AirPods 5 receive first non-zero repairability score from iFixit

A teardown analysis by iFixit reveals that Apple's AirPods 5 have achieved a slight improvement in repairability, earning a score of 2 out of 10. This marks the first non-zero score for the AirPods line since its debut in 2016, when all previous generations received a 0/10.

The primary improvement is the ability to remove and replace the internal batteries without necessarily destroying the earbud housing. The design utilizes pronged batteries that can be unplugged, a method that allows skilled technicians or adventurous DIYers to perform swaps using tools like a hair dryer and a clamp to soften adhesives.

However, several significant limitations remain. The batteries for the left and right earbuds are not interchangeable due to reversed polarity and differing contact placements. Furthermore, the charging case remains extremely difficult to repair, with iFixit describing it as a “disaster” because the enclosure is often destroyed during attempts to access its internal components. Most other internal components remain inaccessible for practical repair.