iFixit teardown: Apple Watch Ultra 4 gets 4/10, Series 12 improves slightly

iFixit has published its teardown of the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and the repairability news is mixed.

Apple Watch Ultra 4: same score, same obstacles

iFixit's Shahram Mokhtari used the company's new metal pick to pry open the Ultra 4's screen after applying heat. The battery, now 2.444 Wh (up from 2.313 Wh in the Ultra 3), still requires screen removal to reach. The only easily accessible components via the four case screws are the sensor assembly and the S11 chip.

Once the display is unglued, removing the battery and disconnecting the press connector is straightforward if the initial pry doesn't damage flex cables underneath. But iFixit found no significant repairability improvements, giving the Ultra 4 a 4/10 score, identical to its predecessor.

Apple Watch Series 12: a slight repairability win

The Series 12 showed a modest improvement. Apple added stretch-release adhesive and a pull tab for the battery, making the 1.461 Wh cell (versus 1.403 Wh in the 46mm Series 11) easier to remove. However, the display still requires prying off glued glass. Mokhtari noted that the tolerances around the display are even tighter than on the Ultra 4, requiring enough force to risk screen damage.

Apple replaced the ZIF connector and tape used on previous models with a simpler press connector. The tradeoff: replacing the screen now also requires removing and replacing the battery. As Mokhtari said, "which, if you've come this far, why wouldn't you?"

These changes were enough for a 4/10 repairability score, a one-point increase from the last base-model Apple Watch iFixit scored.

Comparison: Pixel Watch 5 sets a high bar

iFixit gave Google's Pixel Watch 5 a 9/10, noting its display can be removed with two Torx screws and a gasket, and the battery can be removed without adhesive. Apple's glued displays remain the biggest barrier to DIY repairs.

For buyers, the takeaway is clear: if repairability matters to you, Apple's watches still lag behind competitors. The Series 12's battery improvement is a step forward, but the Ultra 4 shows no progress.

• Apple
• Apple Watch Series 12
• Apple Watch Ultra 4
• iFixit
• repairability
• teardown