AirPods Pro 3 deliver impressive sound and features, but there’s a major catch for anyone who cares about longevity or sustainability. In a recent teardown, iFixit gave Apple’s latest true wireless earbuds a repairability score of 0 out of 10, citing the extreme difficulty of accessing and replacing the batteries in both the earbuds and the charging case.
According to the teardown, the components are heavily glued in place. Attempting to reach the tiny cells often leads to catastrophic damage, even for seasoned repair technicians. The charging case doesn’t escape the issue either, as its battery is similarly secured, making practical replacement all but impossible.
This continues a long-running pattern across the AirPods lineup. From the original model to the most recent versions, these earbuds consistently receive bottom-tier scores for repairability. In real-world terms, once the batteries degrade—as all rechargeable cells eventually do—consumers have very few viable options beyond replacing the entire set. That raises concerns about long-term value, e-waste, and the right-to-repair movement.
To be clear, “unrepairable” doesn’t mean it can never be done. But the odds of a successful DIY or even professional battery swap are so low, and the risk of permanent damage so high, that it’s effectively unrealistic for most people—hence the 0/10 rating.
Key takeaways:
– iFixit rates AirPods Pro 3 at 0/10 for repairability after a destructive teardown
– Strong adhesives make battery access in both earbuds and case nearly impossible
– Continues a trend seen in previous AirPods generations
– Battery wear likely means replacement rather than repair, impacting cost and sustainability
– Great sound and features remain, but long-term serviceability is a clear weak point
If repairability isn’t your priority, the AirPods Pro 3 remain available at a retail price of around $249. But for buyers thinking about long-term ownership, the inability to replace batteries without major risk is an important factor to weigh before purchasing.
