iFixit tears down Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with mixed repairability results

iFixit published teardowns of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, completing its coverage of Apple’s September launches.

Both watches require the glued display to be removed before the internal components can be reached. iFixit identified that step as the main repair obstacle.

Ultra 4 keeps its 4/10 score

After heating the screen, iFixit technician Shahram Mokhtari opened the Ultra 4 with the company’s metal pick. The battery and Taptic Engine were exposed, but replacing the battery still requires removing the display.

The Ultra 4 battery has a capacity of 2.444 Wh, up from 2.313 Wh in the Ultra 3. Four screws on the bottom of the case provide access only to the sensor assembly on the rear cover and the S11 chip on the case.

Once the display is detached, removing the battery and disconnecting its press connector appear relatively straightforward. However, an unsafe opening could cut the flex cables beneath the screen. With no major repairability improvements, the Ultra 4 received 4/10, matching its predecessor.

Series 12 gains one point

Apple added stretch-release adhesive and a pull tab to the Series 12, making its battery easier to remove. The 46mm model has a 1.461 Wh battery, compared with 1.403 Wh in the Series 11.

The Series 12 display must still be pried away, and the tolerances around it are tighter than on the Ultra 4. Mokhtari said the force required raised concerns about possible screen damage.

Apple replaced the ZIF connector and tape used on earlier models with a simpler press connector. The tradeoff is that a screen replacement now also requires removing and replacing the battery. iFixit gave the Series 12 4/10, one point above the last base-model Apple Watch it rated.