iFixit teardown of the new AirPods 5 reveals first real repairability improvement

iFixit's latest teardown of the new AirPods 5 reveals a minimal improvement in repairability. For years, Apple's earbuds have scored a dismal 0 out of 10 on the repairability scale due to their glued-in batteries, soldered connections, and challenging design. However, the new AirPods 5 have managed to score a 2 out of 10, marking the first instance of any repairability improvement since their inception in 2016.

In the video, iFixit demonstrates that the batteries within each earbud can be removed and replaced without causing damage, earning AirPods a repairability score above zero. While this is a slight progress, it remains two points shy of the highest score achieved by any previous AirPods generation. It's worth noting that the left and right batteries are not interchangeable, as they possess reversed polarity and slightly different contact placements.

This teardown also features CT scans, offering a detailed view of Apple's densely packed batteries, MEMS microphones, H2 chip, and other intricate components within each earbud.