iPhone 16: Apple makes it easier to replace batteries
In his press release On the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, Apple announced that an internal design change was made to “enable the use of an even larger battery and better dissipate heat, while facilitating battery maintenance”.
An end of sentence which should tickle the ear of the European Commission, given thata text entering into force on June 20, 2025 mentions several requirements on the repairability side.
It states that the process of replacing a battery must be possible for “a layperson” to perform, “without tools, with a tool or set of tools that is provided with the product or spare part, or with basic tools.” As a bonus, the fixing elements must be “removable, renewable or reusable.”
So it seems that Apple has taken the lead on the European legislation side. A breakdown of the iPhone 16including the one operated each year by iFixit, should tell us more soon.
In the meantime, this improvement could be linked to predictions mentioned by The Information last June. At the time, the media outlet pointed out that Apple was considering introducing an adhesive that would allow the battery to be easily detached from the chassis using a weak electrical pulse.
Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, also shared at the time a video from the manufacturer Tesa showing this system in action.
On the side of iPhone 16 Pro And 16 Pro MaxApple does not mention easier battery maintenance. Here too, we will have to wait to see the inside of the new beasts from the Apple company next week to discover potential changes.
