Tag

Repairability

All articles tagged with #repairability

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

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

technology16 days ago•48 min saved

Raspberry Pi Bootloader Locks RAM Size to Curb Counterfeit Sales

Raspberry Pi Foundation introduced a bootloader update in September 2024 that prevents users from upgrading RAM chips on Pi 4, Pi 5, and Compute Modules to sizes larger than the original specification. While this restricts hardware modification, it is easily bypassed by downgrading the bootloader via USB. The move aims to combat third-party sellers who swap in unverified or harvested RAM chips, which often leads to instability and misleading product listings. Critics argue this limits repairability and user freedom, but proponents note that the restriction primarily targets fraudulent commercial practices rather than genuine repairs, as replacing a failed chip with an identical one remains possible.

via Hackaday|

#bootloader #counterfeit-goods #hardware-security

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

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•9 min saved

Fairphone 6 Plus: a Repairable Midrange Triumph Goes Mainstream

Fairphone 6 Plus offers a near‑stock Android experience with a newer midrange Snapdragon, 12GB RAM, and a five‑year software lifecycle, all wrapped in highly serviceable hardware with modular back panels and DIY repairability. At $649 in the US, it trades top‑tier performance for longevity, ethical sourcing, and easy part replacements (battery, screen, USB‑C, cameras). It has decent cameras, IP55 dust/water resistance, no wireless charging, and battery life that’s adequate for typical use, making it a compelling value for repair‑minded buyers.

via The Verge|

#fairphone #midrange #repairability

technology1 month ago•17 min saved

Repairable by design: Fairphone Gen 6+ champions longevity through modularity

Fairphone’s Gen 6+ is a $650 Android phone built for long life and easy self-repair, featuring around 12 user-replaceable parts, a fully replaceable 6.31-inch OLED display, and a removable battery that staff say should be swapped around year three. The design trades some solidity (it’s thicker and lacks IP6X water resistance and a headphone jack) for maintainability, retaining a microSD slot and physical SIM. RAM is boosted to 12GB, software updates are planned through 2033, and Fairphone emphasizes keeping parts in stock and reducing e-waste over a glamorous but less repairable build. Aimed at DIY users and sustainability-minded buyers, the Gen 6+ is available direct and on Amazon.

via Ars Technica|

#diy #modular-design #repairability

technology1 month ago•8 min saved

Fairphone 6+ Debuts in US as a Repairable, Security-Focused $649 Option

Fairphone 6+ debuts in the US unlocked for T-Mobile at $649, highlighting repairability and sustainability with replaceable parts, a 6.31-inch 120Hz LTPO display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, 12GB RAM, 50MP/13MP cameras, 256GB storage plus microSD up to 2TB, Android 16 with updates through 2032, and out-of-the-box US availability.

via PhoneArena|

#fairphone #repairability #sustainability

technology1 month ago•3 min saved

Fairphone 6 Plus Debuts in the US with Direct Sale, Repairability at the Core

Fairphone has started selling its repairable 6 Plus directly in the US for $649.99 (unlocked, compatible with T-Mobile/AT&T) via Fairphone and Amazon, marking the first direct US sale; it mirrors the 6 but adds a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and 12GB RAM, while retaining a repairable, modular design with affordable replacement parts and new cobalt blue color, with Europe pricing at €649 and upcoming Fairbuds 2 slated for Q4 2026.

via The Verge|

#fairphone #fairphone-6-plus #modular-design

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•5 min saved

EU Regulation May Bring Removable Phone Batteries Back

Starting February 2027, EU law will require phones and tablets to have removable batteries that end users can swap with standard tools, aiming to extend device lifespans and simplify recycling; most premium phones will stay sealed and water resistant, but some models today (e.g., Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, Fairphone 6) already use user-replaceable packs. A carveout allows battery replacements to be handled by professional repairers if devices meet health and IP standards (83% capacity after 500 cycles, 80% after 1,000 cycles, IP67+), meaning we could see more removable-battery options without a wholesale redesign for every model.

via Engadget|

#battery-health #eu-regulation #removable-battery

technology2 months ago•116 min saved

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: The repairability king returns with a tougher frame

Framework Laptop 13 Pro refines the repairable ethos of its predecessor with a sturdier 6063 aluminum chassis and a swappable motherboard, offering improved battery life from Panther Lake and maintaining compatibility with existing 13.x components; however, it runs hotter under load due to a compact cooling system, limiting Turbo Boost, and it remains heavier with no OLED/HDR options, while pricing ranges from $1,200 to well over $3,000, making it a premium, repair-focused alternative to traditional prosumer laptops.

via Notebookcheck|

#chassis-rigidity #framework-laptop-13-pro #panther-lake

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