Utilizing warmth to disassemble AirPods 4 [YouTube/iFixit]
The teardown of the brand new AirPods exhibits it’s nonetheless not repairable by finish customers, whereas the AirPods Max with USB-C are just about the identical because the Lightning model it changed.
Persevering with the teardown development that follows after Apple’s product launches, the AirPods vary are the most recent to be disassembled. The most recent shut examination of Apple’s audio gear takes a have a look at the AirPods 4 in each with and with out ANC types, in addition to the AirPods Max with USB-C.
The ten-minute teardown video by iFixit begins off with the AirPods 4, that are positioned right into a jig and heated to separate the enclosure. Extra warmth is utilized to the glue, which is utilized in massive quantities within the earbuds.
As traditional, the fragile elements coated in glue make a restore virtually unattainable, with disposal and alternative the one actual treatment for defective AirPods.
Whereas the development of the fourth-gen fashions are virtually the identical because the third-gen AirPods, there’s a noticeable distinction for one element. The inner microphone within the ANC-equipped version is bigger than the non-ANC mannequin.
The charging case for the AirPods 4 was additionally disassembled by the workforce. It was discovered to have a 345mAh battery, matching that of the AirPods 3 charging case.
X-rays of the ANC model’s charging case exhibits it makes use of the identical PCB because the non-ANC, besides it additionally has the speaker.
Simply as with the third-gen AirPods, the fourth-gen fashions obtain a 0 out of 10 for repairability.
AirPods Max
Tearing down the AirPods Max is comparatively easy by comparability. Whereas the Lightning connector is gone in favor of USB-C, there’s nonetheless a mini Lightning connector within the headband to attach the 2 cups.
Opened up, with a bit extra adhesive used within the USB-C than the Lightning variations, the interior inspection reveals close to equivalent development. There are some minor changes to the cost port part, however all the things else is similar because the Lightning version.
The AirPods Max with USB-C secures a repairability rating of 6 out of 10, the identical because the Lightning mannequin. Nonetheless, it’s a provisional rating, and iFixit can be sad concerning the lack of alternative components or manuals for the non-public audio system.