Apple’s AirPods 5 have replaceable batteries in the earbuds, but the charging case remains inaccessible even with the best tools available. Here’s how iFixit performed in its latest teardown.
The AirPods line has always been a thorn in Apple’s side, at least when it comes to environmental responsibility. These earbuds and charging case have always been irreparable pieces of plastic destined for landfill at the end of their short life.
However, iFixit discovered a small glimmer of hope in the AirPods 5. The AirPods’ long-term repairability score was zero, until the latest model received a slight bump to two.
It’s still impossible to access the charging case, so there’s no way to save it no matter how skilled you are with a knife and a heat gun. The improvement in the score is entirely due to a change in the earphones.
If tightened properly with a little heat, a technician can remove the outer cover of the headset and expose the battery. That battery comes without a bit of glue and is attached via two prongs.
Each earbud has an opposite polarity battery, so batteries are not interchangeable between earbuds. At the very least, it looks like users can save their earbuds from the trash by replacing the battery.
The charging case has a larger battery, so it will theoretically take longer to reach end of life. However, when this happens, the owner has no choice but to purchase a new charging case or a completely new set of AirPods.
An accessible battery contributes greatly to repairability. Image source: iFixit
Of all Apple products, AirPods are consistently the worst in terms of repairability. If Apple wants to reach its 2030 goals and reduce waste, providing consumers with more repairable products must be a priority.
Maybe Apple will learn how to introduce a more serviceable charging case in the AirPods Pro 4. Until then, expect to have to buy a completely new pair of AirPods every two or three years as the batteries age and die.
