Inside the iPhone 16e: A Closer Look at Apple's New Entry-Level Device

Apple has unveiled its much-anticipated successor to the SE-3, the iPhone 16e. A recent teardown conducted by the repair firm Rewa Technology from Hong Kong revealed several notable differences from the iPhone 14, which serves as its base model.

Despite the iPhone 16e sharing a similar form factor with the iPhone 14, the internal components show significant upgrades. This teardown, published on YouTube, highlights the absence of MagSafe technology, a redesigned main circuit board, and a newly introduced C1 wireless chip with an integrated transceiver.

One of the key improvements in the iPhone 16e is its battery life, which Apple has touted as a standout feature. This enhancement is attributed not only to the C1 chip's direct interaction with the A18 processor but also to a larger battery capacity. The battery in the iPhone 16e is approximately 13% bigger than that of the iPhone 16, boasting a capacity of 4005 mAh compared to 3561 mAh while maintaining the same voltage. Additionally, Apple has implemented a new power-based extraction technique, making it easier to replace the battery.

When it comes to the display, Apple appears to have opted for a standard approach. The teardown revealed that an iPhone 16e screen can function on an iPhone 14 without any error messages, suggesting that both models utilize the same proprietary connector. This compatibility could simplify repairs for display defects since high-quality iPhone 14 screens are widely available. However, this also means that users may be receiving display technology that is three years old, as Apple has not disclosed any updates in this area.

The internal architecture of the iPhone 16e seems to be more closely aligned with that of the iPhone 15 than the iPhone 14. The absence of MagSafe is particularly noticeable; while there is an inductive charging coil present, the magnets that typically accompany MagSafe are missing. The front camera of the 16e bears a striking resemblance to that of the iPhone 14, and the device lacks the Dynamic Island feature.

The C1 chip is integrated into the main circuit board, and the arrangement of components is less compact compared to models equipped with Qualcomm's wireless chips. The A18 processor is positioned deeper within the board, complicating any potential repairs that might be undertaken by non-authorized service providers. Overall, Rewa has rated the repairability of the iPhone 16e as satisfactory, noting that while replacing the display and battery is relatively straightforward, repairs to the cameras remain unchanged from previous models. The main circuit board is easier to access, but the A18 processor itself poses a greater challenge for repairs.