Repair
09
Oct
2024
3
min read

iFixit: Apple Watch Series 10 teardown reveals challenging repairability and slimmer design

The Apple Watch Series 10, which launched last month, has undergone its traditional teardown by iFixit, giving us a detailed look inside. The teardown showcases the challenges associated with repairing the new, slimmer Apple Watch and reveals some interesting components and design updates that Apple has made.

A slim and compact design, but repair remains difficult

The Series 10’s design, while not as radical as some may have anticipated, is notably thinner and features a larger display. This sleek design contributes to the watch’s impressive aesthetics, but it also makes disassembly a complex process. iFixit’s video shows that accessing the internal components still involves heating the display to pry it open, exploiting a tiny gap of just 0.176 millimeters between the glass and metal casing. This small gap, which enhances the watch's water resistance, demonstrates Apple’s engineering precision.

Battery and taptic engine

Upon opening the 46mm version, iFixit reveals the Taptic Engine and a 327 mAh (1.266 Wh) battery. The Taptic Engine takes up about a third of the battery’s space, highlighting its significant size. Despite the challenges posed by the compact design, the internal battery is only attached with standard adhesive, making it relatively easy to remove compared to other components.

New features and familiar challenges

One notable update is that the antennas in the Cellular models are now integrated into the structure of the watch’s case, enhancing connectivity without adding bulk. However, while the OLED display is claimed by Apple to have improved viewing angles, iFixit notes that its structure remains similar to previous models.

This teardown also highlights the challenges of accessing and replacing sensors, which are positioned underneath multiple components. The intricate arrangement of connectors and tiny screws makes repairs even more demanding, reinforcing that the Series 10, despite its design improvements, still scores low in terms of repairability.

iFixit’s verdict: slimmer, but tough to repair

Despite the slimmer profile and improved aesthetics, iFixit has rated the Apple Watch Series 10 with a 3 out of 10 repairability score. This indicates that while the watch is built with precision and attention to detail, its compact design and intricate assembly continue to make repairs difficult. Users should be aware that while the watch looks great, fixing any issues may prove challenging.

Watch iFixit's  teardown video here.

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