iFixit has torn down Apple’s latest watches—the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4—and rates both at 4 out of 10 for repairability. The assessment reflects how difficult it is to access internal components, especially the battery, which in both models is tightly integrated with the display.
For the Ultra 4, outlets report no change in repairability compared with prior Ultra models. iFixit points to extensive glue used for water resistance, and it says battery access requires removing the screen, with a risk of damaging the display cable during opening.
For the Series 12, reporting describes a “modest” improvement. iFixit says the model includes a pull tab for adhesive holding the battery, and it notes changes such as dropping a ZIF connector found in earlier designs. Still, the battery remains inaccessible without removing the display, and swapping the display requires removing the battery.
Several sources also highlight iFixit’s broader Right to Repair position, arguing Apple does not provide repair parts or tools or offer repair manuals in states with such laws. The teardowns cite repairability comparisons with devices such as Google’s Pixel Watch 5, which iFixit rates more highly.
