GoKawiiliFixit gives AirPods 5 a repairability score of 2/10, first above zero ever
iFixit's teardown of the AirPods 5 found that the batteries in each earbud can be removed and replaced without destroying the device, provided the repair is done carefully by a skilled technician. This earned the earbuds a repairability score of 2 out of 10, the first time any AirPods model has scored above zero since the original launched in 2016. iFixit noted the left and right batteries aren't interchangeable due to reversed polarity and different contact placement, and that everything else inside the earbuds and case remains sealed and unrepairable.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
A jump from zero to two points is minor in absolute terms, but it could signal that Apple is beginning to respond to regulatory and consumer pressure around right-to-repair for small wearables. The improvement still falls far short of true consumer-level repairability, suggesting any design changes may be incremental rather than a broader shift in Apple's approach to earbuds and cases.
- AirPods 5 scored 2/10 for repairability, the first non-zero score in the product's history
- Batteries can be removed and replaced, but left and right units aren't interchangeable
- Everything beyond the battery, including the charging case, remains effectively unrepairable
Apple AirPods 5 — The AirPods 5 bring Apple's latest earbud tech along with a notable first: batteries that can actually be replaced rather than glued in permanently. If you're upgrading your wireless earbuds, this is the version to get, both for the improved repairability and the usual seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
See Apple AirPods 5 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “iFixit teardown of the new AirPods 5 reveals first real repairability improvement”
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