iPhone 16 Series Makes Major Leaps in Repairability, Achieving Highest-Ever iFixit Score

iPhone 16 Series Makes Major Leaps in Repairability, Achieving Highest-Ever iFixit ScoreiFixits traditional teardown results show the iPhone 16 series boasts the highest repairability score of any iPhone ever, thanks to three key design and internal structural changes that make components easier to remove. This rating is currently provisional, awaiting Apples release of parts information for the final score

iPhone 16 Series Makes Major Leaps in Repairability, Achieving Highest-Ever iFixit Score

iFixits traditional teardown results show the iPhone 16 series boasts the highest repairability score of any iPhone ever, thanks to three key design and internal structural changes that make components easier to remove. This rating is currently provisional, awaiting Apples release of parts information for the final score. Based on the three key changes, iFixit has concluded and projected a higher repairability score for the iPhone 16 series.

Firstly, as early teardowns pointed out, Apples rumored encapsulation of the iPhone 16 Pro battery within a rigid steel case has been confirmed. iFixit stated in its blog, Instead of a flexible pouch battery, the hard battery will not be accidentally punctured by a slipping screwdriver, thus eliminating fire hazard and greatly reducing the risk of battery damage. The company also lauded Apple for switching to a new adhesive for securing the battery that can now be peeled away with low voltage current applied to the battery.

Secondly, the iPhone 16 series expands the ability to disassemble the iPhone from either the front or back, which makes working on specific components needing repair much easier. This feature, first seen in the iPhone 14 base model, has now made its way to the iPhone 16 Pro models. iFixits blog called these changes a huge leap forward for the repair community, making the repair process more consistent and repeatable.

Thirdly, Apples own battery repair guide provided to AASP technicians shows that disassembly can be done using two wires from a household 9V battery. Apples AASP repair guide shows how a 9V battery can be used to detach the battery case.

Furthermore, accessing OEM parts has become easier. iFixits blog also praised Apples newly launched Repair Assistant program, which helps AASP technicians and DIY users calibrate and confirm the right part pairing when repairing Apple devices using new or old OEM parts. The company stated, We tested it with the iPhone 15 series earlier this week, and we think it has promise, although its not quite ready for prime time. But it impressed us with its smooth operation on our regular iPhone 16: one-click pairing and calibration for all the components, and no errors were found.

However, the Repair Assistant feature in iOS 18 may not work with some compliant third-party repair components. The software may also cause trouble for buyers of second-hand iPhones, as they would not know the repair history or the use of third-party parts.

Apples official repair guide notes that the use of a 9-volt battery can detach the iPhone 16s battery case in about 90 seconds. iFixits complete teardown also reveals that the new camera control actuator is capable of far more than just that. The company is excited to give the iPhone 16 series a repairability score of 7 out of 10, up from the iPhone 15s score of 4 out of 10.

In conclusion, the iPhone 16 series has made significant progress in repairability, with design and internal structural improvements that make repairs easier. Apples Repair Assistant program also provides a more convenient repair experience for AASP technicians and DIY users. However, there are still concerns about the compatibility of the Repair Assistant feature and its impact on used iPhone buyers.