iPhone 16e Teardown Reveals Enhanced Repairability and First Look at Apple's C1 Modem

iPhone 16e Teardown Reveals Repair-Friendly Design

A teardown of the new iPhone 16e by iFixit highlights Apple's continued adoption of repair-friendly practices. The device features an electrically-released battery adhesive, which simplifies battery replacement compared to older models that used stretch-release adhesives. Additionally, the lack of MagSafe in the iPhone 16e results in slower wireless charging at 7.5W, potentially reducing battery degradation caused by elevated temperatures.

Apple has also made it easier to replace broken charging ports with a dedicated manual. The design includes a metal clip that protects a flex cable for the flash assembly during disassembly, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

The C1 modem, Apple's first in-house modem replacing Qualcomm's, is another significant component. It uses a 4-nanometer process and integrates DRAM, but the 7-nanometer transceiver is placed separately on the RF board.

The transition to Face ID from Touch ID removes the high-wear Home button, making repairs easier. The TrueDepth camera array, now exempt from parts pairing limitations due to being a biometric component, is less likely to need replacement compared to the Home button.

iFixit gives the iPhone 16e a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10, matching the highest score for an iPhone. However, they note that the increased price and specifications may not justify the cost for many users, suggesting refurbished iPhones as an alternative.