iFixits AirPods 5 teardown reveals one key improvement to Apples earbuds

Date:
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:42:31 +0000

Description:
iFixit tore down the new AirPods 5 and found some notable improvements compared to their predecessors.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Repair experts iFixit tore down Apples latest AirPods 5 earphones The firm found a few important changes compared to previous AirPods Yet the case still proved to be a repairability disaster Apple products arent exactly known to be paragons of repairability, with many devices proving to be daunting work for even the most hardened of repair professionals. It probably wont come as much of a surprise, then, to see that iFixit has given the new AirPods 5 a lowly score in its latest teardown but there are still a few bright spots for Apple fans.

iFixit decided to dig into the AirPods 5 in a step-by-step article and an accompanying video . The video came with the teaser-heavy title Weve Given AirPods 0/10 for 10 Years. Until Now, while the article dubbed the earphones the most repairable AirPods earbuds ever. But if youre hopeful of a lofty 10/10 score, dont hold your breath. No, the AirPods 5 came home with a lowly 2/10 score for repairability. Thats mainly thanks to the charging case, which iFixit described as a disaster. In fact, the case was so tightly sealed that it had to be destroyed in order to get to the internal battery. Throw in a total absence of replacement parts and repair manuals on Apples part and the AirPods 5s score took a nosedive. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

That said, there were a few silver linings. One of the key improvements came to the batteries contained inside the earphones. Instead of being soldered in place, they are outfitted with a set of plug-in prongs, making them much simpler to replace.

As well as that, the AirPods could be opened up using a hairdryer and a
clamp, meaning specialized tools arent required significantly lowering the hurdles facing repairers. You may like The dream of AirPods with removable batteries is still seemingly out of reach, and it's all because of a new EU ruling Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 review: truly the new flagship earbuds to beat AirPods 5 should come with volume controls by default, not
for an added fee A step towards repairability Weve Given AirPods 0/10 for 10 Years. Until Now. - YouTube Watch On As iFixit pointed out, Apples AirPods dont necessarily need to be this hard to repair. Companies like Fairphone
have released products (such as the Fairbuds ) that make accessing the case battery far simpler, allowing a user to swap the component out and prolong
the lifespan of their device. Likewise, Sennheisers excellent Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds are built with replaceable batteries and even come with a compatible screwdriver.

In the past, new Apple CEO John Ternus has said that Apple tries to balance durability and repairability , arguing that swinging too far towards repairability can compromise the durability of a device (such as its waterproofing). And its surely true that the majority of consumers would not be interested in opening up their Apple products and conducting repairs themselves. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up
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But for those who do want to do that or who dont mind paying someone else to do it for them a more repairable device is one that lasts longer and doesnt need to be replaced so quickly.

Ultimately, iFixit said that for the first time, we think skilled technicians and even intrepid DIYers will probably be able to replace AirPod batteries with a decent success rate. The AirPods 5 are not the kind of product that your grandma will be keen to crack open, but for anyone with the experience and determination to perform their own repairs, theyre a step in the right direction from Apple. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Todays best AirPods deals Apple AirPods Gen 5 119 View See all prices Apple AirPods Gen 5 with Wireless 139 View See all prices voucher gift Apple
AirPods Pro 3 219 View See all prices voucher gift Apple AirPods Max 2 499 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/ifixits-airpods-5-teardown-rev eals-surprise-repairability-boost-hairdryer-test-reveals-user-replaceable-batt eries-but-glued-case-remains-a-disaster


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