FCC mistakenly leaks Apple’s confidential iPhone 16e schematics

Apple’s iPhone 16e
Before complex communications hardware can be sold, it must undergo testing and certification by regulators worldwide. Although this process is usually routine and includes numerous confidential components, accidental leaks can occasionally occur. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appears to have inadvertently disclosed schematics for the iPhone 16e, despite Apple’s explicit request to keep them confidential.
Malcolm Owen for AppleInsider:
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On Monday, a file was discovered that had been published by the FCC, and republished by FCCID.IO. The file in question was a 163-page PDF showing the electrical schematics for the iPhone 16e, described as the A3212, A3408, A3409, and A3410.
The problem with the document’s release is that it seems that it was a mistake by the FCC itself.
A cover letter is also distributed alongside the schematics, addressed to the FCC and dated September 16, 2024. The letter from Apple is a request for the confidential treatment of documents that are filed with the FCC.
The letter from Apple requests a series of documents are withheld from public viewing “indefinitely.” The justification is that they contain “confidential and proprietary trade secrets” that are not disclosed to the public post-release, due to giving competitors an “unfair advantage.”
It could be argued that the release of the schematic isn’t a big issue since a competitor could simply buy and closely examine Apple’s products to do the same thing. However, the schematic provides Apple’s own knowledge on the construction without any guesswork on the matter.

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MacDailyNews Take: Oops. Yet, somehow, Apple will survive.

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