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Apple Says These Five Changes Make iPhone 16 Models Easier to Repair

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Apple has informed publications including Tom's Guide and Engadget about some repair-friendly design and policy changes pertaining to the iPhone 16 series.

iPhone 16 Pro Internal
In addition to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus having an easier electrically-induced battery removal process, Apple outlined the following changes:

  • On-device configuration is now available for Face ID's TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 12 series and newer, eliminating the need to use a Mac
  • TrueDepth camera can be swapped between any iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models
  • Apple can now repair the LiDAR Scanner on iPhone 16 Pro models while servicing the rear camera module
  • iPhone 16 Pro models have internal design changes that provide "simplified access" to unspecified components

All four iPhone 16 models launch on Friday, and teardowns should surface shortly afterwards for a closer look inside of the devices.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16
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Top Rated Comments

cjsuk Avatar
cjsuk
26 months ago

Batteries 🪫 got cheaper. Look at the cost of batteries for EV’s. But I understand that Apple charges for inflation. When inflation goes up by 1% it gives Timmy the chance to charge 10% 😎
The battery isn't the expensive bit. It's the:

1. Supply chain
2. Managing stock in stores
3. Distribution and maintenance of equipment required to change the battery.
4. Staff training
5. Staff salaries on site

It really annoys me that a friend of mine pays £1500 for their Mercedes to be serviced regularly at a dealer which seems to require absolutely no parts at all yet complains that apple are screwing them because their iPhone 12 finally needs a battery.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
5
5549203
26 months ago
And yet they charge more to replace the battery.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
citysnaps
26 months ago

The battery isn't the expensive bit. It's the:

1. Supply chain
2. Managing stock in stores
3. Distribution and maintenance of equipment required to change the battery.
4. Staff training
5. Staff salaries on site
Spot-on...

I'd also add the huge overhead costs Apple endures. Apparently many here believe Apple employees should not be entitled to yearly salary and benefit increases.

Or that the costs for managing 160,000+ employees, with loads of buildings (many leased at rates that increase over time), maintenance, insurance, and all sorts of supporting costs that don't stay static from year to year.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrsebsin Avatar
mrsebsin
26 months ago
Pardon my skepticism, but there is no way Apple did this out of altruism. It either benefits them in some way or they were or will be forced to do this legally anyway.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Razorpit Avatar
Razorpit
26 months ago

And yet they charge more to replace the battery.
Well, when you pay someone $20 to flip burgers at McDonald‘s, you’re going to have to pay people who do this technical work more. Now add global inflation on materials, and there you have it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kiranmk2 Avatar
kiranmk2
26 months ago

And yet they charge more to replace the battery.
Came here to say the same thing!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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