iFixit finds the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 still very difficult to repair

With the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 out, it’s time for the usual iFixit teardown and assessment of how easy it is to repair the new Apple Watches. Spoiler alert: they are still very hard to disassemble and repair. There might be a potential issue here, as the two devices don’t necessarily comply with some Right to Repair laws in some US states like California, New York, Oregon, etc.

Starting with the Watch Series 12, which earned 4/10 on iFixit’s repairability score, one point higher than the Series 11. That’s because of the stretch-release adhesive used for… IFixit finds the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 still very difficult to repair.

That’s because of the stretch-release adhesive used for the battery, making it much easier to pull out. The manufacturer also used a new simplified display connector. The watch still has to be opened through the display, even when charging the battery.

This design approach increases the risk of breaking the display.