iFixit launches a USB-powered tool to remove the iPhone 16 battery.
You should not remove the nine-volt batteries from your smoke detector.
Apple has indicated that to remove the battery from the iPhone 16, which is secured with a new electrically separable adhesive, a 9V battery can be used along with some alligator clips. As an alternative, iFixit has launched the VoltClip, a USB-powered device that eliminates the need for a disposable battery and can streamline the adhesive removal process.
The VoltClip, available for $10.95 in the iFixit online store, consists of a pair of alligator clips connected to short wires on one side and a 12V DC adapter on the other, converting a barrel connector to a USB-C port. This device can provide an output of nine or twelve volts when connected to a USB-C power delivery compatible device. This allows the adhesive holding the iPhone 16 battery to be loosened in 60 or 90 seconds, depending on the voltage used. However, if connected to a device that does not provide at least nine volts, the output will drop to five volts, a level that, according to iFixit's testing, is insufficient to separate the new adhesive.
Apple's repair documents suggest that using up to 30 volts may result in faster extraction times. Nonetheless, iFixit chose to keep the VoltClip simple and affordable in its first version.
The question arises whether it is worth spending nearly $11 on such a specific tool. If one anticipates regularly replacing iPhone 16 batteries, it may be a useful addition to the repair kit. However, if only planning to change a battery once, the more economical option might be to purchase a single 9V battery or borrow one from another device along with compatible battery clips.
Additionally, iFixit suggests that the VoltClip could have other uses, such as jump-starting a remote-controlled car or temporarily reactivating a smart lock without a battery, though these are very specific use cases that may not justify the investment. The company plans to eventually include the VoltClip in battery repair kits for the iPhone 16, although these will not be available for at least a few months.