iFixit Tears Down Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, Finds Mixed Repairability Results
iFixit said Apple’s new design changes only slightly improved battery removal, but glued displays still make repairs difficult.
- On Tuesday, iFixit released teardowns for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, awarding both devices a 4/10 repairability score for their continued reliance on adhesive and difficult entry methods.
- Apple's current design requires technicians to pry off the glued display to access internal components, including the battery and Taptic Engine, which iFixit warns risks damaging fragile flex cables and the screen itself.
- While the Apple Watch Series 12 features a "modest" improvement with an adhesive pull tab and press connector, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 remains unchanged from previous generations, receiving the same 4/10 score.
- Beyond design choices, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens claims Apple is "out of compliance" with Right-to-repair laws in 10 states including Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, New York, Maryland, and Connecticut by failing to provide repair parts, tools, or manuals.
- Google's Pixel Watch 5 received a 9/10 repairability score from iFixit, with its display removable using only two Torx screws and a gasket without dealing with restrictive adhesive.
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Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability
Repair site iFixit this week continued taking apart the latest Apple devices, this time tearing down the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has no repairability changes. There are copious amounts of glue between the casing and the display for waterproofing, and getting to the battery has to be done through the screen. It's easy to slice through the display cable when attempting to pry the device open. Th…
iFixit tears down Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, finds mixed repairability results
Concluding iFixit’s teardown sequence for Apple’s September launches, iFixit today published the teardown of the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. Here’s what they found. more…
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 received 4/10 on repairability. Series 12 is easily improved compared to previous generation, but access to battery and screen remains difficult.
After Apple's new computer clocks are now available, they have been disassembled by iFixIt. Meanwhile, there are individual reports of problems with the new sensor technology.
iFixit took a close look at how repairable Apple's new smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4, are. The conclusion: everyone should hope that the device doesn't break.
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