Hackaday · Creativity & design

AirPods Repairability Sees Minor Improvement

Apple's latest AirPods generation shows a slight improvement in repairability, though significant limitations remain.

The fifth generation AirPods earbuds can now undergo battery replacement without complete destruction, unlike previous models which were effectively disposable. A gentle heat application allows the glued earbud to separate, revealing a socketed coin cell battery.

However, the polarity of these battery sockets differs between the left and right earbuds, preventing simple swaps. The charging case for the AirPods still requires destructive methods to access its battery.

Due to these factors, iFixit awarded the new AirPods a 2/10 for repairability, a modest increase from previous scores.

Despite this step forward, the non-removable battery issue persists, and the impact of upcoming EU regulations on this problem is uncertain due to potential watering down of the rules.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.