Apple recommends eradicating the iPhone 16’s battery, which is held in place with a brand new electrically debondable adhesive, by utilizing a 9V battery and a few alligator clips. iFixit’s new USB-powered VoltClip is another instrument that eliminates the necessity for a disposable battery, whereas additionally doubtlessly rushing up the debonding course of.
The VoltClip, obtainable now for $10.95 by means of iFixit’s on-line retailer, contains a pair of alligator clips hooked up to quick wires on one finish and a 12V DC adapter on the opposite that converts a barrel connector to a USB-C port.
When plugged into a tool that helps USB-C energy supply (such because the battery that comes with iFixit’s new moveable soldering station), the VoltClip will output both 9 or 12 volts of energy, which is sufficient to debond the adhesive holding the iPhone 16’s battery in place in 60 or 90 seconds, respectively. If a tool doesn’t assist at the very least 9 volts of energy output, the VoltClip will drop down to 5 volts, which, in iFixit’s testing, isn’t sufficient energy to debond the brand new adhesive.
Apple’s restore paperwork say that utilizing as much as 30 volts of energy “will lead to sooner elimination occasions,” however iFixit wished to “hold issues easy and low value out of the gate” for the primary iteration of the VoltClip.
Is it value spending virtually $11 for this very particular instrument? In the event you suppose you’re going to be frequently changing iPhone 16 batteries, it looks as if a helpful addition to your restore equipment. However should you’re simply changing a battery as soon as, shopping for a single 9V battery (or quickly borrowing one from one other machine) and a appropriate pair of battery clips is a bit cheaper. Different potential use circumstances for the VoltClip, like jump-starting an RC automobile, as iFixit suggests, or quickly reviving a useless good door lock (assuming you carry the VoltClip with you in all places you go) are additionally very particular use circumstances that won’t assist justify the associated fee.
iFixit plans to ultimately bundle the VoltClip with iPhone 16 battery restore kits, although these aren’t anticipated for at the very least just a few months.
