Google Pixel Watch 4 Earns iFixit’s Praise as the Most Repairable Smartwatch Yet

When Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 in August alongside the Pixel 10 series, it didn’t immediately seem like a headline-grabbing release. But now that the watch is finally on sale, iFixit’s teardown reveals something that changes the conversation entirely: this is the most repairable smartwatch ever made.

According to iFixit’s detailed breakdown, the Pixel Watch 4’s internal design represents a complete rethink of smartwatch engineering.

Unlike its Apple rival, which relies heavily on adhesives and complex sealing methods, Google’s approach embraces accessibility and modularity. The watch’s rear cover is attached with tiny screws that also act as hinges – an elegant, mechanical alternative to the glue-laden designs we’ve grown used to.

Every internal component of the Pixel Watch 4 seems built with serviceability in mind. The vibration motor, for instance, connects via pogo pins and is held in place with screws rather than soldering or adhesive. Two of those screws even double as mounts for the battery, a clever use of space that also simplifies disassembly. And the battery itself? You can swap it in just a few minutes with basic tools – something that used to require a professional technician.

Instead of permanent seals, Google used a replaceable O-ring gasket to achieve IP68 dust and water resistance. This gasket, which can be purchased separately, makes it possible to maintain the watch’s waterproof rating without glue. Even the logic board housing the SoC can be easily removed for repair or inspection, giving the Pixel Watch 4 a rare level of modularity in a wearable device.

The result of all this design ingenuity is a repairability score of 9 out of 10 from iFixit – an almost unheard-of number for a smartwatch. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a company that once treated its hardware as disposable. The teardown experts praised the Pixel Watch 4 as “thoughtfully built” and “clearly meant to be repaired.” In a world where most gadgets are locked down tighter than ever, Google’s new approach feels refreshingly bold – and it might just set a new industry standard.