A recent teardown of the iPhone 16e has provided a closer look at its internal components, revealing a larger battery, an all-new C1 modem, and mixed repairability improvements.
The iPhone 16e features quick-release battery adhesive, similar to other iPhone 16 models, allowing for easier battery removal through a low-voltage electrical charge. A previous teardown confirmed that the iPhone 16e houses a 15.55 Wh battery, an upgrade from the 13.83 Wh battery in its predecessor. The larger battery is made possible by the extra internal space available due to the single-lens rear camera design.
A deeper look into the device also unveiled Apple’s new C1 modem, which is positioned on the underside of the RF board. It shares a package structure with Qualcomm’s X71M modem, featuring a 4nm modem and DRAM, but with 7nm transceivers housed separately.
While the teardown highlighted some improvements in repairability, challenges remain. Accessing the USB-C port, for instance, requires removing nearly all internal components. However, repairability has improved slightly with Apple rolling back parts pairing restrictions in iOS and incorporating small enhancements, such as a metal bracket protecting flex cables from accidental damage during repairs.
Stay tuned to DC Brief for further updates on this story and other technology developments.
