Full Breakdown
iFixit Finds First Positive Repairability Score in Apple’s AirPods 5
By Drooid · · How we work
AirPods 5 Shows First Positive Repairability Score
In a teardown released in September 2026, iFixit reported that Apple’s latest AirPods 5 earn a repairability rating of 2 out of 10. This is the first time any AirPods generation has received a score above zero, which iFixit attributes to the ability to remove and replace the earbuds’ batteries without destroying the device, provided the work is performed by a skilled technician or an experienced DIY enthusiast.
Battery Design and Repair Process
The AirPods 5 employ pronged batteries—similar to those used in the AirPods 3 but not the AirPods 4. iFixit demonstrated that the batteries can be extracted using a pair of tongs after heating the adhesive with a hair dryer and stabilizing the earbud with a clamp. The left- and right-hand earbuds contain distinct batteries with reversed polarity and different contact placements, meaning they are not interchangeable. While the earbuds can be opened with these methods, iFixit noted that accessing any components beyond the battery, as well as the charging case, still requires destructive techniques.
Comparison to Earlier Generations
Since the original AirPods launched in 2016, iFixit has consistently assigned a repairability score of 0 out of 10 to each model, citing glued-in batteries, soldered connections, and housings that cannot be reassembled without damage. The AirPods 5’s score of 2 represents a two-point increase over all prior versions combined, though iFixit emphasized that the improvement remains modest.
Implications for Consumers and the Repair Community
The modest score suggests that, while battery replacement is now technically feasible, the overall repair ecosystem for AirPods 5 remains limited. The teardown highlights Apple’s incremental shift toward greater component accessibility, yet underscores that the AirPods line continues to pose significant challenges for sustainable repair and reuse.