iPhone 16 Pro Achieves its Highest Repairability Score in 7 Years, But Missing mmWave Antenna Raises Concerns

iPhone 16 Pro Achieves its Highest Repairability Score in 7 Years, But Missing mmWave Antenna Raises ConcernsiFixit's teardown of the iPhone 16 Pro revealed stunning details about its internal structure, earning it the highest repairability score since the iPhone 7. As is customary following the release of a new iPhone, repair institutions embarked on disassembling the device to examine its internal components

iPhone 16 Pro Achieves its Highest Repairability Score in 7 Years, But Missing mmWave Antenna Raises Concerns

iFixit's teardown of the iPhone 16 Pro revealed stunning details about its internal structure, earning it the highest repairability score since the iPhone 7. As is customary following the release of a new iPhone, repair institutions embarked on disassembling the device to examine its internal components. iFixit's teardown video, published on YouTube on Friday, further highlighted the advantages of the iPhone 16 Pro's new all-enclosed battery.

New Battery Offers Enhanced Safety and Easier Repairs

iFixit asserted that the biggest benefit of the new battery lies in its "pokeability," meaning it poses no fire risk, thereby simplifying repairs. Although the new battery occupies a larger footprint, it boasts a higher capacity compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, increasing from 12.7Wh to 13.94Wh.

Absence of mmWave Antenna Could Impact US Users

Despite the iPhone 16 Pro incorporating numerous new components upon its release, one notable omission is a 5G mmWave antenna. To accommodate the installation of the camera control button, Apple removed one of the 5G mmWave antennas. This might pose a challenge for users reliant on high-speed cellular networks, particularly those opting for the Pro models with titanium casings. Apple attempted to compensate by repositioning the remaining antenna higher and closer to the edge, but due to the mmWave signal's susceptibility to blockage and weak signal strength, limited primarily to densely populated urban areas, US users may still experience relatively poor performance.

Repairability Score Reaches Highest Point in 7 Years

iFixit prioritizes the ease of repair when evaluating iPhone repairability. They commended the design of the iPhone 16 Pro, featuring a dual-entry design, eliminating the need to detach the display to access components behind it. The inclusion of battery pull tabs, while potentially "prone to error," simplifies the battery removal process. Moreover, the iOS 18 update facilitates the replacement of most components with aftermarket parts.

Overall, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max achieved a repairability score of 7 out of 10, surpassing the iPhone 15 Pro Max's meager score of 4 out of 10. This represents the highest score iFixit has awarded to an iPhone since the iPhone 7. Although iFixit previously bestowed the same score on the iPhone 14, the score was subsequently reduced to 4 out of 10 a year later due to Apple's parts pairing practices.

Key Contributors to the Enhanced Repairability Score of the iPhone 16 Pro:

• Dual-Entry Design: Eliminates the requirement to detach the display to access components behind it.

• Easier Battery Removal: Battery pull tabs, despite potential errors, simplify battery detachment.

• Easier Replacement of Components: iOS 18 update facilitates the use of aftermarket parts for most components.

The absence of the mmWave antenna may overshadow the improved repairability score for US users. Consumers must weigh the trade-offs between repairability and network connectivity before deciding to purchase the iPhone 16 Pro.

Detailed breakdown of the iPhone 16 Pro's repairability score:

• Display: 7 out of 10

• Battery: 7 out of 10

• Logic Board: 7 out of 10

• Front Camera: 7 out of 10

• Rear Camera System: 7 out of 10

Overall, the enhancement of the iPhone 16 Pro's repairability score represents a notable improvement. However, the absence of the mmWave antenna may disappoint some users, particularly those relying on high-speed cellular networks.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 Pro has made substantial advancements in repairability, but the absence of the mmWave antenna could be a concern for US users. Consumers need to weigh the trade-offs between repairability and network connectivity before deciding to buy the iPhone 16 Pro.