Apple has launched a new budget iPhone, but repairing it might not be as easy as expected. The company’s latest affordable option now starts at $599, up from $429 previously. iFixit recently disassembled the iPhone 16e to assess its repairability.
While Apple provides a repair manual for the charging port, which is a significant improvement, the process itself was deemed “a beast.” However, the team found some positives. The phone’s battery uses the same adhesive as other devices in the iPhone 16 line-up, making it relatively straightforward to remove. There were also no parts-pairing issues when swapping components.
Notably, the replacement for the Qualcomm modem and the A18 chip had some limitations. The removal of the home button has been a point of contention among users, but iFixit considers it a “repairability win” due to its fragility and software limitations on repair.
The iPhone 16e received a provisional 7 out of 10 for repairability, reflecting Apple’s progress in making repairs easier. However, with the increased price, it may not be worth getting one. Instead, users might want to consider buying refurbished phones when they eventually need to upgrade.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/04/apple_iphone_16e_ifixit