of 10 from iFixit. This low score is partially attributed to Apple’s use of software measures to lock specific parts to each device, making independent repairs significantly more challenging, if not impossible.

Released for sale recently, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max feature a revamped design that connects the phone’s core components to an aluminum frame, bonded to the titanium casing that users interact with externally, according to iFixit’s findings. This alteration provides repair technicians with easier access to commonly replaced components like the battery and screen.

Apple itself acknowledged this design change in its recent announcement and also reduced the cost of replacing a cracked back glass panel to $149 or $169, a significant drop from last year’s Pro models, which cost $499 or $549 for the same service. Screen repairs, however, remain consistent in price at $329 or $379, depending on the display size. The iPhone 14, a mainstream model from the previous year, also featured a design with a removable back glass.

In addition to this frame innovation, iFixit’s analysis uncovered that Apple’s latest iPhones are equipped with a Qualcomm X70 modem for cellular connectivity, following Qualcomm’s announcement earlier in the month regarding its modem chip supply agreement with Apple, extending through 2026.

Nonetheless, iFixit, a staunch supporter of the right-to-repair movement, pointed out that several iPhone components, including the Face ID sensor, LiDAR camera, and wireless charging coil, cannot be replaced without utilizing an official Apple configuration tool for authentication.

iFixit expressed its concerns, stating, “Parts pairing in these models extends beyond mere mechanical compatibility, requiring authentication and pairing through Apple’s System Configuration tool, further limiting genuine replacements to Apple-blessed ones and substantially impacting independent repair enterprises and the overarching issue of e-waste.” This sentiment aligns with iFixit’s broader advocacy for the right to repair electronic devices.

Earlier this year, Apple threw its support behind a right-to-repair bill in California, which subsequently passed in September. This legislation mandates that manufacturers, like Apple, provide rental tools, repair guides, and authorized replacement parts to users for DIY repairs at home. In 2022, Apple introduced Self Service Repair, allowing both repair shops and end users to rent professional-level repair tools and purchase replacement parts directly from Apple.

The right-to-repair movement is closely intertwined with the environmental cause, as repairing gadgets and extending their lifespans helps reduce electronic waste and keep devices out of landfills. In its recent product announcements, Apple emphasized its commitment to environmental sustainability, even marketing models like the Apple Watch Series 9 as carbon-neutral products.