Apple recently released the latest version of its iPhone smartphone, the 14. While this edition of the iPhone has some interesting enhancements, including crash detection and emergency SOS, the smartphone's most important feature is something the company has not promoted, according to a new video from iFixit.

The video said the iPhone has been redesigned for easier repairability, with the ability to more readily access and remove the display and batteryꟷthe two smartphone components that most commonly need repair. While the process still involves removing some panels and screws, it is much less of a mystery than in previous iPhone versions. For what it is worth, iFixit gives the iPhone 14 a score of 7 (on a scale of 10) for repairability.

It is anyone’s guess as to whether the easier repairability is an unstated goal of the smartphone's redesign. But given the company’s previously announced commitment to improving sustainability, it may not be surprising that Apple is trying to encourage replacing worn or broken smartphone parts rather than have to throw out the device altogether.

With smartphone sales dropping this year after a pandemic-fueled buying spree, and the greater interest in the right-to-repair movement, Apple’s timing is probably good. Easier repairability could be a future marketing advantage for Apple as more customers become cognizant of sustainability and will consider repairability a factor in smartphone brand loyalty, when they eventually do need to replace their phone.

Related:European Union Has a Fix for Smartphone, Tablet e-Waste

For more details, view the video here.