iPad Air 13-inch (M3) USB-C Connector

Before You Begin

Warning

Read Battery Safety and follow workspace and battery handling guidelines before you begin.

Remove the following part before you begin:

Tools

  • 13-inch repair tray

  • ESD-safe tweezers

  • JCIS bit for crosshead screws

  • Nitrile or lint-free gloves

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torque driver (black, 0.35 kgf cm)

Refer to a full list of tools required for all repairs.

Removal

Note: If you’ve already completed the removal steps, skip to reassembly.

  1. Use a torque driver and the JCIS bit to remove five crosshead screws from the USB-C connector cowling and the USB-C connector. Set aside the screws. Save the cowling for reassembly.

  2. Remove the polyester tape from the end of the Smart Connector flex cable.

  3. Flip the lever to release the Smart Connector flex cable. Then lift the end of the Smart Connector flex cable off the connector.

  4. Lift the end of the USB-C connector flex cable off the connector.

  5. Gently lift the speaker cable.

    • Wi-Fi models only: Peel the USB-C connector flex cable off the enclosure.

    • Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Gently lift the two antenna coaxial cables and speaker cable. Peel the USB-C connector flex cable off the enclosure. Then slide the USB-C connector out from under the other cables.

Reassembly

  1. Use an ethanol or IPA wipe to clean any residual adhesive.

    • Important: Don't clean the two coaxial cables.

  2. Install the USB-C connector port gasket into the enclosure.

  3. Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Route the USB-C connector flex cable under the two coaxial cables.

  4. Use the black torque driver and the JCIS bit to install two new crosshead screws into the USB-C connector.

    • Silver (452-06436)

    • Space gray (452-02932)

  5. Peel the liner from the USB-C connector flex cable. Then adhere the flex cable to the enclosure.

  6. Press the end of the USB-C connector flex cable to the connector.

  7. Install USB-C connector foam onto the top of the USB-C connector flex cable.

  8. Install USB-C connector shim tape onto the top of the USB-C connector.

  9. Connect the Smart Connector flex cable to the USB-C connector flex cable.

  10. Install the Smart Connector flex tape.

  11. Use the black torque driver and the JCIS bit to install three new crosshead screws (452-06580) into the USB-C connector cowling.

Reinstall the following part to complete reassembly:

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