iFixit review: Apple AirPods 5 charging case still a disaster
The repair website iFixit has taken apart the Apple AirPods 5 for one of their usual teardown videos. It turns out that the new AirPods are somewhat easier to repair than previous models, but a home repair is still not entirely straightforward.
iFixit was able to open the Apple AirPods 5 using a hairdryer to heat the adhesive and a clamp to secure the earbud.
The left and right earbuds use different batteries with reversed polarity, therefore the battery of a left AirPod cannot be inserted into a right AirPod and vice versa.
Apple AirPods 5 review: Batteries are replaceable, but not for everyone
While the earbuds have a better repair rate, iFixit described the charging case as “still a disaster” and explained that it is difficult to open without destroying it.
iFixit rated the repairability of the new AirPods at 2 out of 10, compared to 0 out of 10 for all previous versions. According to the website, “experienced technicians and even daring DIYers” should be able to replace the AirPods batteries “with a fairly good success rate.”
