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Only a little. iFixit found a useful battery-adhesive pull tab in Apple Watch Series 12 and removable batteries inside AirPods 5 earbuds, but both watches still require delicate display-first opening, and the AirPods 5 charging case could not be opened for battery access without destroying it. iFixit rated the Series 12 and Ultra 4 4/10 each, and AirPods 5 2/10, on its own repairability scorecard.
What changed in the new Apple Watch models?
In its October 6, 2026 teardown, iFixit found a stretch-release adhesive tab on the Apple Watch Series 12 battery. Pulling the tab frees the battery adhesive rather than requiring a technician to lever the battery out—a modest but practical improvement over earlier base models. iFixit measured the Series 12 battery at 1.461 Wh, compared with 1.403 Wh in the 46 mm Series 11.
The display connector is also simpler, but that does not make a screen repair straightforward: iFixit says replacing the display requires removing and replacing the battery as well. Both Series 12 and Ultra 4 still have to be opened through the display to reach the battery and other internal components.
Series 12: easier battery release, difficult entry
iFixit describes a delicate opening process: heat the display, cut through adhesive around its perimeter, and work a thin, depth-marked metal pick into the seam. Cables sit close behind the edge, so a slip can damage them or the display. The four Pentalobe screws on the back do not provide battery access; they expose the sensor assembly, and removing them compromises waterproofing.
#1 Best Overall
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The pull tab improves one step after the watch is open, but it does not eliminate the most delicate part of reaching the battery. A simpler connector also comes with the battery-removal requirement for screen replacement.
Ultra 4: no meaningful change in the repair experience
iFixit describes the Ultra 4 as essentially unchanged from the preceding Ultra generations for repair. Battery access still begins at the display, and the watch received 4/10—the same score iFixit reports for the previous three Ultra generations. Its teardown lists the Ultra 4 battery at 2.444 Wh, compared with 2.313 Wh in the Ultra 3.
Rank #2
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Can you replace AirPods 5 batteries?
iFixit found that the batteries inside the AirPods 5 earbuds can be removed after opening the earbuds. That is a real improvement over a design in which the battery is effectively inaccessible, but it is not a simple or low-risk home repair. The earbuds have tight seams and require heat and careful prying. iFixit reports that a lower-heat hair dryer and clamp worked in one careful attempt, while another attempt melted plastic; that teardown experience is not a validated repair guide.
The left and right earbud batteries differ slightly in polarity and physical construction, so replacements must match the side. The teardown covers AirPods 5 versions with and without wireless charging in the case; iFixit reports both versions have active noise cancellation and an IP57 dust- and water-resistance rating.
Rank #3
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The charging case is the bigger obstacle
Opening the case is substantially harder than opening an earbud. iFixit found tight seams and plastic welds instead of screws, and could not reach the case battery without destroying the case. A removable earbud battery therefore does not make the complete AirPods 5 set practically repairable if the charging case battery fails.
In its September 29, 2026 teardown, iFixit reported that Apple offered no replacement parts or repair manuals for AirPods 5, and that Apple’s Self Service Repair program did not provide a repair path for these buds at publication. These are AirPods-specific findings, not a claim that Apple has no repair program for other products.
Rank #4
- 【Model Compatibility】: Compatible with Apple Watch Series 2 42mm. Not compatible with 38mm models. Please verify your device model before installation.
- 【Complete Repair Kit Included】: Package includes precision tools, screen adhesive, and a step-by-step illustrated manual for efficient battery replacement without professional help.
- 【Reliable Battery Cell】: Fit For Watch Series 2 42mm OEM-grade 0-cycle Li-ion battery supports stable charging and extended performance. Built-in IC protects against overcharge, overheating, and short circuits.
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How do iFixit’s repairability scores compare?
The scores below are iFixit assessments from its 2026 teardowns and scorecards. They are not an industry-wide certification, nor do they measure repair rates, repair costs, or expected device lifespan.
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| Device | iFixit score | What the teardown indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 12 | 4/10 | Battery adhesive has a pull tab, but access remains display-first and delicate; replacing the display requires battery removal. |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | 4/10 | Display-first battery access; iFixit says the repair experience is essentially unchanged from earlier Ultra generations. |
| AirPods 5 | 2/10 | Earbud batteries can be removed after careful opening, but the charging-case battery was inaccessible without destroying the case. |
| Google Pixel Watch 5 | 9/10 | iFixit contrasts its two Torx screws and gasket for display access, plus a battery held by a few more screws, with the Apple Watches’ glued display seam. |
The Apple Watch scorecards list adhesive-heavy tight seams and the lack of official repair parts or instructions as disadvantages; they identify backward-compatible band replacement as easy. iFixit’s scores should be read as its own rubric, which can evolve, rather than as a universal measure.
Best Value
- Model-Specific Design – Engineered exclusively for the 40mm Apple Watch Series 4, 5, and 6. Verify compatibility before application.
- Complete Restoration Kit – Includes professional-grade tools and illustrated manual for proper screen reattachment and waterproof sealing.
- Premium Adhesive – High-quality pressure-sensitive tape provides strong, lasting bond between display and case.
- Installation Tip – For optimal results in cooler conditions, warming the adhesive surface slightly before application improves initial tack.
- Curing Process – Allow adhesive to fully set for 2 hours after installation to achieve maximum bonding strength and sealing performance.
What makes a device genuinely repairable?
Whether a part can physically be removed is only one part of repairability. For a repair to be practical, the opening method should avoid needless damage, replacement parts and instructions should be available, and the device should be capable of being reassembled with its sealing intact. On those measures, the Watch battery pull tab and removable AirPods earbud batteries are limited gains: the watches remain delicate to open, and the AirPods case remains destructive to service.
For a different earbud design, iFixit says Fairphone Fairbuds use replaceable coin-cell batteries and a modular charging case, with replacement parts and instructions supported by Fairphone. For over-ear headphones, iFixit describes Fairbuds XL (2025) as having tool-free battery replacement, modular components, repair documentation, and spare parts. It also cautions that Fairbuds XL charge-port replacement may compromise water resistance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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