Apple’s iPhones have long been the subject of scrutiny when it comes to repairability, and the latest iteration, the iPhone 16, is no exception. With the introduction of iOS 18, Apple has made bold claims of changing how repairs are handled. But does this really signal a shift towards easier repairs, or is it just another move to tighten their grip on the repair ecosystem? In this teardown, we’ll examine the new iPhone 16’s repairability, exploring the inner workings and the influence of Apple’s restrictive software policies.
Unboxing the iPhone 16
After unboxing two brand new iPhone 16s, one in white and the other in blue, it’s clear that Apple’s design is consistent with last year’s model, with a few key differences. The redesigned camera bump, though aesthetically pleasing, makes the phone wobble when placed on a flat surface. The iPhone 16 is packed with iOS 18, a significant update to the operating system. This version of iOS introduces some new features, most notably a new touch-sensitive camera button. While it may appear like a power button to Sony users, this is Apple’s innovative solution for launching the camera or controlling zoom.
However, my focus isn’t just on these new features. As a repair enthusiast, my primary interest lies in determining how Apple’s software pairing system affects the repairability of these phones. Let’s dive deeper.
The First Challenge: Display Swap
The iPhone 16 continues Apple’s trend of using incredibly strong adhesive, which, while great for water resistance, makes repairs tricky. After carefully heating the phone and removing the adhesive, the first step was to swap the screens between the two phones. In previous iPhone models, this process would result in several functions being disabled, with a glaring warning about non-genuine parts.
But in a pleasant surprise, the iPhone 16 did not throw up any warnings about the display not being genuine. Instead, the phone prompted me to finish the repair by linking the new screen to the device. After connecting the device to Wi-Fi and agreeing to share device identifiers with Apple, the screen was officially paired and the features that were previously disabled—like True Tone and auto-brightness—were restored. This was a breakthrough, suggesting that Apple is now allowing some flexibility with repairs.
The Catch: Apple’s Tight Control Over Repairs
While this new pairing process allows for used parts from other iPhone 16s to work, it’s still clear that Apple controls which parts are deemed “genuine.” If I swapped displays again, the phone would require a fresh pairing process. This highlights Apple’s ongoing hold over repairs, as only parts that meet Apple’s criteria can function correctly. In essence, Apple is still blocking third-party repairs by ensuring that only genuine Apple parts work seamlessly with their devices.
Interestingly, Apple’s pairing system extends beyond just displays. The back glass and the housing are now also subject to software pairing. If you replace the back glass with a non-genuine part, the phone will flag it as an unknown part. However, despite the warnings, wireless charging continues to work in an unpaired state, albeit erratically.
The Impact of the Logic Board Swap
To further test Apple’s pairing system, I swapped the logic boards between the two phones. Once the swap was complete, the phones behaved differently: the phone on the right didn’t power on without being connected to a charger, and the phone on the left displayed an unusual issue where its brightness was halved compared to the right phone. Even though the screen was genuine, the phone was still not recognizing it fully, demonstrating that Apple’s software continues to dictate the functionality of replacement parts.
Innovative Battery Removal Process
Perhaps one of the most remarkable features of the iPhone 16’s design is its battery. Apple has moved away from the traditional stretch-release adhesive and introduced a new electrifying method for battery removal. By using a 9-volt battery and waiting for 90 seconds, the battery practically popped out, making the process easier than ever before. While this could signal a move towards more repair-friendly designs, the reality is that this could still be an elusive method unless proper tools are readily available.
The Conclusion: Apple’s Repairability Game
After all the tests and repairs, the iPhone 16’s repairability is still a complex and controlled process. Apple has improved some aspects, such as the ability to pair parts like the display and back glass, which could make repairs a bit more feasible for the DIYer. However, the system is still heavily dependent on Apple’s software, meaning third-party repairs are effectively blocked unless you are using Apple-approved parts.
Despite these challenges, the iPhone 16 marks a small but significant step forward in Apple’s approach to repairability. The new repair assistant software is a double-edged sword: it opens up some possibilities for repairs with genuine Apple parts but keeps third-party options at bay. Apple’s continued control over the repair process leaves the future of iPhone repairs in a volatile state, dependent on how the company decides to evolve its software and hardware restrictions.
Ultimately, while Apple’s new approach to repairs is a step in the right direction, it’s clear that the company still maintains a tight grip on the repair ecosystem, making it harder for users to independently fix their devices without facing limitations. As the industry evolves, only time will tell how far Apple is willing to go in loosening or tightening its repair restrictions.
