Repair experts at REWA Technology recently examined a sample believed to be for the future iPhone 16e. They conducted a teardown to understand its internal workings. They discovered interesting differences compared to other iPhones.
Internal Components of the iPhone 16e
What Has Changed Inside? Initial Observations
At first glance, the internal layout of the iPhone 16e appears similar to recent iPhone models. However, the teardown immediately highlighted two key changes:
- Larger Battery: The battery is noticeably larger than previous base iPhone models.
- Single Rear Camera: The 16e features a single rear camera module, unlike many modern iPhones with multiple cameras.
Camera Deep Dive: Smaller Module with 48MP
The iPhone 16e has a single rear camera module that is physically smaller than the main camera of the regular iPhone 15. Both cameras appear to use the same 48MP sensor. The smaller size suggests a simpler optical image stabilization system in the iPhone 16e, possibly standard optical stabilization instead of sensor-shift stabilization found in higher-end models. This aligns with a cost-focused approach for this model.
Battery Boost: 4005 mAh Capacity
The iPhone 16e teardown revealed a 4005 mAh battery. This is a significant increase, especially considering previous speculation of a smaller battery. The regular iPhone 16 is expected to have a 3561 mAh battery. This represents a substantial battery size increase for the 'e' model.
New Battery Adhesive Technology
Another notable discovery is the battery fastening method. The iPhone 16e uses a new electrically activated glue for battery adhesive. This technology was reportedly intended for the standard iPhone 16. This suggests Apple may standardize this new adhesive method across different iPhone models.
Maintainability: Potentially More Repair-Friendly
REWA Technology noted positive aspects of the iPhone 16e's internal design regarding maintainability. While specific details are limited, this suggests Apple may be making gradual improvements towards easier repairs, at least for this particular model.
It is important to remember this analysis is based on a sample unit. Retail versions may have slight variations. This teardown provides an interesting early look at Apple's potential plans for the iPhone 16e. It may be positioned to emphasize battery life and a simplified camera system, while still incorporating current internal interfaces and technologies.
