Copyright Wccftech
Apple has pretty much increased the number of roadblocks for consumers clever enough to avoid paying the company a premium for its storage and RAM upgrades, forcing them to fork over a substantial sum. For instance, the 2TB version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max costs a mammoth $1,999, making it more expensive than the company’s higher-end MacBook Pro models. Fortunately, one intrepid modder finds a way to save $800 and performs this delicate procedure. However, bear in mind that he is only successful because of the availability of intricate tools combined with his unyielding patience. In addition to requiring a specific NAND flash module to upgrade the 256GB storage on the iPhone 17 Pro Max to 2TB, the involvement of precise machinery is mandatory, which is unavailable to regular users The existing 256GB NAND flash present on the iPhone 17 Pro Max belongs to Toshiba and sports the part number’ K5A4.’ On YouTube, DirectorFeng reveals that physically formatting the flash drive to make way for a 2TB upgrade is impossible without the intervention of machines, and even then, using this paraphernalia requires years of experience and knowledge. Onwards to the storage upgrade, we noticed that the 2TB and 1TB NAND modules share the same length, but not the same thickness or width. Thankfully, the difference in dimensions does not appear to cause problems for the modder because he successfully soldered the Toshiba ‘K6B3’ 2TB module to the iPhone 17 Pro Max logic board using tin planting, followed by fuming with rosin, and finally, installing the NAND flash. Unfortunately, the process is far from complete because even though the chip is now stuck to the logic board, it needs to be securely fastened. With the use of BGA black glue and placing the component into the reflow soldering equipment, the temperature is set to a consistent 100 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. Finally, all the pieces are then put back together in the iPhone 17 Pro Max housing, and it is time to hook Apple’s latest and greatest flagship to a Mac to commence the flashing of iOS. This process was a success, unlike the last time when the same modder attempted to upgrade the storage on an iPhone Air, but that was probably due to a mismatch of NAND flash chips. It should be mentioned that when running a storage-centric benchmark, the iPhone 17 Pro Max with the 2TB upgrade obtained a higher score than when it featured a 256GB module. Looking at the complexity of this modification, we are confident that iPhone 17 Pro Max owners will steer clear from attempting this upgrade themselves. Alternatively, they will look for a skilled individual who is familiar with this trade to perform the operation without any hiccups. News Source: DirectorFeng
