Apple Says These Five Changes Make iPhone 16 Models Easier to Repair - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Says These Five Changes Make iPhone 16 Models Easier to Repair

by

Apple has informed publications including Tom's Guide and Engadget about some repair-friendly design and policy changes pertaining to the iPhone 16 series.

iPhone 16 Pro Internal
In addition to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus having an easier electrically-induced battery removal process, Apple outlined the following changes:

  • On-device configuration is now available for Face ID's TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 12 series and newer, eliminating the need to use a Mac
  • TrueDepth camera can be swapped between any iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models
  • Apple can now repair the LiDAR Scanner on iPhone 16 Pro models while servicing the rear camera module
  • iPhone 16 Pro models have internal design changes that provide "simplified access" to unspecified components

All four iPhone 16 models launch on Friday, and teardowns should surface shortly afterwards for a closer look inside of the devices.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium

New Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 Features Revealed

Sunday August 30, 2026 7:54 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today further outlined what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 set to be unveiled on September 9. While it was initially rumored that Touch ID may be coming to the Apple Watch this year, Gurman reiterated that he does not expect the Series 12 or Ultra 4 to have any major design changes compared to the current Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. ...
Read Full Article • 152 comments
Mac mini vs Studio Feature Sans Text 1

Apple Caught Off Guard by AI Demand for Mac Mini and Mac Studio

Sunday August 30, 2026 8:52 am PDT by
Apple's unusually timed announcement of new Mac mini and Mac Studio models this week was driven by unexpectedly strong enterprise appetite for AI hardware, according to The Information. Apple normally releases new Mac models in the autumn, closer to October or November, making this week's announcement unusually early, falling just before the anticipated arrival of new iPhone models. The...
Read Full Article • 251 comments
Apple Surprise Shine

Apple Event: Six New Products to Expect on September 9

Thursday August 27, 2026 8:00 am PDT by
Apple has announced that it will be holding an event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with the company widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, its first-ever foldable iPhone, and more. Other products expected to be announced at the event include an Apple Watch Series 12 with a ceramic case option, an Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5 with and without...
Read Full Article • 55 comments

Top Rated Comments

cjsuk Avatar
cjsuk
26 months ago

Batteries 🪫 got cheaper. Look at the cost of batteries for EV’s. But I understand that Apple charges for inflation. When inflation goes up by 1% it gives Timmy the chance to charge 10% 😎
The battery isn't the expensive bit. It's the:

1. Supply chain
2. Managing stock in stores
3. Distribution and maintenance of equipment required to change the battery.
4. Staff training
5. Staff salaries on site

It really annoys me that a friend of mine pays £1500 for their Mercedes to be serviced regularly at a dealer which seems to require absolutely no parts at all yet complains that apple are screwing them because their iPhone 12 finally needs a battery.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
5
5549203
26 months ago
And yet they charge more to replace the battery.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
citysnaps
26 months ago

The battery isn't the expensive bit. It's the:

1. Supply chain
2. Managing stock in stores
3. Distribution and maintenance of equipment required to change the battery.
4. Staff training
5. Staff salaries on site
Spot-on...

I'd also add the huge overhead costs Apple endures. Apparently many here believe Apple employees should not be entitled to yearly salary and benefit increases.

Or that the costs for managing 160,000+ employees, with loads of buildings (many leased at rates that increase over time), maintenance, insurance, and all sorts of supporting costs that don't stay static from year to year.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrsebsin Avatar
mrsebsin
26 months ago
Pardon my skepticism, but there is no way Apple did this out of altruism. It either benefits them in some way or they were or will be forced to do this legally anyway.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Razorpit Avatar
Razorpit
26 months ago

And yet they charge more to replace the battery.
Well, when you pay someone $20 to flip burgers at McDonald‘s, you’re going to have to pay people who do this technical work more. Now add global inflation on materials, and there you have it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kiranmk2 Avatar
kiranmk2
26 months ago

And yet they charge more to replace the battery.
Came here to say the same thing!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments