The iPhone 16 has arrived with several improvements in its internal design, and one of the most interesting is its new battery replacement technology. The classic teardown of the iPhone 16 conducted by iFixit shows us this new system that makes replacing the battery much easier and faster than in previous models. Good news for repairs that these phones may need in the long run.
A simple current and the battery falls by its own weight
Traditionally, iPhone batteries have been secured with an adhesive that had to be removed using stretchable tabs. This method, although effective, could be complicated if one did not have the necessary experience. If the tabs broke during the process, the only option was to use a tool to pry out the battery, which posed a considerable risk of damaging the battery.
The iPhone 16 completely solves this situation with an adhesive that is activated by a low-voltage electric current. In the teardown, iFixit shows how this system works flawlessly. By simply connecting some clips to the battery, the adhesive deactivates and the battery detaches from the chassis without any resistance.
The required current is none other than that of a nine-volt battery, although according to what Apple has published, we can even use 30 volts without any risk to the integrity of either the battery or the phone. In just a few seconds, a minute at most, the adhesive is completely deactivated and the battery, if we turn the iPhone, falls by its own weight onto the table.
This method is, for now, exclusive to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, as the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max still use traditional pull tabs, albeit with a significant improvement: their batteries now come inside a metal casing that offers much greater protection.
It is expected that this new battery extraction method will be implemented in all future iPhone models, as well as in other Apple devices. The possibility of performing faster and safer repairs has been something Apple has focused on for several years with key changes in specific components.
The electrically activated adhesive technology is a very visual and clear example of how Apple is evolving the internal designs of devices to facilitate their repair. Good news for us as users, for the technicians who have to carry out the repairs, and for the environment.
