Every battery experiences wear and tear, and the lithium-ion battery in your iPhone is no exception. Over time, the battery’s capacity diminishes, causing it to retain less charge than when it was first purchased. After several years of diligent use, you might find that your device requires more frequent recharging throughout the day.

When this situation arises, purchasing a new iPhone might not be necessary. Instead, replacing the battery at a reasonable cost is a viable option. Depending on your model, this replacement could not only extend the duration you can go without charging, but may also enhance performance since iOS restricts processing speed when it detects a significantly degraded battery.

Although changing your battery is feasible, it is certainly a task that presents challenges. Apple secures batteries within most iPhones using highly effective adhesive. To remove the battery, you’ll need to manipulate a couple of tabs that are prone to breaking, making the extraction process more complex than it ideally should be. Additionally, the battery is somewhat delicate, and handling sensitive cables during removal and reattachment requires caution. While the task is doable independently, it may be more convenient to visit a professional repair shop (preferably one authorized by Apple).

That being said, the process has become significantly simpler with the introduction of three models in the iPhone 16 lineup, particularly the latest iPhone 16e.

Exploring the New Adhesive in iPhone 16 Models

The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16e feature a new battery adhesive that simplifies the repair process. While the visual design may appear similar at first glance, the battery tab should not be yanked right away. Instead, an electric current must be applied to the adhesive for a duration of 60 seconds. This current loosens the battery, allowing you to carefully pull it away using the tab. Fortunately, the battery’s looseness means that gravity might help in its removal.

According to iFixit, this innovation works by oxidizing the adhesive with electric current, thereby breaking the bonds that provide its stickiness. Although the science is intricate, the technology is undoubtedly fascinating, enhancing the safety and ease of battery replacement for the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16e.

Apple likely implemented these updates not purely out of customer concern but as a response to EU legislation mandating that smartphones must feature “replaceable batteries” by 2027. The influence of European policies has prompted Apple to restructure several of its closed systems, including permitting alternative app stores and browsers on iOS.

However, with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models, users will not experience any improvements in battery serviceability. These variants continue to use Apple’s standard adhesive, making battery replacements just as arduous as before. It remains uncertain why Apple opted not to introduce the new adhesive in the Pro models, but they may be selectively trialing this technology, particularly considering the upcoming regulatory changes. Perhaps future iterations like the iPhone 17 will include easier battery removal mechanisms for all models. As it stands, the affordability-focused models are the main beneficiaries of these enhancements.

The iPhone 16e: Enhanced Repairability Features

Beyond the new adhesive attributes, the iPhone 16e includes additional enhancements for easier repairs. Notably, Apple has introduced a guide for repairing the USB-C charging port for this specific model, marking the first time the company has provided instructions for such repairs.

Nonetheless, as reported by iFixit, the repair process is still not straightforward. It necessitates the removal of multiple components obstructing access to the charging port—this includes the back glass, front camera, upper speaker, and battery, among others. Once you lift the logic board, you can then reach the USB-C port for repairs. While this procedure had been in place prior, Apple’s newly provided step-by-step guide affirms the complexities involved.

Lastly, when opening the back cover of the 16e, you benefit from improved safety measures: a metal clip now shields an essential flex cable. Unlike previous models, where care was required to avoid cutting this cable during the opening process, this clip minimizes the risk of accidental damage.