Apple’s latest smartwatches score just 4 out of 10 for repairability, with battery replacement still requiring the display to be removed.
Apple’s latest smartwatches have again fared poorly in a teardown by iFixit, underscoring how little has changed in the company’s approach to repairability. iFixit’s official smartwatch rankings give both the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 a score of 4 out of 10, leaving them well below more repair-friendly rivals and still firmly in the difficult-to-service category.
The Ultra 4 shows virtually no progress over earlier Ultra models. According to iFixit’s teardown, replacing the battery still requires heating the display perimeter, lifting the screen without damage, cutting adhesive and removing a metal retaining plate before the battery can even be disconnected. The rear case screws mainly provide access to sensors, and any intervention there risks compromising water resistance.
The Series 12 is only marginally better. iFixit says Apple has replaced the awkward ZIF display connector with a pressure-style connector under a retaining plate, and the battery now uses a pull tab to release adhesive rather than a prising method that could easily cause damage. Even so, the display still has to come off to reach the battery, which means one repair often forces the removal of another part first.
iFixit also argues that Apple remains out of step with Right to Repair rules in 10 US states, where manufacturers are expected to provide the same parts, tools and documentation used in their own repair channels to consumers and independent workshops. The group says the absence of official repair parts and instructions continues to make even routine repairs expensive and impractical, despite modest internal design changes.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
