Over the years, Apple has made significant strides towards enhancing the repairability of iPhones. Recently, with the launch of iOS 18, Apple introduced a new ‘Repair Assistant’ tool that empowers iPhone users to customize replacement parts post-repair. Additionally, Apple has implemented notable repairability enhancements in the latest iPhones. The iPhone 16 features a comprehensive internal redesign, boasting a highly repairable battery and improved thermal management. One of the standout innovations is the revamped battery removal method for the base iPhone 16. Apple has replaced the conventional pull tabs with an innovative adhesive that releases when exposed to a low electrical current. According to Apple’s iPhone 16 battery replacement guide, it now takes merely 1 minute and 30 seconds to remove the iPhone 16 battery.
A teardown by iFixit demonstrates the enhanced iPhone 16 battery removal process, which appears easier and safer than ever before. The repair site iFixit rated the iPhone 16 with a 7/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale, marking the highest repairability score for any iPhone to date. This impressive rating stems from three key changes in the iPhone 16’s design and internal components, making it more accessible for repairs. Consequently, the iPhone 16 stands out as the most repairable iPhone to date.
Three Factors That Earned Apple a Repairability Win with the iPhone 16
Innovative Adhesives in iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus Battery
In both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the battery is secured with an adhesive that can be debonded by passing an electrical current through it. This advancement eliminates the need for brittle, troublesome adhesive strips.
According to Apple’s iPhone 16 repair guide, the debonding process takes around 90 seconds using two leads from a 9v battery. Meanwhile, iFixit utilized a 12v battery, achieving debonding in just 60 seconds. The complete iFixit teardown also unveiled that the lower speaker and Taptic Engine can be easily removed after taking off the back glass. Additionally, once the screws holding the USB-C ribbon cable are removed, the USB-C port can be effortlessly peeled away from the frame.
Robust Steel Case on iPhone 16 Pro Battery
Prior to the iPhone 16’s launch, strong rumors suggested that Apple would encase the iPhone 16 Pro battery in a robust steel case, and these speculations have proven accurate. The iPhone 16 Pro’s battery features a hard steel casing rather than a soft pouch, making it less prone to accidental puncturing by a misplaced screwdriver. This enhancement significantly reduces the risk of battery damage and enhances the safety of the battery removal process. It’s important to note that there have been no battery improvements for the flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Capability to Disassemble iPhone from Both Front and Back
The iPhone 16 can be disassembled from either the front or back, streamlining access to specific components that require repair. This flexible design was first introduced in the base iPhone 14, and Apple has now extended this innovative approach to the high-end Pro models as well.
iFixit described these changes as ‘big leaps in repairkind,’ enabling a more straightforward and repeatable repair process.
Furthermore, the selfie and main camera modules are now more accessible than ever, simplifying potential repairs. iFixit assigned a repairability score of 7 (out of 10) to the iPhone 16 series, in contrast to the iPhone 15, which only garnered a score of four out of ten.
What are your thoughts on the improved battery replacement process for the iPhone 16? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.
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