Tag

Ifixit

All articles tagged with #ifixit

technology2 days ago•2 min saved

iFixit Scores Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 at 4/10 for Repairability Despite Minor Battery Improvements

iFixit rated the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 at 4/10 for repairability. While the Series 12 added a pull tab for easier battery removal, both models still require prying off glued displays, a major obstacle. The Ultra 4 saw no repairability changes, while the Series 12 improved by one point from its predecessor. In contrast, Google’s Pixel Watch 5 scored 9/10 due to screw-based access and no adhesive.

via 9to5Mac|

#apple-watch #apple-watch-series-12 #apple-watch-ultra-4

technology3 days ago•2 min saved

AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods 5: The 2026 Upgrade Dilemma

Apple’s 2026 audio lineup presents a complex choice between the feature-rich AirPods Pro 3 and the newly repairable AirPods 5. While the Pro 3 offers superior noise cancellation and health tracking, the standard AirPods 5 introduce the first repairable battery design in Apple’s history, though with significant caveats.

via 9to5Mac|

#airpods #apple #audio

technology8 days ago•9 min saved

AirPods 5 Break Repairability Streak, But Case Still Needs Destruction

Apple's fifth-generation AirPods mark a significant shift in repairability, becoming the first model since 2016 to receive a non-zero score from iFixit. While the earbuds now feature socketed coin-cell batteries that can be swapped with heat, the charging case remains glued shut and requires physical destruction to access its battery. Despite this partial improvement, the device retains a low 2/10 repairability score, though it offers notable upgrades in noise cancellation, audio quality, and pricing compared to the previous generation.

via Hackaday|

#airpods-5 #apple #consumer-electronics

technology9 days ago•7 min saved

AirPods 5 Teardown Reveals Repairable Batteries but Fragile Case

iFixit's teardown of the new AirPods 5 shows a slight improvement in repairability, scoring 2/10 compared to previous models' 0/10. While the earbud batteries are now removable using simple tools, the charging case remains difficult to open without damage. Business Insider highlights the device's strong value, noting improved noise cancellation and lower prices, while 9to5Mac advises that the premium AirPods Pro 3 remain superior for users needing heart rate monitoring and hearing aid features.

via MacRumors|

#airpods-5 #apple #consumer-electronics

technology9 days ago•2 min saved

AirPods 5 Earn First Non-Zero Repair Score, But Case Remains Unserviceable

iFixit awarded the new AirPods 5 a repairability score of 2/10, marking the first time Apple’s earbuds have scored above zero since 2016. The improvement stems from removable batteries, though the charging case remains difficult to open.

via 9to5Mac|

#airpods-5 #apple #hardware

technology17 days ago•2 min saved

iPhone 18 Pro's Variable Aperture May Turn Repairs Into a Nightmare

iFixit reports that the iPhone 18 Pro’s new six-blade variable aperture camera is exceptionally hard to repair due to ultra-tight tolerances, thin blades, and gummy glue, meaning most issues would require replacing the entire aperture module rather than DIY fixes—potentially making camera repairs more expensive; Samsung previously tried a similar feature but dropped it.

via Engadget|

#apple #camera-repair #ifixit

technology18 days ago•4 min saved

Repair Hurdles Mount as iPhone 18 Pro Teardown Reveals Six-Blade Camera and Fragile Frame

iFixIt’s teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max finds that most repairs require removing the display, and the plastic frame behind the screen often breaks; Apple doesn’t sell the frame separately, so frame/phone repairs typically require replacing the entire display module. The devices earn a provisional 7/10 repairability score. They also feature larger batteries and a six-blade mechanical aperture in the main camera, meaning camera or aperture issues would likely require replacing the whole camera assembly. Battery capacity and SIM/eSIM configurations vary by region.

via CNET|

#apple #ifixit #iphone-18-pro

tech18 days ago•30 min saved

Inside the iPhone 18 Pro’s mechanical camera: a precision feat that’s nearly unrepairable

iFixit’s teardown reveals Apple’s six-blade, magnetically actuated variable-aperture lens inside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, a remarkable feat of precision engineering that fits in the same camera footprint as the iPhone 17 Pro-series. However, the mechanism is effectively unrepairable without replacing the entire camera assembly, and reviews note only marginal real-world gains in photography.

