iFixit finds mixed repairability scores for Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

The teardown reveals a modest battery‑pull‑tab improvement for Series 12 but no repairability gains for Ultra 4, prompting iFixit to call out a compliance gap.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:54:07 GMT

iFixit published a teardown of Apple’s latest watches on Oct 6, 2026, concluding that the Series 12 scores slightly higher on repairability while the Ultra 4 remains unchanged, prompting the repair‑advocacy group to flag a right‑to‑repair gap.

What happened

iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari heated the Ultra 4’s screen, pried it open with a metal pick and exposed the battery and Taptic Engine. The battery, now 2.444 Wh (up from 2.313 Wh in Ultra 3), still requires screen removal, a step iFixit says is a major drawback. Four screws on the case give access only to the sensor assembly and the S11 chip. After the screen is removed, the battery and display press connector can be taken out if the flex cables are not sliced.

For the Series 12, iFixit noted a new stretch‑release adhesive and a pull‑tab on the 1.461 Wh battery (versus 1.403 Wh in the 46 mm SE). These changes make battery removal easier, allowing a modest improvement in the repairability rating.

What the reports add

9to5Mac reported that the Ultra 4 scored 4/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale, matching its predecessor, and that the Series 12’s pull‑tab lifted its score by one point. The iFixit news release echoed the same scores and added that the Ultra 4’s repairability “remains a significant drawback.” Both outlets agree that the Ultra 4 shows no major repairability progress.

The iFixit release also highlighted that Apple’s only repair channel for the Watch remains Apple‑run service, contrasting with iPhone, iPad and Mac repair programs that now include self‑service parts and tools. It pointed out that ten U.S. states have enacted right‑to‑repair laws covering more than a third of Americans, suggesting the Watch is out of compliance in those jurisdictions.

What was said

Shahram Mokhtari told 9to5Mac, “Replacing the 2.444 Wh battery still requires removing the screen, which remains a significant repairability drawback.”

iFixit’s own statement, reported on its site, said, “The Series 12 got a battery pull tab, which, along with some other small architecture changes, brought it up by a point on our repairability scale.” It added, “The Ultra 4 is essentially the same as its predecessors.”

How it came about

The teardown follows iFixit’s recent focus on Apple’s repairability, including its September 29 rating of the AirPods 5 at 2/10 (Felo coverage). Earlier in October, Felo reported on the Series 12’s new health features and live step tracking (step‑tracking article) and Siri Recap (Siri Recap preview), showing Apple’s software advances while hardware repairability lags.

Key facts

Apple Watch Ultra 4 scored 4/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale (9to5mac.com)
Apple Watch Series 12’s battery pull‑tab raised its repairability score by one point (9to5mac.com)
Ultra 4 battery capacity is 2.444 Wh, up from 2.313 Wh in Ultra 3 (9to5mac.com)
Series 12 battery capacity is 1.461 Wh, up from 1.403 Wh in the 46 mm SE (9to5mac.com)
iFixit says the only repair channel for Apple Watch remains Apple‑run service (ifixit.com)

Timeline

2026-09-21 — Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 add live step tracking
2026-09-29 — iFixit rates Apple AirPods 5 a 2‑out‑of‑10 repairability score
2026-09-30 — Apple announces Siri Recap and Live Rewind for Series 12 and Ultra 4
2026-10-03 — Apple Watch Series 12 upgrade draws user away from WHOOP
2026-10-06 — iFixit teardown of Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 published

Why it matters

The findings highlight a gap between Apple’s software upgrades and its hardware repairability, raising compliance questions in states with right‑to‑repair laws.