With just a day to go until the iPhone 16 series hits the market, we now have more details than ever about Apple’s latest generation of smartphones. According to a recent report by Engadget, the iPhone 16 series introduces several key hardware and software updates, making it the most repair-friendly iPhone lineup to date.
Welcome the new ‘Repair Assistant’ for iPhones and iPads
Repair Assistant is a tool introduced with the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates, designed to help users easily authenticate components after repairs. Available for iPhone 12 and newer models, it allows verification of components like the back glass, battery, display, rear camera, or TrueDepth camera—without needing a Mac.
For iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series users, parts from a device of the same model can be reused and calibrated using the Repair Assistant to ensure optimal performance. However, these components are paired to the Apple ID, and unlocking the full functionality requires logging into the associated Apple ID.
To access Repair Assistant on eligible iPhones or iPads, go to Settings; General > About > Parts & Service History. Unfortunately, Repair Assistant is not yet available in India and is currently limited to markets like the U.S.
iPhone 16 uses a new kind of glue, enabling easy battery repairs
The battery and display are the most serviceable parts of an iPhone. However, due to the water-tight design of modern iPhones, they are sealed with strong adhesive, making repairs difficult.
With the iPhone 16 series, Apple has introduced a new adhesive called “ionic liquid battery adhesive,” which can be loosened using a simple 9-volt battery. This feature is currently available on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models, but not the Pro versions. This innovation should make replacing crucial components like the battery and display much easier, without the need for bulky repair equipment.
You can finally replace faulty Face ID and LiDAR hardware
Owing to security reasons, Apple would simply block the Face ID from working, when it detected a new TrueDepth camera system, and with the iPhone 16 series, Apple is allowing users to swap the same from a device of the same model. This will allow users to repair their broken Face ID system without going for a full motherboard replacement. Similarly, on the Pro models, users can now also repair a faulty/damaged LiDAR sensor without breaking any of its functionalities.
Source: Repairability is the iPhone 16 series’s most well-kept secret
