iFixit: Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 pose repair challenges
Repair firm iFixit has dismantled Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 smartwatches, giving both low repairability scores due to difficulties, particularly with screen replacement.
Repair specialist iFixit has released a teardown video of the latest Apple Watch models, Series 12 and Ultra 4. The firm assigned both devices a repairability score of 4 out of 10, highlighting significant challenges in servicing them.
The report indicates that the screens on both watches are secured with adhesive. This necessitates screen removal as the initial step for internal repairs. The Ultra 4 model features a slightly larger battery than its predecessor, but replacing it still requires detaching the display. While the battery connection is a press-fit, the screen removal process carries a risk of damaging internal flex cables.
For the Series 12, Apple has introduced pull-tab adhesive and a stretch-release system to simplify battery removal. However, similar to the Ultra 4, the screen remains firmly adhered. iFixit notes that the gap around the Series 12's screen is tighter than on the Ultra 4, demanding more force for removal and increasing the potential for screen damage.
In both models, Apple has replaced older ZIF connectors and tape with simpler press-fit connectors. Because battery replacement is contingent on screen removal, the procedures for servicing the screen and the battery are linked, complicating both tasks.