All articles tagged with #ifixit
Apple's latest M5 MacBook Pro features a minor improvement in battery repairability, allowing battery replacement without removing the trackpad, but the process remains complex and costly, with a repairability score of 4 out of 10.
The Pixel Watch 4 is the most repairable smartwatch on the market, featuring screws instead of glue for the display and battery, easy access for repairs, and the ability to replace parts without voiding the warranty, marking a significant shift towards sustainability and user serviceability.
The Pixel Watch 4 has received high praise for its design, software, and battery life, but notably stands out for its exceptional repairability score of 9/10 by iFixit, making it the most repairable smartwatch on the market, a significant improvement over its predecessor and surpassing the Apple Watch.
The Pixel Watch 4 is designed to be easily repairable, with simple access requiring only a few screwdriver bits, and no adhesive sealing the components. iFixit has provided a detailed teardown and repair manual, giving it a high repairability score of 9 out of 10, and Google has released official repair manuals for the device and other products.
iFixit gave the AirPods Pro 3 a 0 out of 10 repairability score due to their glued-together design, making battery replacement and repairs nearly impossible without damage, highlighting concerns about their sustainability and repairability.
Genuine repair parts for the Pixel 10 series are now available, with the Pixel 10 Pro featuring a more expensive screen and back glass, but cheaper batteries and cameras. Google and partners are also hosting an event to promote repairability and educate consumers on repair options.
iFixit investigated reports of scratches on the iPhone 17 Pro's camera area, attributing the damage to sharp edges on the anodized aluminum bump that could have been mitigated with a more gradual curve, and noted that the design makes the camera plateau prone to damage without a case. They also praised the battery repairability but criticized the need to remove the screen for most repairs.
The iPhone Air, despite its slim design, remains quite repairable due to clever engineering that simplifies access to key components like the battery and modular parts, making maintenance easier even with its compact size.
The iPhone Air, despite its thin design, is highly repairable with easy battery replacement, modular USB-C port, and accessible components, earning a 7/10 repairability score from iFixit, similar to recent iPhone models.
iFixit performed a full teardown of Nintendo's Switch 2 Pro Controller, criticizing its repairability due to hidden screws, adhesives, and difficult access to internal components, while noting some positive aspects like modular headphone jacks. The review suggests the controller is comfortable but challenging to repair, with potential issues like stick drift remaining a concern.
The Fairphone 6 scores a perfect 10/10 on repairability from iFixit due to its modular design and minimal use of glue, making repairs straightforward with just a T5 Torx screwdriver. Despite some compromises in specs, it offers long-term support with seven years of Android updates and eight years of security patches, and is available in Europe and the US, emphasizing sustainability and repairability.
The Nintendo Switch 2, despite improvements, remains prone to joystick drift and is more difficult to repair than the original, receiving a low repairability score of 3/10 from iFixit, with no significant tech changes to address drift issues.
iFixit has rated the Nintendo Switch 2's repairability at 3 out of 10, citing difficult battery removal, soldered components, hidden screws, and lack of repair manuals, making repairs more challenging than the original Switch.
iFixit has downgraded the repairability score of the Nintendo Switch from 8/10 to 4/10, citing industry advancements and the Switch's design limitations that make repairs more difficult, such as glued-in batteries and lack of official parts, reflecting a shift towards more repair-friendly devices in the industry.
iFixit has partnered with Microsoft to sell official repair parts for Xbox Series X and S, along with detailed repair guides, through its Microsoft Repair Hub. This initiative aims to extend the lifespan of Xbox consoles and reduce electronic waste. iFixit also offers parts for Microsoft Surface devices and has similar partnerships with other tech companies like Valve for the Steam Deck and Google for Pixel devices.