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iFixit Teardown Reveals First Repairability Improvement in New AirPods
Key points
- New AirPods 5 scored 2/10 for repairability from iFixit.
- Earbud batteries can be removed and replaced without destruction.
- Previous AirPods models consistently scored 0/10.
- Charging case and other components remain unrepairable.
AirPods 5 Repairability Score
iFixit conducted a teardown of the new AirPods 5, assigning them a repairability score of 2 out of 10. This score represents the first time any AirPods model has received a score above zero from iFixit since the original launch in 2016.
Battery Replacement Improvement
The primary reason for the improved score is the ability to remove and replace the batteries within each earbud without necessarily destroying the device. This change, while still requiring skill, allows for a specific component to be serviced, which was not possible in previous generations. However, the left and right batteries are not interchangeable due to reversed polarity and different contact placements.
Limited Repair Scope
Despite the improvement in battery access, iFixit noted that further disassembly of the earbuds or the charging case remains impossible without causing irreparable damage. The teardown also highlighted the dense packing of components, including MEMS microphones, the H2 chip, and batteries, within the compact design.
Context of Previous Models
Prior AirPods models consistently received a 0/10 repairability score due to heavily glued-in batteries, soldered connections, and housings that were difficult to open without damage. The current 2/10 score for the AirPods 5 indicates a minor, but notable, shift in design for one specific repair aspect.
✨ 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 new AirPods 5 shows that the earbud batteries can be removed and replaced without destroying the device, resulting in a 2/10 repairability score. This marks the first time AirPods have scored above zero for repairability, indicating a minor design change for battery servicing.