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Apple's AirPods Pro 3 Slammed for Poor Repairability

Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 may have impressive audio features, but their poor design for repairs could lead to costly replacements.

In this image these are airpods.
In this image these are airpods.

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 Slammed for Poor Repairability

Apple's latest AirPods Pro 3 have faced criticism for their poor repairability. Despite offering improved audio features, the earbuds and their charging case are not designed for easy repairs, according to experts.

iFixit, a well-known repair community, gave the AirPods Pro 3 a 'Reparability Score' of 0 out of 10. The site found that opening the housing requires heat treatment and a sharp knife, causing plastic damage. The battery, a single 0.221 Wh cell per earbud and 1.334 Wh in the case, is sealed and cannot be removed without force. The charging case, fully glued, also presents challenges. Apple has not made battery replacement easy, with retailers rarely offering this service. Despite these issues, the AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours of listening time with ANC and 24 hours with the case, though this falls short of the AirPods Pro 2's 30 hours. The ear cushions feature a thin foam layer for improved isolation, and the case has fewer magnets and no mechanical switch.

The AirPods Pro 3's poor repairability is a concern, with Apple not designing the earbuds and their case for easy fixes. Despite this, the AirPods Pro 3 offer improved audio features and decent battery life. Consumers should consider the repairability factor when purchasing, as repairs may be difficult and costly.

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