AirPods 5 batteries removable but repair remains difficult

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Oct, 12:19 · Archive

Apple's new AirPods 5 are slightly more repairable than earlier models, with removable batteries.

Repair specialist iFixit has published a teardown of Apple's new AirPods 5. The earbuds show slight improvements in repairability over previous models, though fixing them at home remains difficult.

The AirPods 5 use pronged batteries similar to those in the AirPods 3, which can be removed with a special tool that iFixit describes as a "nifty pair of tongs." The battery is "intuitive to unplug," according to the teardown. The case itself is easier to access than in earlier generations, with the earbud shells simpler to pry open.

Despite these changes, iFixit rates the AirPods 5 at two out of ten for repairability. This reflects the ongoing difficulty users face when attempting any repair work on the devices. While the pronged battery design represents a move towards more serviceability, the overall design remains challenging for consumers without specialist equipment.

How it is being reported

• iFixit’s AirPods 5 teardown reveals one key improvement to Apple’s earbudsiFixit tore down the new AirPods 5 and found some notable improvements compared to their predecessors.TechRadar · 30 Sept, 17:42
• Apple makes the AirPods 5 slightly less hostile to repairReplaceable earbud batteries lift iFixit score from zero to a dizzying two out of tenThe Register · 30 Sept, 13:13
• AirPods 5 Teardown: Batteries Removable, Case Still ToughRepair site iFixit today took apart Apple's AirPods 5 for one of its traditional teardown videos. It turns out the new AirPods are slightly more repairable than prior models, but it's still not a simple home fix. The AirPods 5 use pronged batteries that Apple previously used in the AirPods 3, but not the AirPods 4. The battery can be removed with a "nifty pair of tongs," and iFixit says the component is "intuitive to unplug." When the AirPods 3 used the pronged battery, there was no easy way to get into the earbud, but the AirPods 5 are easier to pry open. iFixit was able get into the…MacRumors · 29 Sept, 22:38

In this story: Apple · iFixit

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