iFixit Releases New USB-Powered Tool to Remove iPhone 16's Battery

The batteries inside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use an innovative type of adhesive that can be loosened with low-voltage electrical current. Apple's official repair guide recommends using a 9V battery with alligator clips for this process, but DIY repair website iFixit has released a new USB-powered tool as an alternative solution.

iFixit VoltClip
As reported by The Verge, iFixit is now selling a VoltClip tool that is essentially a pair of alligator clips with an integrated USB-C adapter. With a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is not provided, you can connect the tool to any USB-C charger or device that supports 9V or 12V output. iFixit has a step-by-step guide with complete instructions.

The adhesive debonding process takes roughly 60 to 90 seconds.

The tool is available for $10.95 on iFixit's online store in the U.S., with same-day shipping available on orders placed before 1 p.m. Pacific Time each day.

This electrical removal process does not extend to iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max batteries, which still have stretch-release adhesive pull tabs.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16
Tag: iFixit
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

russell_314 Avatar
12 months ago
It’s nice to see innovation in this area. One day we’ll be able to pop the back of our phones without tools to swap the battery ?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
california_kid Avatar
12 months ago

I never understood why batteries need to be glued in place at all. It doesn't have any room to move around anyway when the phone is assembled.

Someone please educate me if I'm totally wrong here.
the battery is the heaviest component inside the iPhone. If the fit is completely flush, kinetic energy will transfer when the iPhone is dropped. Bad things happen - battery gets damaged and/or internal components get damaged. Leaving a small gap and making sure the battery is securely glued down eliminates this risk. The glue probably acts like a thermal pad to transfer some heat to the metal case.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reeneman Avatar
12 months ago

It’s nice to see innovation in this area. One day we’ll be able to pop the back of our phones without tools to swap the battery ?
Back to the future ?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
7thson Avatar
12 months ago
Good thing they got this out there in such a timely fashion. People are gonna need this in…
? checks watch ?
…2 years. Maybe.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
california_kid Avatar
12 months ago
Probably can use this for shock therapy to stop bad habits.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lkrupp Avatar
12 months ago

Good thing they got this out there in such a timely fashion. People are gonna need this in…
? checks watch ?
…2 years. Maybe.
The usual suspects on teach blogs are already claiming their iPhone 16 batteries are losing health at an alarming rate and demand a free replacement. It never ends. ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)