While the iPhone 16 has been available since today, teardowns have already taken place. These videos allow us to have a first look at the battery that powers this flagship. As rumors suggested, it is wrapped in a steel shell, a first for Apple. A choice that should significantly improve heat dissipation.
A metal shell to better evacuate heat
The images shared by Majin Bu clearly show the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery and the iPhone 15 Pro’s. The latter doesn’t get the metal casing, suggesting that this addition could be reserved for the higher-end models this year.
The main advantage of this steel shell is a better transfer of heat generated by the battery and components. Apple is thus seeking to avoid the overheating problems encountered on some previous iPhones. This modification could also be a response to new European regulations that require more easily replaceable batteries.
Disadvantages to consider
But this gain in heat dissipation comes at a cost. First, because steel is heavier than aluminum, it adds weight to the iPhone 16 Pro. While the difference may seem small on paper, it could be felt in everyday use.
Additionally, months before the launch, leaks had shown a prototype iPhone 16 Pro battery with the same metal protection. So we can assume that the Pro Max model will also have it. It remains to be seen whether Apple will generalize this feature to the entire iPhone 17 lineup next year.
A revealing disassembly
The first complete teardown of the iPhone 16 Pro confirms the presence of this famous “armored” battery. But that’s not the only new feature highlighted. The heat sink covering the A18 Pro chip has almost doubled in surface area compared to the iPhone 15 Pro. The motherboard is slightly more compact but still denser in components.
On the photo side, unsurprisingly, the x5 telephoto lens of the iPhone 15 Pro Max makes its appearance on the Pro model of the iPhone 16. Finally, as on the iPhone 15, the Pro versions now open from the back, which will greatly facilitate the replacement of a broken rear window.
In the end, Apple seems to have learned from the flaws of the iPhone 15 Pro, in particular its propensity to overheat quickly, while improving repairability. Everything is not perfect, but Apple is going in the right direction with this iPhone 16 Pro which promises to be a nice evolution.