via The Verge|

#camera #ifixit #iphone

technology18 days ago•10 min saved

iFixit Dives Into iPhone 18 Pro: Bigger Batteries, New Variable Aperture, and Cooling Upgrades

iFixit’s teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max confirms battery capacities for eSIM-only regions (iPhone 18 Pro: 4,288 mAh; Pro Max: 5,567 mAh), with SIM trays still used in countries outside these regions. The teardown also showcases a new variable-aperture camera system and a larger vapor-chamber cooling setup. NAND is now located on the dual-layer logic board, potentially making storage repairs less convenient. Additionally, three of four opened units showed the screen’s plastic frame cracking or separating, a new issue that requires further testing.

via MacRumors|

#battery #ifixit #iphone-18-pro

technology18 days ago•5 min saved

iFixit’s iPhone 18 Pro teardown highlights fragile variable aperture and repair challenges

iFixit’s teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro examines its variable-aperture camera (six electromagnetically controlled blades), the new under-display Face ID camera, and a larger vapor chamber. The blades can detach during disassembly, implying any aperture repair would require replacing the entire main camera assembly. The iPhone also features a redesigned cooling system with a much larger vapor chamber, but a damaged plastic frame around the display was observed on most units, potentially affecting water resistance and reassembly fit. Access to the USB-C port remains difficult, and despite some repairability strengths, overall repairs are challenging, earning a provisional 7/10 score.

via 9to5Mac|

#ifixit #iphone-18-pro #repairability

technology1 month ago•21 min saved

Dust: The Hidden Achilles Heel of Foldable OLEDs

iFixit's teardown of a Galaxy Z Fold 8 shows that foldable OLEDs, despite IP-rated water resistance, are vulnerable to dust ingress in the hinge. UV-dust testing reveals grime crawls into the hinge causing crunching noises and eventual hinge failure, while the display halves remain relatively clean—highlighting a fundamental cleanability challenge for foldable designs.

via Hackaday|

#dust #foldable-oled #hinge

tech1 month ago•27 min saved

Dusty hinge doom: iFixit flags pocket lint risk in Galaxy Z Fold 8

iFixit’s teardown of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 assigns a repairability score of 4/10, with hinges being the main issue and the IP48 ingress rating allowing dust into the hinge, meaning fixes could require replacing the whole assembly; the foldable also lags behind rivals offering IP6X dust resistance.

via The Verge|

#dust-ingress #foldables #ifixit

technology2 months ago•10 min saved

Repairable Chinese Smart Glasses Debunk the Myth of Wearable Obsolescence

iFixit’s teardown of two Chinese smart glasses reveals a repair-friendly design: both feature an external clip-on battery and accessible internals, with Rokid’s model being particularly easy to service thanks to light glue and a user-friendly internal layout. The video also critiques glued-in batteries and notes EU right-to-repair exemptions, arguing wearables should have user-replaceable batteries to reduce e-waste.

via Hackaday|

#ifixit #repairability #right-to-repair

technology2 months ago•3 min saved

Valve and iFixit secure Steam Deck batteries again with OEM parts and fallback plans

Valve says iFixit will have Steam Deck replacement batteries back in stock by next week, using the same OEM parts sourced through Valve’s partners; earlier reports that Valve would discontinue the battery were reversed. If Valve ever sunsets the part, iFixit commits to sourcing from an aftermarket supplier. Replacing the battery remains a challenging, glue-bound process, reflecting ongoing repairability debates and evolving regulations around user-replaceable batteries.

via The Verge|

#batteries #ifixit #repairability

technology2 months ago•23 min saved

Valve begins sunsetting LCD Steam Deck batteries, pushing repairs to aftermarket options

Valve has started sunsetting the official LCD Steam Deck battery, with iFixit noting Valve isn’t planning to restock and is seeking alternatives. The change mainly affects the LCD model (OLED is unaffected), and while Valve shifts focus to the OLED version, iFixit says third‑party and aftermarket batteries are now the repair route for LCD units, with no confirmed restock timeline for official or third‑party batteries.

via PC Guide|

#battery #ifixit #replacement