● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
iFixit Teardown: Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 Show Mixed Repairability
Key points
- Apple Watch Ultra 4 scored 4/10 for repairability, unchanged from its predecessor.
- Apple Watch Series 12 scored 4/10, a 1-point improvement over the previous model.
- Series 12 battery removal is easier with new stretch-release adhesive and pull tab.
- Both models require prying off the glued display, posing a repair obstacle.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Teardown Results
iFixit's teardown of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 involved applying heat to the screen and using a metal pick to open it, revealing the battery and Taptic Engine. The 2.444 Wh battery (up from 2.313 Wh in Ultra 3) still requires screen removal for replacement, which is a notable repairability drawback. Four screws on the bottom provide access only to the sensor assembly and S11 chip.
Ultra 4 Repairability Score
Despite some internal access, the need to unglue the screen for battery replacement and the risk of damaging flex cables during the process contributed to the Apple Watch Ultra 4 receiving a 4/10 repairability score from iFixit. This score is consistent with its predecessor, indicating no significant improvements in repairability for this model.
Apple Watch Series 12 Teardown and Improvements
The Apple Watch Series 12 teardown showed a slight improvement in repairability. Apple incorporated stretch-release adhesive and a pull tab for the 1.461 Wh battery (compared to 1.403 Wh in the 46mm Series 11), making its removal easier. The display's ZIF connector and tape were replaced with a simpler press connector.
Series 12 Repair Challenges and Score
Similar to the Ultra 4, the Series 12 still requires prying off the glued display to access internal components, which remains the primary obstacle to repairs. The tolerances around the Series 12's display are tighter than the Ultra 4, increasing the risk of screen damage during removal. The new display connector design means screen replacement also necessitates battery removal. These modest improvements led to a 4/10 repairability score for the Series 12, a one-point increase from the previous base-model Apple Watch.
Comparison with Other Smartwatches
For context, iFixit previously awarded Google's Pixel Watch 5 a 9/10 repairability score. The Pixel Watch 5 allows display removal with just two Torx screws and a gasket, and its battery can be removed without dealing with adhesive, highlighting a different approach to device repairability.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
iFixit's teardown of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 revealed that the Ultra 4 maintained its 4/10 repairability score, while the Series 12 saw a slight improvement to 4/10 due to easier battery removal. Both models still require prying off the glued display for internal access, which remains a significant repair challenge.