iFixit has once again delved into Apple’s latest innovations, breaking down the new AirPods 4 and revamped AirPods Max in their latest teardown video. The review provides an in-depth look at the internal structure of these wireless earbuds, evaluating both the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and non-ANC versions, as well as the AirPods Max now featuring a USB-C port.
In a recent teardown, iFixit assessed the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max and assigned a rather unsettlingly low repairability score. Known for their stringent repair assessments, iFixit highlighted that the new AirPods 4 were rated a dismal 0 out of 10 in terms of repairability. The compact and sleek design of the device makes it incredibly challenging to disassemble without causing damage, turning the repair process into, as iFixit puts it, ‘a nightmare.’ As a result, any adjustments or repairs become almost impossible, justifying its bottom-tier rating.
On the other hand, the AirPods Max hover at the borderline of repair practicality with a somewhat better score of 6 out of 10. The teardown revealed that the AirPods 4 has not seen any significant internal changes from its predecessor. Similarly, the battery life of the AirPods 4 charging case without ANC remains identical to the AirPods 3, featuring a 345 mAh capacity. This means no major improvements were made in this aspect either.
The revamped AirPods Max underwent a similar scrutiny, only to uncover that apart from switching from a Lightning port to a USB-C port, there were no notable internal differences from the original model. This revelation might disappoint users hoping for substantial enhancements.
iFixit’s ongoing analysis suggests that Apple appears more focused on the sleek design of their devices rather than their repairability. While these design choices may appeal aesthetically, they pose considerable challenges when it comes to device longevity and user-friendly repairs. Moving forward, Apple might need to prioritize the ease of repair for its wearables to enhance the overall user experience and product sustainability.
By aligning product design with repairability, Apple can ensure not only a sleek product but also one that stands the test of time, serving its users more effectively.
