AirPods Pro 3 Teardown Confirms Abysmal Repairability

Apple’s newest wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, may deliver a step forward in sound quality and convenience, but when it comes to repairability, the story is bleak. Following their launch last month alongside the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air, iFixit has released a detailed teardown that exposes just how tightly sealed these premium earbuds are – and the results are as grim as many expected.

Getting into the AirPods Pro 3 is nearly impossible without causing damage.

The earbuds are designed as closed units, not meant for user or even professional repair. While iFixit notes that the battery is technically easier to remove compared to previous generations, the bar was already set low. Once you attempt to reach deeper components like the drivers or the electronics in the stem, the fragile structure almost guarantees destruction during disassembly. Reassembly, even with precision tools, is practically impossible due to the way Apple has engineered the seals and adhesives.

The charging case also tells an interesting story. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, which used a dual-cell battery, the Pro 3 case now comes with a single-cell unit. While this could simplify internal design, it does nothing to improve repairability. In fact, the same problem persists: any attempt to open the case often leaves it permanently scarred or broken.

In the end, iFixit assigned the AirPods Pro 3 the lowest possible score: 0 out of 10. That means they are considered completely unrepairable. For perspective, a score of 10 would signify excellent repairability, with easily replaceable parts and accessible design. Here, Apple has doubled down on its closed ecosystem, essentially making the product disposable once the battery reaches the end of its life cycle.

This decision highlights an ongoing debate. Many consumers and sustainability advocates argue that such sealed designs create unnecessary electronic waste, forcing users to buy new hardware instead of extending the life of existing products. Others counter that the compact engineering is what enables Apple to deliver features like water resistance, advanced noise cancellation, and seamless integration with iOS devices. In the end, buyers are left with trade-offs: cutting-edge technology at the cost of any meaningful longevity.

While Apple rarely advertises repairability, the teardown acts as a stark reminder of the direction the industry has taken. For anyone who was hoping that the AirPods Pro 3 might finally be serviceable, the message is clear: don’t hold your breath. If your earbuds fail outside of warranty, the only real solution remains replacement.