Apple’s AirPods have long been criticized for being some of the most unrepairable gadgets you can buy, and the new AirPods Pro 3 sadly keep that reputation alive. Like every portable electronic device, Apple’s earbuds also rely on lithium batteries that degrade after a couple of years, but the problem is that the company still insists on gluing them inside, making it nearly impossible to replace them without destroying the product.
Despite new features like heart rate tracking and IP57 rating, AirPods Pro 3 remain nearly impossible to repair
From the very first generation, iFixit’s teardowns have shown the same story, with glued-in batteries, sealed housings, and components buried deep inside plastic layers. While the AirPods Pro 3 bring useful upgrades to the table, like IP57 water resistance, improved noise isolation with foam-infused tips, and even a new heart rate sensor, they do not solve the issue of repairability, according to iFixit’s latest teardown.
Inside each bud, the battery is still glued down, which requires specialized heat tools and delicate prying just to get it loose. Even after that, the chances of damaging the plastic housing are high, and if somehow you do succeed, resealing the device afterwards is nearly impossible. Opening the stem reveals Apple’s H2 chip and microphones, but those are sealed under layers of glue as well, making safe repairs a technician’s dream.
The charging case follows the same approach, as Apple has swapped its previous dual-cell setup for a single battery, which technically should be simpler, but the design is still locked in place via glue. The AirPods Pro 3 teardown also shows that the magnets have been rearranged to support MagSafe and Qi2 charging. At the heart of the case, the battery is glued, which remains the core issue.
Despite the new features compared to the AirPods Pro 2, the design approach remains quite frustrating, considering other companies like Fairphone have proved that it is possible to make truly wireless earbuds with replaceable batteries. Apple’s decision to continue prioritizing sleekness and water resistance over longevity means that millions of AirPods will keep ending up in the trash every few years. This would be a total waste of rare earth minerals, and we believe that the company should adopt a viable solution to offset these concerns.
The AirPods Pro 3 deliver best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation, heart rate tracking, and a polished user experience, but they are ultimately disposable. Due to these reasons, iFixit has given the AirPods Pro 3 a repairability score of 0 out of 10.
Follow Wccftech on Google or add us as a preferred source, to get our news coverage and reviews in your feeds.
Source link
