iFixit reveals Apple AirPods Pro 3's inner workings
What's the story
Apple's recently launched AirPods Pro 3 have been dissected by iFixit, revealing their inner workings and design evolution from the previous generation. The new model features a foam-infused tip, which is mostly visible under a microscope. The change in the tip design is a notable difference from the previous generation.
Repairability score
AirPods Pro 3 received zero out of 10 score
The disassembly process for the AirPods Pro 3 was destructive, as Apple didn't design them to be easily repaired. Heat has to be applied to melt the adhesive and there's no easy way to disconnect the flex cable inside each earbud. This complexity and requirement of specialized tools led iFixit to give the new model a repairability score of zero out of 10.
Design changes
New model nearly impossible to repair: iFixit
The case of the AirPods Pro 3 has fewer rare earth magnets than its predecessor, but they are positioned differently to maintain compatibility with MagSafe and Qi 2 charging. Despite these design changes, the new model remains nearly impossible to repair without damaging it due to the glued-in battery and complex disassembly process. The battery is still sealed with glue, making replacements so difficult that many repair shops won't even attempt them, as per iFixit.
Battery details
New model has single battery cell in case
The AirPods Pro 3 packs a 0.221Wh battery cell, while its case houses a single 1.334Wh battery. This is different from the AirPods Pro 2, which had two battery cells in its case. The change accounts for the reduced battery life of the new model to 24 hours from the previous generation's 30 hours.