iPhone 16: A More Repairable Apple Device?

iPhone 16: A More Repairable Apple Device?The iFixit team recently took apart the latest iPhone 16 and declared it "the most repairable iPhone ever." This conclusion is based on significant improvements Apple has made to the device's internal structure, particularly the way the battery is secured

iPhone 16: A More Repairable Apple Device?

The iFixit team recently took apart the latest iPhone 16 and declared it "the most repairable iPhone ever." This conclusion is based on significant improvements Apple has made to the device's internal structure, particularly the way the battery is secured.

For years, iFixit has criticized Apple devices for their difficulty to repair. Even if users could replace internal components, part pairing issues often resulted in them not working properly. However, with the release of the iPhone 16, Apple seems to be making an effort to change this, making its devices easier to repair.

The iFixit team found that the iPhone 16 uses a new type of "sticky glue" to hold the battery in place. This special glue releases when a small amount of current is passed through it, allowing the iFixit team to easily remove the battery. This is a significant improvement over the pull-tab adhesive Apple previously used, making battery replacement quicker and easier.

Besides the change in battery attachment, iFixit's teardown revealed further improvements:

• More Powerful Heat Dissipation System: Apple uses an iron heat sink to improve the cooling of the A18 chip. Interestingly, it only covers half of the SoC, presumably where the neural engine is located.

• Improved Camera Control Button: While the new camera control button is still laser-welded to the phone's frame, the iFixit team found it easier to remove.

• Detailed Repair Manual: iFixit praised Apple's repair manual for its clear and easy-to-understand content, which makes it convenient for users to perform repairs.

All these changes have earned the iPhone 16 a repairability score of 7 out of 10 from iFixit, a significant improvement over the iPhone 15s 4. The team also highlighted the phones dual-entry design, easy accessibility to multiple components, and the ability to independently access the battery for quick and easy repairs.

Apple's move to make these changes might be related to pressure from regulators. But regardless of the reason, consumers ultimately benefit, as they will be able to repair their iPhones more easily.

It is worth noting that despite the improvements in repairability, the iPhone 16 is still not a fully repairable device. Some components still require special tools or expertise to replace. Additionally, Apple's authorization and supply of repair parts remain restricted, which may prevent users from obtaining necessary repair components.

Nevertheless, the increased repairability of the iPhone 16 is a positive sign. It shows that Apple is listening to users and regulators and making an effort to make its devices more repairable. This will allow consumers to use their devices longer and reduce electronic waste. In the future, we hope to see Apple continue to improve the repairability of its devices and ultimately achieve the goal of full reparability.