Eliana Willis

Jason Hiner/ZDNETWhen the iPhone 15 launched, Apple specifically pointed out the device’s focus on repairability. Mobile device repair specialists iFixit would later reveal that repairability was held back a little by Apple’s DRM, but it appears the latest iPhone — the iPhone 16 — addresses those issues.First up is a new way to remove the iPhone’s battery. The iPhone 15 and previous models used glue that was notoriously difficult to deal with, but the iPhone 16 has a special adhesive that loosens when you apply a low-voltage charge like a 9V battery, making it significantly easier and faster to remove. This glue is present on the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, but not the Pro model.Also: We’ve used every iPhone 16 model and here’s our best buying advice for 2024But even with all the Apple Intelligence features we know about and considering that Apple will likely reserve new ones to announce during the September 9 event,Also new is a Repair Assistant that is included with iOS 18. The feature is open to both repair professionals and regular consumers and allows them to configure parts – both new and used. Apple announced this feature in April, saying, “the new process is designed to maintain an iPhone user’s privacy, security, and safety, while offering consumers more options, increasing product longevity, and minimizing the environmental impact of a repair.” Apple says used or third-party parts will have the same functionality and security as original ones. More

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ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 USB-C cable with power meter. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETIf you’re a professional repair technician, then having one or more USB power meters in your toolkit is essential. These devices are invaluable as they provide a quick and efficient means of diagnosing issues. A USB power meter can instantly read voltage and amperage, what power protocols are being used, and much more, helping technicians pinpoint power-related problems with various devices. This capability makes them an indispensable, time-saving tool in the fast-paced environment of electronic repairs.Also: I tested the viral ‘tangle-free’ USB-C cable, and it’s my new travel backpack essentialBut if you’re a hobbyist, investing over $100 in a high-end, feature-packed USB power meter might not make sense. For most enthusiasts, a simpler power meter that covers the basics is more than sufficient. Such a device can provide essential readings like voltage and current, which are typically all that’s needed to carry out routine checks and minor repairs. This way, hobbyists can enjoy the practical benefits of a USB power meter without the steep cost associated with more advanced models.This is what the ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 More

Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images YouTube has revealed several new features coming to its video platform, some of which — unsurprisingly — will be powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Most of the updates are geared toward content creators, but one in particular has the potential to impact viewers as well. Also: YouTube Music rolls out […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETDid iOS 18 brick your M4 iPad Pro? You’re not alone. Some users attempting to take advantage of the new features offered by Apple’s latest iOS instead found themselves with unusable devices. After one Reddit user reported that their M4 iPad Pro wouldn’t turn on after installing iOS 18, several other users reported the same experience. Apple reportedly couldn’t repair these devices and offered the users a replacement.Also: 6 AI features iPhone users can expect first on iOS 18ARSTechnica, which first reported this issue, notes that this indicates a pretty serious bug as you can usually restore a device with recovery mode.The bricked iPad report comes just a day after reports surfaced that the operating system update was tanking the battery life of certain iPhone models. Apple hasn’t explained the reason behind the glitch. Some users have installed iOS 18 on their M4 just fine, while others are seeing their devices turn off while the new OS is installing — with no option to turn it back on or restore it in any way. Even with Apple Care, the users report, Apple said a replacement device could take up to a week to arrive.  More

Getty Images/tumsasedgars For the longest time, open-source was nothing more than a buzzword rattling around the brains of technologists and fans of the Linux operating system. Flash forward a decade or so and open-source has become a sort of savior for businesses across the world. Without open-source, enterprise companies everywhere would struggle to deliver on most […] More