In their latest teardown video, repair experts iFixit disassembled the new iPhone 16e, revealing key details about Apple's latest budget smartphone, including its custom C1 modem.
The teardown showcased the iPhone 16e's quick-release battery system, which can be detached using a low-voltage electrical charge. The device features a larger 15.55 Wh battery compared to its predecessor's 13.83 Wh capacity. According to iFixit, Apple achieved this upgrade by utilizing extra space made available by the single-lens camera design.
The highlight of the teardown was an up-close examination of Apple's new C1 modem. Located on the RF board's underside, the C1 shares structural similarities with Qualcomm's X71M modem, featuring a 4nm modem and DRAM. The 7nm transceivers are housed separately from the main modem package.
While the teardown revealed some repair-friendly features, including the removal of parts pairing in iOS and a protective metal bracket for flex cables, iFixit expressed concerns about certain design choices. Most notably, accessing the USB-C port requires complete disassembly of the device's internal components.
The analysis demonstrates Apple's continued evolution in smartphone design, balancing innovation with repairability. The iPhone 16e represents incremental progress in making repairs more accessible, though some challenging aspects remain.