Following up on the news of the iPhone 16’s improved repairability, iFixit has released its teardown video of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, offering a detailed look at the device’s internals and how they all come together.
Apple has clearly prioritized making repairs easier, as iFixit notes a “massively simplified” disassembly process and increased accessibility to crucial components. In their ten-minute video, iFixit awards the iPhone 16 Pro a provisional repairability score of 7/10, a testament to these improvements.
One of the most notable changes is the redesigned chassis and its back-glass entry, providing a safer alternative to the more risky screen-based entry seen in previous models. The video highlights the redesigned chassis, emphasizing its back-glass entry, a safer alternative to previous screen-based entries.
While the process is less daunting than in the past, the teardown does involve navigating numerous small components, connectors, and delicate ribbon cables, requiring careful handling.
Another significant change is the fully enclosed battery, which while not eliminating fire risk, drastically reduces it. The enclosed design minimizes the possibility of damaging the battery with tools like tweezers or a spudger.
iFixit also showcases the interchangeable camera modules, a long-awaited feature finally coming to fruition. However, the teardown reveals a trade-off: one of the mmWave antennas has been removed to accommodate the new Camera Control button, potentially affecting 5G signal strength.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s battery utilizes stretch-release adhesive tabs for removal, which might pose a slight challenge, unlike the iPhone 16 base model’s simpler, electro-chemical release technology. Interestingly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t benefit from either of these improved battery removal methods, requiring the traditional approach.
Lastly, the logic board can now be accessed by simply removing the speaker assembly, a first in iPhones.
Overall, Apple appears to have delivered on its promise of a more repairable iPhone. Repairing the device now feels more manageable and less intimidating, particularly with Apple releasing repair guides on its website from the outset. This translates to easier and potentially less expensive fixes for phone malfunctions.
