Next we decide to remove the metal plate from the front panel assembly.

In a big win for repairability, Apple has completely redesigned how the home button connects to the main board. Gone is the awkwardly short and fragile cable of the iPhone 5s days. Instead, Apple has made the effort to run the home button cable all the way to the opposite end of the phone. We're quite happy to see this improvement!

We can't think of a reason to extend the cable this way except to improve repairability. Thank you, Apple.