Repair parts iPhone 18 Pro Max
Receive it on tomorrow wednesday 11 november
Receive it on tomorrow wednesday 11 november
Receive it on tomorrow wednesday 11 november
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is the 6.9-inch version in the 2026 range, and its internal design differs considerably from the 17 Pro Max: the Face ID infrared camera is now positioned under the screen, and all internal repairs are carried out by opening the phone from the front. Here you'll find the complete screen, vibration motor, and flash and light sensor flex. Before choosing a part, check your model code and whether your phone has a SIM tray, as Apple uses different internal assemblies depending on the variant.
Four codes for the same iPhone 18 Pro Max: A3717, A3473, A3716 and A3718
Apple sells the iPhone 18 Pro Max under four model references, depending on the region. In Spain and the rest of Europe, the A3717 is sold with a nano-SIM tray as well as eSIM. By contrast, units sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and various Gulf countries use eSIM only.
| Code | Main market | SIM |
|---|---|---|
| A3717 | Europe and most countries | Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| A3473 | United States and Puerto Rico | eSIM only, with mmWave |
| A3716 | Canada, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries | eSIM only |
| A3718 | Mainland China | With SIM tray |
To identify your model, go to Settings > General > About and tap the model number until the code beginning with A appears. On variants with a tray, this code is also engraved inside the SIM slot. On eSIM-only variants, Apple engraves it on the inside of the USB-C connector.
Don't confuse it with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Although the screens have the same dimensions, the 18 Pro Max has a smaller Dynamic Island because part of Face ID has been moved under the panel. This means the front is different, and a screen from one model is not compatible with the other.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max OLED lets Face ID infrared light through
The original panel is a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels, ProMotion up to 120 Hz, an always-on display, True Tone and a peak outdoor brightness of 3000 nits. The key detail to bear in mind when choosing a replacement is in the top-left corner: the panel has fewer pixels in this area so the Face ID infrared camera can scan your face through the glass. The dot projector and front camera remain inside the Dynamic Island.
That's why the screen you install must be designed for this model and retain the area that lets infrared light through. We currently stock the complete screen for iPhone 18 Pro Max in Original quality, our most advanced option. Apple uses a single screen reference for all four variants, so the A code does not affect which screen you need.
Once installation is complete, the iPhone may display the Repair Assistant. With an original part, this process lets you calibrate the screen and restore features such as True Tone and automatic brightness.
Any internal repair on the iPhone 18 Pro Max requires screen removal
On this model, the rear cover houses only the wireless charging coil. The vibration motor, flash and other internal parts are accessed from the front by detaching the panel, which is bonded to the chassis with adhesive. During the teardown carried out by iFixit, the display's plastic frame fractured or came loose in three of the four units opened. The sample size is small, but the risk is real.
Apple does not offer this frame separately: if it is damaged, the only option is to replace the complete screen assembly. If you run a repair business, remember to include new screen adhesive in your quote for replacing the vibration motor or flash flex on an 18 Pro Max, as required by the official procedure, and let the customer know about this possibility before opening the device.
Apple lists two vibration motor assemblies for the iPhone 18 Pro Max
The official repair manual includes two procedures for the Taptic Engine: one for eSIM-only versions (A3473 and A3716) and another for versions with a SIM tray (A3717 and A3718). In both cases, the screen and bottom speaker must be removed. On the version with a physical SIM, the tray assembly must also be removed, adding screws and time to the job.
The manual does not specify whether the motor is the same part in both assemblies. So before ordering the iPhone 18 Pro Max Taptic Engine vibration motor, which we now offer in Original quality, check your A code. If you bought your phone in Spain, it will usually be an A3717 with a SIM tray. If you're unsure which variant you have, ask us before placing your order.
A faulty iPhone 18 Pro Max flash doesn't mean you need to replace the camera module
The 18 Pro Max's main Fusion camera has a six-blade variable aperture, from f/1,48 to f/4,0, which iFixit describes as practically irreparable: if it fails, the entire module must be replaced. That's why it's worth carrying out a thorough diagnosis before buying the part. If the cameras take pictures normally and the fault affects the flash or light sensor, the part you need is the flash and light sensor flex in Original quality—a repair that is considerably cheaper than replacing the camera.
Like the other internal components, this flex is replaced by opening the device from the screen, so the information above about the plastic frame and new adhesive also applies here.
Matte screen protectors, unrecognised parts and eSIM variants: common questions about the iPhone 18 Pro Max
Does Face ID still work with a matte screen protector?
It may not. As the infrared camera is located under the top-left corner, matte or privacy screen protectors covering this area scatter infrared light, preventing Face ID from recognising your face properly. This issue has not been reported with clear protectors.
Will an unknown part warning appear after replacing the screen?
With original components, iOS displays the Repair Assistant after installation to configure the part. If this configuration is not completed, the component may appear as unverified in the Parts and Service History under Settings > General > About.
Can an iPhone 17 Pro Max screen be installed in an 18 Pro Max?
It's not recommended. The front of the 18 Pro Max has a smaller Dynamic Island and an area that lets Face ID infrared light through—features that the 17 Pro Max panel does not have.
Does an iPhone 18 Pro Max without a SIM tray use the same parts as the A3717?
It depends on the component. The screen has a single reference for all variants, but Apple specifies a different procedure for the vibration motor depending on whether the model is eSIM-only or has a physical SIM. Check your A code before ordering internal parts.
