iFixit's latest teardown report reveals that the iPhone 16 series has achieved a record-breaking repairability score, thanks to three major design and internal structure improvements. Firstly, the iPhone 16 Pro has confirmed the earlier rumors of employing a solid outer frame that encases the battery, replacing the traditional soft pouch design. This solid battery is less likely to be punctured during disassembly, significantly reducing the risk of battery damage and fire. iFixit also praises Apple's introduction of a new type of adhesive that can be automatically released when a slight electrical current is passed through it, further simplifying the disassembly process of the battery.
The second key change is the continuation of the design that allows devices to be removed from the front or back, making it easier to access specific components during repair. This design was first introduced in the iPhone 14 base model and has now been carried over to the iPhone 16 Pro model, significantly easing disassembly. iFixit states that these improvements have made the repair process more consistent and easier to perform. With these upgrades, the iPhone 16 series has achieved a repairability score of 7 out of 10, a significant improvement over the iPhone 15's score of 4 out of 10.