Apple's latest budget iPhone 16e raises questions about repairability, with iFixit noting pros and cons after their teardown. The price has increased to £599, and the absence of MagSafe and the challenging accessibility of the USB-C port raises concerns. However, the inclusion of a repair manual for the charging port and easier battery removal are positives. The removal of the home button may enhance repairability, as it previously contributed to wear and tear. Overall, the iPhone 16e presents a balanced view on repairability.
It's wild to bury such an important part under essentially every other component, but now at least Apple spells out the process.
The battery uses the same electrically released adhesive seen in other devices in the iPhone 16 line-up, so removal is relatively straightforward once the case has been pried open.
Replacing the home button was a pain due to high wear and tear, but its removal is probably a repairability win.
Kudos to Apple for providing a repair manual for charging ports, one of the smartphone components most likely to need repair.
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