Apple says it is much easier to repair iPhone 16 models

Apple has significantly improved the repairability of its devices with the iPhone 16, addressing many of the issues found in the iPhone 15.

In Short

• Apple introduced a new method to easily remove the iPhone 16 battery using a low-voltage current
• Face ID hardware can now be swapped between devices without security risks, making repairs simpler
• The new Repair Assistant lets users configure parts directly on their device without Apple’s help

Apple has been working to make its devices easier to repair over the years, and the iPhone 16 is their latest step in that direction. While last year’s iPhone 15 wasn’t too impressive in terms of repairability, earning only a 4/10 score from iFixit, Apple has now made some major improvements with the iPhone 16, according to a report by Endgadget.

One of the big complaints about the iPhone 15 was how difficult it was to remove the battery, but Apple has now introduced a whole new method for the iPhone 16. Instead of using tricky adhesive strips, Apple has created a way to run a low-voltage current through the battery, making it easier and safer to remove. This new system is meant to make repairs faster and less complicated, which is good news for people who like to fix their own devices.

Another improvement is with the Face ID sensor. Previously, only Apple technicians could replace it because it was linked to security features like unlocking your phone. Now, you can swap the Face ID hardware between phones without worrying about security risks. This means you don't need to rely solely on Apple for certain repairs anymore.

Apple also introduced a new feature called Repair Assistant, which addresses the "parts pairing" problem. Before, if you replaced a part like the LiDAR sensor, you’d have to go through Apple to make sure everything worked correctly. With Repair Assistant, you can now configure parts on your own device, whether you’re using new or used Apple parts. This is a huge step forward for independent repair shops and people who want to fix their devices at home.

Another new feature is on-device diagnostics, which is coming with iOS 18. Instead of needing a separate device to figure out which parts need replacing, the phone will tell you directly. Apple has also made changes so that third-party parts will work better. If a third-party part can’t be calibrated online through Apple’s servers, the iPhone will still try to activate it and run it at full capacity.

Overall, Apple has made some significant strides with the iPhone 16, especially in terms of making repairs easier and more accessible for everyday users. These changes could lead to better repairability scores from iFixit and make owning an iPhone less stressful if something goes wrong.