- The iPhone 16 feature a groundbreaking battery removal process using an electrical current-activated adhesive, making battery replacements more accessible and straightforward.
- Apple’s strides in improving hardware reparability and the positive impact of their new approach to battery removal on overall ease of repairs.
OUR TAKE
The iPhone 16’s improved battery removal process signifies a notable shift in Apple’s approach to device repairability. This enhancement not only streamlines a commonly frustrating aspect of smartphone maintenance but also underscores Apple’s commitment to meeting consumer expectations for more sustainable product lifecycles. By making batteries easier to replace, Apple is effectively promoting longer device usage, reduced waste, and potentially increased customer loyalty. This move could also help Apple sidestep potential regulatory challenges associated with the right-to-repair movement, demonstrating a strategic balance between innovation and consumer advocacy.
–Rebecca Xu, BTW reporter
What happened
In recent teardown of the newly released iPhone 16, iFixit has discovered that Apple has introduced a significantly improved battery removal process for the device, particularly in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. This advancement is a notable departure from previous models, which utilised pull tabs that often made battery replacement a challenging task for users and repair technicians.
The iPhone 16 features a new adhesive that releases when exposed to an electric current, allowing for a much simpler battery replacement process. This method involves using a 9V battery to deliver a charge that loosens the adhesive securing the battery in place. iFixit has praised this new process, claiming it to be one of the easiest in the industry, a significant compliment considering Apple’s history of challenging repair processes.
The teardown also revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have not adopted the new battery replacement process found in the standard iPhone 16 and Plus models. However, these models have seen improvements in other areas, such as easier servicing of the USB-C port, although Apple does not sell this part separately.
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Why it’s important
Firstly, it addresses a common pain point among users and repair technicians, who often find battery replacements in smartphones to be a tedious and challenging task. By simplifying this process, Apple makes it more feasible for users to perform DIY repairs or seek help from local repair shops, thereby extending the device’s lifespan and reducing e-waste.
Secondly, the new process aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Easier battery replacement can encourage users to keep their devices longer, thus decreasing the frequency of new device purchases and the associated environmental impact of production and disposal.
Lastly, this improvement reflects Apple’s response to the right-to-repair movement, which advocates for greater access to repair resources and information. By making their devices more repair-friendly, Apple is taking a step towards meeting these demands and potentially avoiding legislative pressures that could arise from continued resistance to such movements.
