A teardown of Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro reveals that the device has earned the highest repairability score since the iPhone 7, making it a noteworthy update for tech enthusiasts and repair professionals alike.
As usual with a new iPhone release, the teardown experts were quick to dissect the latest model, with iFixit providing an in-depth look at the device’s internals. One key highlight: the fully encased battery, which not only takes up more space than its predecessor but also provides higher capacity, jumping from 12.7Wh in the iPhone 15 Pro to 13.94Wh in the iPhone 16 Pro.
Battery Design Enhances Safety
In their YouTube teardown published on Friday, iFixit praised the iPhone 16 Pro’s new battery design, stating that it significantly reduces fire risks during repairs. “You can accidentally poke it to your heart’s content, and it won’t pose a fire risk,” said the team. This safer battery design is expected to streamline the repair process for professionals and DIYers alike.
5G Antenna Adjustment: A Tradeoff?
However, the iPhone 16 Pro isn’t without its trade-offs. To make room for the new Camera Control button, Apple has removed one of the 5G mmWave antennas. This change could impact users who rely on ultra-fast 5G speeds, particularly in the U.S., where mmWave coverage is already limited. Apple has tried to mitigate this by shifting the remaining antenna closer to the phone’s outer edge, but users may still notice a decline in 5G performance, especially in dense urban areas.
Repairability Breakthrough
One of the most notable improvements in the iPhone 16 Pro is its enhanced repairability. Thanks to a dual-entry design, repairs no longer require removing the display to access internal components. Battery replacements have also been simplified with the inclusion of battery pull tabs, which, while not perfect, make the process far easier than in previous models.
Additionally, iOS 18 brings another repair-friendly update, allowing most parts to be swapped with OEM replacements more seamlessly than before.
Highest Repairability Score Since the iPhone 7
iFixit awarded the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max an impressive 7 out of 10 repairability score—the highest since the iPhone 7. This score is a significant jump from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which scored just 4 out of 10. While the iPhone 14 initially received the same 7/10 rating, iFixit later downgraded it to 4/10 due to Apple’s controversial parts-pairing practices.
With these improvements, the iPhone 16 Pro is shaping up to be not only one of Apple’s most powerful devices but also one of the easiest to repair in years.
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