iFixit has introduced a new tool called VoltClip with USB power to remove the iPhone 16’s battery, which is attached with its new electrically removable adhesive. While Apple recommends using a 9V battery and alligator clips for this process, iFixit’s VoltClip tool offers an alternative that can speed up this process and eliminate the use of disposable batteries.
Available for $10.95 on iFixit’s online store, the VoltClip features alligator clips with short cables on one end and a 12V DC adapter on the other end that converts into a USB-C port. This adapter can provide 9 or 12 volts by connecting to any device that supports a USB-C power output. This power allows the adhesive holding the iPhone 16’s battery in place to dissolve in 60 to 90 seconds. However, if the device cannot supply at least 9 volts, the VoltClip drops to 5 volts, which according to iFixit’s tests is not enough to remove the new adhesive.
According to Apple’s repair documentation, using up to 30 volts of power further speeds up removal time, but iFixit notes that they opted to keep “the process simple and affordable” in the first version of the VoltClip.
iFixit will offer VoltClip with iPhone 16 battery repair kits
So, is it worth spending around $11 for this very special tool? If you plan on replacing iPhone 16 batteries regularly, the VoltClip could be a useful addition to your repair kit. However, if you are only replacing the battery once, purchasing a single 9V battery and compatible alligator clips would be a more economical solution. iFixit also highlights other potential uses for the VoltClip, such as starting a remote control car or temporarily reviving a dead smart door lock. However, such specific situations may not justify the cost of the VoltClip.
iFixit plans to ship the VoltClip with iPhone 16 battery repair kits in the future, but those kits aren’t expected to ship until a few months later.