Apple says the iPhone 16 is a lot easier to repair than its predecessor. Here’s how

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

When the iPhone 15 launched, Apple particularly pointed out the device’s focus on repairability. Cellular system restore specialists iFixit would later reveal that repairability was held again just a little by Apple’s DRM, but it surely seems the most recent iPhone — the iPhone 16 — addresses these points.

First up is a brand new approach to take away the iPhone’s battery. The iPhone 15 and former fashions used glue that was notoriously troublesome to cope with, however the iPhone 16 has a particular adhesive that loosens while you apply a low-voltage cost like a 9V battery, making it considerably simpler and sooner to take away. This glue is current on the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, however not the Professional mannequin.

Additionally: We’ve used every iPhone 16 model and here’s our best buying advice for 2024

However even with all of the Apple Intelligence options we learn about and contemplating that Apple will possible reserve new ones to announce through the September 9 occasion,

Additionally new is a Restore Assistant that’s included with iOS 18. The function is open to each restore professionals and common customers and permits them to configure components – each new and used. Apple announced this feature in April, saying, “the brand new course of is designed to keep up an iPhone consumer’s privateness, safety, and security, whereas providing customers extra choices, rising product longevity, and minimizing the environmental influence of a restore.” 

Apple says used or third-party components can have the identical performance and safety as unique ones.

On-board diagnostics are coming too, letting clients know what half is malfunctioning. Beforehand, you’ll have wanted one other telephone to run this instrument.

Lastly, Apple is making it simpler to switch the Face ID sensor. Beforehand, solely Apple might swap out this half, however now anybody can substitute the TrueDepth Digicam on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Professional. Engadget adds that the LiDAR scanner is now replaceable too.

Not solely is Apple including a number of instruments so that you can diagnose your telephone issues by yourself, but it surely’s considerably widening assist for non-Apple components. IFixIt hasn’t formally revealed the telephone’s repairability rating, but it surely must be an enormous leap from earlier than.

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