iFixit Teardown Reveals The iPhone 16 Pro Models Are Using Qualcomm’s SDX71M Modem, Along With Other Internal Design Changes For Easier Repairs

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro launched with redesigned internals, giving room for improved repairability. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were previously opened apart by iFixit, revealing a new battery replacement mechanism through electrically induced adhesive removal. Still, the same change was not made available on the more expensive ‘Pro’ models. Today, iFixit shared its teardown of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which shows the changes the company has implemented on the inside.

iFixit teardown reveals the internal design of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, receiving a repairability score of 7 out of 10

As mentioned earlier, the iPhone 16 Pro models do not come with the same battery removal process as the standard models, but it could be the last time we see Apple use conventional tapes for the stretch and pull mechanism. The process is still simple, and the battery can be replaced from the back instead of the front, which raises the chances of display damage.

It can be seen in the teardown that Apple decided to house the battery of the iPhone 16 Pro in the meta casing, but the bigger Pro Max does not have the metal casing. While the reason is unknown at this stage, we presume that the company wanted to keep the weight of the handset as low as possible.

Other than the battery, the teardown also shows that the LiDAR scanner on the iPhone 16 Pro is easier to access for repairs. Previously, the sensor was hidden under the main camera module, making it hard for technicians to access it. The LiDAR scanner is the same on each model, but they can not be swapped in case of damage as both feature different lengths of cables and the position of the screws.

The mmWave antenna was also positioned at the top of the device, as seen in the teardown, to make room for the new Camera Control button on the side. The Camera Control is situated in the same position as the mmWave antenna on older models, but you can find it in the newer models in the hollowed-out space on the top of the device.

Lastly, Apple has also made it easier for technicians to access and replace the USB-C port, despite not selling them separately. The logic can be removed without touching the speaker module, which is another major improvement in terms of internal design. The teardown also reveals that the iPhone 16 Pro houses a Qualcomm SDX71M modem, which is surprising as the company was expected to use Qualcomm’s X75 modem. You can check out the video embedded above for more details.

As for the final score, iFixit gives the iPhone 16 Pro models a repairability score of 7 out of 10, which is better than before, all thanks to the revamped internal design. Do you think the iPhone 16 models should have scored higher?