Apple seems to have heard the calls for more repairable devices loud and clear. The newly launched iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus introduce a clever solution to the perennial problem of battery replacement: a special adhesive that can be easily loosened with a low voltage current. This means you can now remove the battery with minimal fuss, even using a simple 9V battery!
Unfortunately, this convenient feature appears to be exclusive to the standard iPhone 16 models, with the Pro versions reportedly sticking to the traditional adhesive.
Apple’s efforts to improve repairability don’t stop there. The entire iPhone 16 lineup has undergone a redesign to minimize heat buildup, and the TrueDepth camera can now be swapped between different phones, making repairs easier and more cost-effective.
Additionally, Apple has introduced the Repair Assistant for iPhone, allowing users to configure replacement parts without needing to contact Apple directly. This is a significant step considering the recent introduction of part pairing, where iPhones lock themselves if they detect non-genuine components.
This move by Apple comes amidst a growing repairability movement, with companies like Fairphone leading the way.Major manufacturers like Samsung and Google are also stepping up their efforts to make their devices more repairable.
While we may never return to the days of easily removable batteries, the iPhone 16’s innovative adhesive and other repairability-focused features are a welcome step in the right direction. After all, more repairable phones translate to longer-lasting devices and a reduced environmental impact.
