Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4: iFixit's Teardown

What changed inside the new Apple Watches?

The Series 12 battery is easier to remove in iFixit's teardown, thanks to adhesive that stretches loose and a pull tab. Its cables have a simpler layout. A press connector now links the display. It replaces the old connector and tape.^{2, 1}

On the Series 12, replacing the screen now means taking out the battery and putting a new one in, too.²

Its repair score rose by a point. The Ultra 4 hasn't made much progress, earning 4 of 10 for ease of repair, the same score as the prior model.^{1, 2}

Why is the glued screen still a repair problem?

Both watches need their glued screens pried off to reach the battery. The Series 12 screen fits more tightly than the Ultra 4 screen. Opening it took enough force that iFixit's Shahram Mokhtari was concerned he might damage the glass while trying to get inside.²

For the Ultra 4, heat and a metal pick helped lift the screen. Flex cables sit beneath the glass. Care is needed during that first step to avoid slicing them, though battery removal and display disconnection then seem fairly straightforward.²

The back screws don't reach the battery. They give access only to the sensor assembly under the back cover and the S11 chip on the case itself.²

What does this mean for independent watch repair?

Apple is still the only Apple Watch repair channel in iFixit's assessment. In Oregon, a maker that repairs a digital electronic product must share the same repair parts, tools, and documents. That access must extend to independent shops and people who do their own repairs.¹

Apple's Self-Service Repair program already gets parts and tools to customers for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, displays, and some audio products. Repair Assistant has also solved some of the biggest problems with parts pairing, Apple's use of software locks.¹

Gains in iPhone repair include batteries held by screws and batteries released with electricity. Some models open from either side.¹

How does Apple set the repair price?

Apple sets the final service fee after it inspects your watch, so an out-of-warranty estimate isn't the final price. Tax may apply. A shipping fee may be added if Apple needs to ship the watch, and its estimates cover service bought directly from Apple.³

For in-person service, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can inspect your watch and explain your options. Providers can set their own fees. They'll give you their own estimate.³