To imply that adhesives are chosen “just to fuck with” repairers is absurd, paranoid and trivially falsified. The use of adhesives is widespread in the industry and are necessary for effective IP-rated waterproofing of these thin devices.
Consumers wanted phones that didn’t die when accidentally dropped into the bath. Apple, Samsung, etc complied.
Devices are still repairable, you just need knowledge of techniques and replacement adhesives. But now the chances of needing a repair in the first place have greatly lowered. That seems like a consumer friendly win to me.
Just because it is used for other reasons doesn't mean it can't be used to fuck with repairers too. Apple has a long history of doing just that. I take it you are not a fan of Louis Rossmann?
Louis Rossman is a moderately competent microelectronics repairer who found his calling as a YouTube entertainer and low-grade anti-Apple meme celebrity. He produces entertainment content where Apple features as 'the bad guy' and many people find it utterly captivating. He is barely qualified to have an opinion about why complex electronics products are made the way they are.
Consumers wanted phones that didn’t die when accidentally dropped into the bath. Apple, Samsung, etc complied.
Devices are still repairable, you just need knowledge of techniques and replacement adhesives. But now the chances of needing a repair in the first place have greatly lowered. That seems like a consumer friendly win to me.