Over the years, Apple has done a lot to make iPhone repairs easier. Recently, the giant launched a new “Repair Assistant” tool with iOS 18 that allows iPhone users to configure replacement parts after a repair. Additionally, Apple has introduced major repairability improvements in the new iPhones. The iPhone 16 received a huge internal overhaul with a highly repairable battery and improved thermal management. One of the most impressive things is the new battery removal process for the base iPhone 16. Apple has ditched the usual pull tabs in favor of an adhesive that peels off in response to a small electrical current. Apple iPhone 16 Battery Replacement GuideIt only takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds to remove the battery from the iPhone 16.
A teardown by iFixit shows the iPhone 16 battery removal process in action, and it certainly looks easier and safer than ever. Repair site iFixit has given the iPhone 16, a 7/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale which is the highest repairability score for an iPhone. That’s because three key changes to the design and interior of the iPhone 16 make it easier to access internal components. As a result, the iPhone 16 becomes the most repairable iPhone ever.
Three factors helped Apple win the iPhone 16 repairability
Adhesives in iPhone 16 and 16 Plus battery
In the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the battery is secured by an adhesive that can peel off when you run an electrical current through it. So you no longer need to rely on those brittle and temperamental adhesive strips.
Apple’s iPhone 16 repair guide states that the detachment can be completed in about 90 seconds using two cables from a 9V battery. In contrast, iFixit used a 12V battery and was able to detach the battery in 60 seconds. iFixit’s full teardown also revealed that the bottom speaker and Taptic Engine are easily removable after removing the rear glass. Additionally, once you remove all the screws holding the USB-C ribbon cable, it’s easy to detach the USB-C port from the frame.
iPhone 16 Pro Battery Hard Steel Case
Before the iPhone 16 was launched, there were strong rumors that Apple would encase the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery in a hard steel casing, and they turned out to be true. The iPhone 16 Pro’s battery features a hard steel casing rather than a soft pouch, which is less likely to be accidentally punctured by a slip of a screwdriver. As a result, they are less likely to catch fire, reducing the risk of battery damage and making the battery removal process safer. It is worth noting that there are no battery improvements on the flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Ability to disassemble the iPhone from the front or back
The iPhone 16 can be disassembled from the front or the back, making it easier to access specific components that need repair. This option was first introduced on the base iPhone 14, but Apple has now extended this design choice to the higher-end Pro models as well.
iFixit called the changes “major advancements in repair,” allowing for a more repeatable repair process.
That’s not all. The selfie and main camera modules are now more accessible than before, making potential repairs much easier. iFixit gave the iPhone 16 lineup a repairability score of 7 (out of 10). In comparison, the iPhone 15 only scored 4 out of 10.
What do you think about these easier iPhone 16 battery replacements? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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