iFixit Scores New Apple Watch, AirPods 5 Low on Repairability

CNET reports that iFixit's teardowns of Apple's latest wearables found they remain difficult to repair, with the AirPods 5 scoring just 2 out of 10 and both the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 earning 4 out of 10.

On the surface, the AirPods fared worst, but iFixit notes Apple has improved since the previous model, which scored a 0. The Apple Watch Series 12 is marginally easier to repair than its predecessor thanks to a new adhesive pull tab that releases the battery, which iFixit calls "modest gains." The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is no easier to repair than the three previous generations, all of which also scored 4 out of 10.

iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens told CNET over email, "Apple still hasn't fixed the biggest problem with Watch repair: battery repair. You have to slice open very stubborn adhesive and risk damaging the fragile display to get to the battery of both new Apple Watches."

The group also believes Apple is failing to comply with right-to-repair regulations in 10 U.S. states. Oregon, for example, requires companies to make the same parts, tools, and documentation available to repair shops and DIYers as they use in-house. "To do repairs, we need parts, tools, and manuals, and Apple has never made them available for Apple Watch," Wiens said.

Apple did not comment on iFixit's findings. A company spokesperson previously said Apple meets the requirements of Minnesota's right-to-repair law specifically and is the first smartphone maker to support federal right-to-repair regulation.

Why repair matters

Right-to-repair laws aim to make repairs cheaper and give owners the choice to use the original manufacturer, a third-party shop, or do it themselves. Easier repairs extend device life, reduce electronic waste, and save money on replacements.

iFixit notes Google's Pixel Watch as a positive example, scoring 9 out of 10. CNET's Andrew Gebhart successfully disassembled and reassembled the Pixel Watch earlier this year, removing both the battery and screen. But he notes: "Smartwatches and headphones need to be designed with repair in mind from the get-go – it can't simply be retrofitted around an existing device."

Apple's approach has benefits: keeping repairs in-house preserves quality control. But as right-to-repair regulations spread, even tech giants must comply. Apple has improved repairability in recent years, and its products tend to last and hold resale value. Repairability remains the one feature Apple has yet to master.

• AirPods 5
• Apple
• Apple Watch Series 12
• Apple Watch Ultra 4
• iFixit
• right to repair