Pixel 9 Pro Fold Teardown: iFixit Reveals Google’s Most Exciting Foldable Yet

Thanks to iFixit, repair enthusiasts and tech fans alike now have an in-depth look at the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Described as “the most exciting foldable we’ve seen on the iFixit teardown table,” this latest disassembly video showcases the internals of Google’s premium foldable and highlights its modular design and repairability.

An Inside Look at Google’s Foldable

iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari walks us through the teardown of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, revealing several noteworthy design elements. According to Mokhtari, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts impressive modularity, with easily removable parts such as the USB-C port and SIM card tray, both of which can be swapped out with minimal effort. This is great news for users looking for cost-effective repairs, especially since Google has started providing official repair guides and replacement parts for this device.

A key takeaway from the teardown is the use of 3IP screws throughout the device, which iFixit praised for making repairs more straightforward. The teardown team was also able to remove the phone's outer screen and back cover using just prying tools—no heat gun required—a rare feature in today’s world of tightly sealed smartphones.

Battery Woes: A Sticking Point in an Otherwise Modular Design

Despite the phone's modularity, iFixit faced one major challenge: the batteries. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold houses two batteries—a 4.68Wh and a 13.4Wh—which are essential to its dual-screen functionality. However, Mokhtari struggled to remove them using the provided pull tabs, a standard feature intended to make battery replacements easier. Even with the tabs, the batteries wouldn’t budge without additional force, which is a point of criticism in an otherwise positive teardown.

The issue extends to the folding screen, which Mokhtari couldn’t remove without damaging it. This may be a concern for users considering repair options in the future, as foldable screens are notoriously fragile and expensive to replace.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold CT Scans and 3D Views

In addition to the video teardown, iFixit has treated users to an exciting feature on its blog: interactive Lumafield CT scans of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These detailed 3D scans allow tech enthusiasts to explore the internal components of the phone in a way that goes beyond traditional teardowns. The scans are zoomable and rotatable, providing a unique “x-ray” perspective of the foldable’s innards.

For a more visual experience, iFixit also included a rotating GIF of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s internal CT scan, adding a fun, geeky touch to the blog post.

A Promising Step for Foldable Repairability

Despite the hiccups with battery removal, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out as one of the more repair-friendly foldables on the market. The device's modularity, paired with Google’s commitment to providing official repair parts and guides, makes it a promising option for users who prioritize repairability.

As foldable phones continue to evolve, the ability to fix and maintain these complex devices becomes more important. With companies like Google taking proactive steps in this direction, the future of foldables could be both innovative and sustainable.

Kushal Bharat Tech News will continue to keep you updated on the latest in tech innovations, teardown insights, and repairability news. Stay tuned for more!