Apple’s second-generation AirPods may be better than ever, but they’re certainly not any more repairable. A new teardown reveals that the next-gen wireless earphones aren’t “designed to be serviced” in any meaningful capacity.
The challenge of repairing them doesn’t necessarily guarantee a short lifespan. However, it does suggest that these probably won’t be hanging around long-term.
The teardown notes how difficult it is to gain access to the AirPod’s insides without damaging them. Specifically, iFixit writes, you’ll need “heaps of heat, a plethora of prying, and a pair of pliers.” Even by Apple’s standards, this isn’t a simple product to open up and peer inside.
More from the world of AirPods
There are a few interesting tidbits revealed, however. For one thing, the updated AirPod case seems to have been designed for extra durability. It boasts a “beefier hinge and water-repellant coating on the board” which should make for fewer failures.
It also shines a light on the 343S00289 chip, which iFixit believes is the improved H1 chip for Bluetooth audio comms. There’s additionally another chip which appears to be for low-powered stereo audio codec.
Overall, though, the take-home message is that you shouldn’t even consider repairing the AirPods 2. “No hardware components can be accessed without damage to the device,” iFixit notes. “Sealed-in batteries limit the AirPods’ lifespan, making them a consumable/disposable item.” Out of a possible 10 for repairability, the AirPods 2 get a zero.
We highly doubt that’ll stop anyone buying them, though! You can read Cult of Mac‘s review of the new AirPods here.
Source: iFixit
