iPhone 16 Brings Improvements in Repairability Including Simpler Battery Replacements

Highlights

• The iPhone 16 lineup features a new electrically-activated adhesive for the battery.
• It makes battery replacement easier and safer.
• It eliminates the need for manual work, reducing the risk of damage.
• Only available in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

iPhone 16: new battery removal process demonstrated in iFixit Teardown video. (Image credit – iFixit)

Repairability has always been a concern with iPhones. A recent teardown video of the recently launched iPhone 16 lineup suggests Apple has finally done something to address these concerns.

The iPhone 16 lineup introduces some key improvements in the phone’s repairability.  One of the standouts in that respect is the battery adhesive. This makes replacing the battery easier and safer after the iPhone’s frame is removed.

iFixit teardown video of the iPhone 16 lineup shows the entire process in detail.

The adhesive holding the battery inside the iPhone 16 models can now be easily released using some low-voltage electrical current. Once done, the battery will easily come out from the chassis of the phone without much effort or creating any mess.

This wasn’t so simple earlier.

iPhone batteries are usually secured with glue. Four pull tabs are used to separate the battery from the chassis in previous iPhones. This process often is tricky as tabs at times fail. Most of the time technicians are left with no choice but to pry the battery out with tools. This process carries great risks of damaging the battery and can even a fire if even a small step goes wrong.

The new electrically-activated adhesive used in the newly launched iPhone 16 lineup eliminates these issues.

Technicians repairing iPhones can now simply connect alligator clips to a power source and the iPhone’s battery will pop out on its own. This will need no manual effort, thus removing the chances of any mishaps.

However, the functionality isn’t provided in all phones of the iPhone 16 lineup. This new mechanism is only available in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

For iPhone Pro models i.e. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has gone with the old pull tab system. However, the metal enclosure around the battery cells has been updated for safety.

Depending on whether the new system proves successful, there are chances that Apple will start using the electrical adhesive system in all iPhone models. This system could also be adopted for other Apple devices in the future.

FAQs

Q1. What improvement has been made to the iPhone 16’s battery replacement process?

Answer. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus now use an electrically-activated adhesive, making battery replacement easier and safer.

Q2. How does the new battery removal system work in the iPhone 16 lineup?

Answer. Technicians can use a low-voltage electrical current to release the battery, allowing it to pop out without manual effort or risk of damage.

Q3. Is the new battery adhesive system available in all iPhone 16 models?

Answer. No, it is only available in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max still use the traditional pull tab system.

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