iPhone 16e just as easily repaired as the iPhone 16

Disassembly of the new iPhone 16e shows that Apple has adopted a more easy-to-repair solution in its design, and the image also gives us a close look at Apple's new C1 modem.

Every time Apple releases new products, it will be dismantled, and the repair company will check the internal structure of the latest hardware. In a teardown a few days after the release, the iPhone 16e is extremely repairable compared to the iPhone just a few years ago, comparable to other iPhone 16 series products.

The iFixit Disassembly Report released on Monday shows that the new phone uses technologies such as power-release battery adhesives. The system replaces the tensile release adhesive technology, which releases the battery in seconds by simply applying power to the screw post and conductive sheet.

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Continue to disassemble, and through CT scan, it can be clearly seen that the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe, and the new phone does not have MagSafe ring at all. However, the lack of MagSafe also brings an unexpected benefit.

The disassembly report shows that wireless charging makes the battery temperature “well above 30 degrees Celsius”, a higher temperature that reduces battery life over time. The iPhone 16e, without MagSafe, has a slower wireless charging speed of 7.5W should help reduce temperature and reduce battery loss.

Another change is that Apple makes it easier to replace the iPhone 16e's damaged charging port. This is because Apple has issued instructions to replace these ports.

The process of turning on the phone is still long, but it is slightly easier than the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.

This includes a design change where a metal clip that secures the back cover protects the flexible cables of the flash assembly. This helps reduce the possibility that repairers accidentally cut the cable while using the opening tool.

Modem and software pairing

As part of the disassembly, Apple's C1 modem is the focus, with the new package located under the RF board.

Yole Group's wafer photos show that the C1 uses the same package structure to integrate a 4nm modem with DRAM. However, the 7nm transceiver is not in the same package as the modem, but is located at the bottom of the RF board.

Apple C1 modem in iPhone 16e - Image source: iFixit

This first modem replaces the Qualcomm version that Apple also uses, and is a big step in Apple's plan to replace all ICs on the logic board with its own designed version. Future iterations may make greater changes to how modems are packaged and included on the board.

Like the iPhone SE series, switching to Face ID instead of Touch ID is also considered beneficial for repairs. The removal of the Home button (a high wear component) is no longer a problem.

As a by-product, removing the Touch ID also reduces the number of components affected by component pairing technology. Since Touch ID is a biometric authentication component, it exempts component pairing restrictions in the “right to repair” law.

Use power to release battery adhesive - Image source: iFixit

While the TrueDepth camera array is now also exempted with the change of Face ID, it is unlikely that users will need to replace the component. This eliminates another problem for the maintenance staff by removing the mechanically moved Home button (repeated presses may be damaged over time).

Overall, iFixit gave the iPhone 16e a score of 7 out of 10 points, but this is only temporary and is waiting for the release of spare parts. While this doesn't sound high, it matches the highest iPhone repairability score obtained by the iPhone 16.

Nevertheless, iFixit added, "Nothing is worth a big book here" because of the price increase compared to the iPhone SE, and the overall spec list. Instead, refurbished iPhones are considered an alternative to “value for money”.

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