iPhone 16: Easier to Repair, but is Apple Getting "Smarter"?

iPhone 16: Easier to Repair, but is Apple Getting "Smarter"?At this year's fall product launch event, Apple devoted significant time to introducing the new camera control button on the iPhone 16 series, making it one of the most prominent design changes for this generation. However, after the launch, many users expressed confusion about the purpose of this new button

iPhone 16: Easier to Repair, but is Apple Getting "Smarter"?

At this year's fall product launch event, Apple devoted significant time to introducing the new camera control button on the iPhone 16 series, making it one of the most prominent design changes for this generation. However, after the launch, many users expressed confusion about the purpose of this new button. Lei Technology has a detailed analysis in its launch review, which we encourage you to check out. The lack of innovation in the design wasn't the first time Apple disappointed us. But has this generation of iPhones seen no changes at all? Not exactly. Professional repair company iFixit recently published a teardown report for the iPhone 16, scoring the device's repairability at 7 out of 10, almost a perfect score.

(Image source: iFixit)

iFixit even considers the iPhone 16 to be the most easily disassembled, repaired, and reassembled iPhone in recent generations. However, what's surprising is that Apple's website quietly increased the repair prices for the iPhone 16 series. With easier repairability on one hand and expensive official repair fees on the other, what is Apple doing with this generation of iPhones?

A Breakthrough! iPhone 16 Becomes More Repairable

On the iPhone 14 series, Apple implemented a new body structure design, allowing the back glass to be removed entirely, eliminating the forceful disassembly needed by repair technicians. This quick-release solution received widespread praise. iFixit awarded this design a score of 3 out of 10, with 10 being the highest.

All four models in the iPhone 16 series have different internal designs this year. The standard iPhone 16 received the highest repairability score, making it the most repairable iPhone currently available. The iPhone 16 retains the highly praised three-layer structure, where the front screen, back glass, and midframe are all independent components. Repairs can be performed by opening from the front or the back. This is advantageous because if only the back glass is damaged, it can be disassembled and replaced from the back, minimizing the risk of damage to the entire device.

(Image source: iFixit)

However, this isn't the sole reason for the iPhone 16's high score. This generation uses a new battery technology. Apple has implemented an independent encryption chip in the battery adhesive. This chip detaches when current flows through it, allowing repair technicians to quickly remove the battery. iFixit mentions that applying 9V AC voltage to the chip specifically designed for quick release by Apple causes the adhesive to detach. The battery can then be removed by gently lifting it with a suction cup. This design is found in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which uses an L-shaped soft-pack battery, and the iPhone 16 Pro, which features a new steel-shell battery, do not currently utilize this feature.

(Image source: iFixit)

However, compared to the L-shaped soft-pack battery in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro's new steel-shell battery is easier to remove, offering higher energy density and better space utilization. It's important to note that the camera control button on the iPhone 16 series is not designed for independent repair. If this button malfunctions, the entire device must be returned for repair. Owners of iPhone 16 series devices might want to consider purchasing AppleCare+ or taking extra care to protect this button.

(Image source: Lei Technology)

In fact, iFixit's high repairability score for the iPhone 16 is primarily attributed to Apple's comprehensive official repair guide. iFixit believes that Apple's official repair guide is very thorough and beneficial for ordinary repair technicians, contributing significantly to the iPhone 16's higher repairability score compared to previous generations.

Apple's New Tactic: Discouraging Self-Repair

Mobile phone repairs have always been a challenging aspect of after-sales service. Most manufacturers aim to reduce repair difficulty and cost while minimizing service expenses. However, Apple doesn't share this view. For battery replacement, which is a very sensitive issue for consumers, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still cost 809 yuan per repair. The price hasn't decreased despite the introduction of the easier repair design. As for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the price has even risen to a ridiculous 969 yuan, an increase of 150 yuan compared to the previous generation.

As for the previously mentioned camera control button malfunction, Apple's official repair program currently doesn't support independent repair. It's categorized under "Other" repairs. If you need "Other" repairs, the cost for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6099 yuan. For comparison, "Other" repairs for the iPhone 15 Pro Max cost 5699 yuan.

(Image source: Apple)

It's undeniable that iPhone repair prices have been increasing year after year, making repairs almost "unaffordable" for many. For instance, the price of a complete iPhone 16 Pro Max repair would be enough to buy a Xiaomi 14 Ultra 12GB+256GB version and still have 100 yuan left over.

Why are iPhones, which are becoming increasingly easier to repair, becoming more expensive to fix?

On one hand, Apple expects most users to actively purchase AppleCare+ plans. The price of AppleCare+ plans generally ranges from 1199 to 1599 yuan. If you opt for this plan, you can get two free battery replacements per year, and the repair prices for other damages are significantly reduced. According to a market report from the New York Times, AppleCare+ plans generate about 9 billion dollars in revenue annually, accounting for nearly half of Apple's service revenue.

(Image source: Apple)

On the other hand, Apple's use of new adhesives on the iPhone 16/Plus and the steel-shell battery on the iPhone 16 Pro are primarily driven by compliance with the EU's latest regulations. This regulation states that all consumer electronics products sold must feature removable batteries. However, even with "removable" batteries, Apple doesn't want users or unauthorized repair facilities to handle repairs themselves.

In iOS 18.1, Apple has implemented official parts authentication. Any iPhone that has been repaired will display the repair source in this section. This way, AppleCare+ plans, a major source of revenue, can continue to generate income.

Keeping the Profits In-House: Is iPhone Repair Replacement a Thing of the Past?

For users who haven't purchased an AppleCare+ plan, the most affordable repair options are usually third-party repair facilities or self-repair. As iPhones become increasingly easy to repair, many consumers might think that self-repair has become more cost-effective.

As mentioned earlier, Apple has added parts authentication to the latest system version, accurately displaying the source of each component and the repair time. Previously, Apple had already imposed restrictions on non-officially certified parts for key components like displays and cameras. The latest version introduces even stricter measures.

(Image source: Weibo)

This is also related to the EU regulations. Some media outlets believe that Apple might first open official battery sales in the European market, allowing consumers to purchase parts and tools independently for repairs and replacements. This would effectively circumvent the regulation's requirement for "consumer electronics products to support replaceable batteries."

However, allowing consumers to replace batteries independently might entail risks, primarily concerning the source of parts. If Apple continues to tolerate battery swaps using non-officially certified parts, it might face greater legal liability. To achieve both objectives, this might be Apple's less ideal solution.

As ordinary consumers, should we purchase AppleCare+ plans when buying iPhones? In my opinion, AppleCare+ is more like insurance. If you buy an iPhone 16 series device, purchasing this plan could potentially save you a significant amount of money. Of course, if you are usually very careful with your phone, there's no need to spend this money.