Watch the Electrically-Charged Battery Replacement Process of the iPhone 16

Apple’s latest iPhone 16 lineup has only just hit the shelves, and already, the teardown experts at iFixit have disassembled it to uncover its inner workings. This year, the process was notably smoother thanks to Apple’s release of official repair manuals on day one. The teardown showcases a series of innovations, including the mechanics of the new Camera button and the electrically debondable adhesive that makes battery replacement a breeze.

A Peek Inside: The Camera Button and Cooling System

The iFixit teardown revealed that the iPhone 16’s Camera button is more than just a sensor — it’s a physical button that moves. Connected by a flex cable, this button likely has a force-sensitive mechanism to adjust the amount of pressure required to trigger camera actions.

Additionally, the teardown brought attention to the heat sink located near the A18 chip. This feature is strategically positioned to dissipate heat from the Neural Engine, which handles the increasing demands of AI and machine learning tasks. By maintaining optimal temperature, the system ensures that these tasks are carried out smoothly without performance drops.

Debond-On-Demand: A Game-Changing Battery Replacement Process

One of the most intriguing features found in the base iPhone 16 model is the use of electrically debondable adhesive for the battery compartment. This innovation promises to make battery replacement easier, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

Apple’s use of this debond-on-demand adhesive was first reported in June, and now, thanks to iFixit, we know exactly how it works. The adhesive, developed by Tesa, releases its bond when an electrical charge is applied to it for 60 seconds. Apple’s repair documentation provides step-by-step guidance, and the process is relatively simple:

1. Disconnect the battery from the motherboard.

2. Apply an electric current (a 9-volt battery will suffice for a 90-second charge).

3. The adhesive weakens, allowing the battery to be removed effortlessly, often requiring nothing more than gravity to slide it out.

After the battery is removed, applying pressure to a new battery will activate the adhesive, securing it in place. Over time, the release process may take longer as the adhesive ages, but Apple has accounted for this, stating that you can use up to 30 volts for quicker debonding.

iFixit’s Findings: Faster Battery Removal with Higher Voltage

While Apple’s repair manuals suggest a 9-volt charge for 60–90 seconds, iFixit found that using a 20-volt current cut the time down to just five seconds. They also provided close-up images of the battery frame, which features machined ridges designed to give the adhesive something to grip onto securely.

This approach to battery replacement is a significant step forward for user repairs. In previous iPhone models, battery removal required careful application of solvents or mechanical effort to break the adhesive bond. Now, with just a simple electric charge, the process becomes much easier, quicker, and cleaner.

The Future of iPhone Repairs

Apple’s decision to implement electrically debondable adhesive in the iPhone 16 sets the stage for more efficient repairs, both for authorized service providers and individual users. While this technology is not yet present in every iPhone model, it’s expected that future models will adopt this innovative adhesive system, making battery replacements more accessible.

The debut of this technology in the iPhone 16 also aligns with Apple’s growing efforts to make its devices more repairable and sustainable. By streamlining the battery replacement process, Apple can reduce e-waste, lower repair costs, and extend the life of its devices.

Conclusion: Innovation at Every Level

The iPhone 16 continues Apple’s tradition of innovation, not just in terms of performance and features but also in repairability. The new Camera button mechanics and heat dissipation for the A18 chip are notable upgrades, but the real star is the electrically debondable adhesive, which could transform how users and technicians approach iPhone repairs in the future.

As Apple continues to roll out these improvements, iPhone users can look forward to more user-friendly repair options and a more sustainable approach to device maintenance.