# iPhone 16 Plus Teardown: Electric Adhesive and Other Discoveries
The iPhone 16 series has officially launched, prompting tech fans and repair specialists to thoroughly examine its inner workings. One of the most eagerly awaited teardowns comes from iFixit, which has unveiled some captivating design alterations and technological innovations in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Among the most compelling findings is the introduction of “electric adhesive,” a new bonding technology that reacts to electricity, facilitating battery removal. But this is just the start—let’s delve into the key insights from iFixit’s teardown.
## The Electric Adhesive
A key feature in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is the electric adhesive, a technology that enables the battery to be easily detached by applying a minor electrical current. This method, referred to as “electrical debonding,” streamlines battery replacement, which has historically been a challenging task in smartphones.
As noted in iFixit’s teardown, supplying a 9V current to the battery adhesive for approximately 90 seconds allows the adhesive to let go, permitting the battery to be lifted without harming the device. Using a higher voltage can expedite the process. This innovation is transformative for repairability, as it diminishes the likelihood of damaging internal parts during battery replacements.
The electric adhesive functions through anodic delamination, where the bonding agent detaches from the aluminum substrate of the phone’s chassis. This enables a clean battery removal, with the adhesive adhering to the battery instead of the phone’s frame. iFixit compared this process to twisting apart an Oreo cookie, where the filling stays on one side.
Notably, the electric adhesive is exclusively found in the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max utilize more conventional adhesive pull tabs for their batteries, housed in metallic casings for enhanced durability and heat dissipation.
## Enhanced Thermal Management for the A18 Chip
Apple emphasized the advancements in thermal management in the iPhone 16 series during its launch event, and iFixit’s teardown validates these improvements. The A18 chip, which drives the iPhone 16, benefits from a newly designed ferrous heat sink aimed at dissipating heat more efficiently. This heat sink is strategically located near the Neural Engine, the section of the chip responsible for executing AI functions like Apple Intelligence.
By focusing on cooling the Neural Engine, Apple guarantees that the iPhone 16 can manage demanding AI-centric tasks without overheating. This is particularly crucial considering the increasing dependence on AI features in contemporary smartphones, from image processing to voice commands.
## The Camera Control Button
Another hardware development in the iPhone 16 is the novel Camera Control button, which provides users with quick access to and control over the camera. iFixit’s teardown indicates that this is a physical button equipped with a force sensor, allowing half-press gestures for enhanced functionality. The button is supported by its own dedicated chip, highlighting Apple’s dedication to enriching the mobile photography experience.
## The iPhone 16: Apple’s Most Easily Repairable iPhone So Far
One of the most noteworthy conclusions from iFixit’s teardown is that the iPhone 16 is the most easily repairable iPhone yet. With a repairability rating of 7 out of 10, the iPhone 16 models are simpler to mend than earlier versions. This is predominantly due to Apple’s revamped internal architecture, which affords easier access to crucial components like the battery and camera.
The design of the iPhone 16 permits front-and-back access, a feature first seen in the iPhone 14 but absent in the Pro models. This expedites repairs and makes them less invasive, as technicians no longer need to dismantle several components to access the battery or camera.
Apple has also made repair manuals for the iPhone 16 available online, providing instant support to repair shops. Moreover, iOS 18 introduces a new Repair Assistant feature, which calibrates all new components simultaneously, further streamlining the repair process.
## Conclusion
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus introduce a range of exciting innovations, from the electric adhesive that makes battery replacements easier to enhanced thermal management for the A18 chip. These developments, coupled with Apple’s commitment to improving the repairability of the iPhone, mark a significant advancement in smartphone design.
Though the electric adhesive is currently limited to the standard iPhone 16 models, it represents a hopeful evolution in making smartphones simpler to repair. As Apple continues to optimize its designs, we can anticipate future iPhones becoming even more user-friendly and repair-friendly, benefiting both consumers and repair experts alike.
For those seeking a more detailed examination, iFixit’s complete teardown video is accessible, displaying all the intricate features of the iPhone 16’s
