AirPods Pro 3 promise smarter features and better sound, but when it comes to repairability, they still fall flat. The newest model delivers heart rate tracking, an IP57 rating, foam-infused tips for improved isolation, and best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation. Yet the same fundamental problem remains: the batteries are glued in place, making them extraordinarily difficult to replace and pushing the product toward disposability.
Teardowns once again reveal a familiar story. Each earbud hides a lithium battery that’s bonded to the housing with strong adhesive. Removing it demands heat, specialized tools, and a very steady hand. Even if you manage to pry it out without cracking the thin plastic, resealing the bud so it retains structural integrity and water resistance is next to impossible for most people. The stem shows off Apple’s H2 chip and microphones, but those components are trapped under layers of glue as well, complicating even basic repairs.
The charging case doesn’t change the narrative. Apple moved from a dual-cell battery design to a single cell and reworked the magnets to support MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging, but the core issue persists: the battery is still glued down. Over time, as lithium cells inevitably degrade, this design turns a premium accessory into e-waste much sooner than necessary.
That trade-off—sleek, sealed hardware versus long-term serviceability—feels increasingly out of step as consumers think more about sustainability. Other brands have shown that truly wireless earbuds with replaceable batteries are possible without sacrificing everyday usability. Continuing to lock down the AirPods Pro 3 means more discarded buds, more waste of rare earth materials, and higher lifetime costs for users who must buy entire replacements instead of swapping a worn battery.
Here’s the bottom line for shoppers weighing a purchase:
– What’s great: elite Active Noise Cancellation, a polished user experience, new heart rate sensing, IP57 water and dust resistance, and improved isolation from foam-infused tips.
– What’s not: batteries are glued in both the buds and the case, repairs are risky and impractical, and long-term longevity suffers as cells age.
According to a recent teardown assessment, these design choices earned AirPods Pro 3 a repairability score of 0 out of 10. For many, that raises a simple question: should Apple prioritize user-replaceable batteries and easier repairs to extend the life of its earbuds?
What do you think—should future AirPods be designed with repairability in mind?
