In a significant confidentiality breach, detailed electrical schematics for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16e were accidentally published by the Federal Communications Commission over the weekend. A 163-page PDF containing comprehensive technical documentation for models A3212, A3408, A3409, and A3410 briefly appeared in the FCC’s equipment authorization database before being removed.
The leaked documents included complete electrical schematics showing board-level components, antenna placements, connector specifications, and detailed block diagrams. According to the fccid.io mirror that preserved the files before their removal, the publication occurred despite Apple’s explicit written request to keep all schematics and technical diagrams confidential.
Technical metadata from the filing suggests the leak resulted from human error during the certification process. Both short-term and permanent confidentiality fields were incorrectly marked as “no” instead of honoring Apple’s confidentiality request, triggering automatic publication through the FCC’s systems.
While everyday iPhone users might not find the schematics particularly useful, the leaked information holds significant value for hardware researchers and repair professionals. The documents reveal how Apple routes signals between major chips, the layout of test and debug pads, and hidden traces within the complex “sandwich” logic board design.
This level of technical detail makes fault tracing and board-level repairs substantially easier for independent repair shops. Additionally, security researchers can use this information to identify potential new hardware attack surfaces that weren’t previously visible. For comprehensive coverage of this developing story, several technology publications have been tracking the implications.
Neither Apple nor the FCC has issued official statements regarding the schematic leak or the confidentiality breach that made these sensitive documents publicly accessible.
