iFixit has posted its in-depth teardown of Apple’s new “budget” version of the iPhone 16: the iPhone 16e. The repair specialists give some high marks to Apple for coming around on some specific design choices that empower owners to repair their own phone. First, just like the 16e’s bigger siblings in the 16 line, this iPhone holds the battery in place with easy-release adhesive that becomes non-bonding when an electrical current is run through it. This makes replacing the battery much easier to deal with than if it was held in place with adhesive strips, or worse, globs of glue.
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Apart from the battery, Apple’s much-maligned parts-pairing has not been an issue with the iPhone 16e, meaning swapping out components won’t brick the device. Additionally, Apple has released its own (rather tricky) repair documentation for fixing the charging port. The is the first time Apple has done this, scoring the company high points with right-to-repair advocates everywhere.
