iPhone 16 Pro Teardown: LiDAR Upgrade, 7/10 Repairability Score

iPhone 16 Pro Teardown: LiDAR Upgrade, 7/10 Repairability ScoreTech media outlet MacRumors today released a teardown report by repair team iFixit of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The report reveals that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus utilize a new battery removal method, where users can easily detach the battery from the chassis using a 9V low-voltage current flowing through a new ionic liquid adhesive

iPhone 16 Pro Teardown: LiDAR Upgrade, 7/10 Repairability Score

Tech media outlet MacRumors today released a teardown report by repair team iFixit of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The report reveals that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus utilize a new battery removal method, where users can easily detach the battery from the chassis using a 9V low-voltage current flowing through a new ionic liquid adhesive. This method is faster and safer compared to the previous stretch-release adhesive. However, the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max continue to employ traditional stretch-release adhesive.

It is noteworthy that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, alike, have their batteries encased in metal; however, the iPhone 16 Pro Max lacks a metal enclosure for an unknown reason.

Besides the battery removal method, iFixit also observed adjustments made in other aspects of the iPhone 16 Pro:

• LiDAR Scanner Placement Optimization: Apple has adjusted the placement of the LiDAR scanner, making it more accessible for repair. In previous iPhone Pro models, the LiDAR scanner was located under the main camera module.

• Camera Module: While the camera module doesn't feature significant changes, it isn't entirely interchangeable due to varying cable lengths and the placement of internal screws being different across models.

• mmWave Signal: iFixit suggests that mmWave signal reception could still be affected due to the titanium frame in the iPhone 16 Pro models.

• Simplified USB-C Port Removal: Apple has simplified the removal of the USB-C port, but they don't sell replacement USB-C ports separately.

• Design Adjustments: Users can now access the logic board by simply removing the upper speaker assembly, a significant design improvement.

Based on these design modifications and the availability of repair manuals, iFixit awarded the iPhone 16 Pro a repairability score of 7 out of 10.

Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro offers improved repairability, but the discrepancy in battery removal methods is surprising. Additionally, concerns remain regarding mmWave signal reception and USB-C port replacement issues.