Global repair specialist iFixit has published teardown assessments of two new wearable devices, giving a notably positive verdict to Google’s Pixel Watch 4 while strongly criticising Meta’s Ray-Ban Display AR glasses. The two products represent opposite extremes of repairability, according to iFixit’s findings. The Pixel Watch 4 received a provisional 9/10 repairability rating. The company called it “the most satisfying smartwatch teardown” it has ever performed. That praise marks an achievement for a mainstream technology brand, contrasting with earlier high ratings often reserved for sustainability-focused companies such as Fairphone. SecondaryMarket.news is aware of a Scottish start-uo UNA that will release a modular smartwatch in the near future. Maybe they will get a repair score of 10/10.
Google’s watch design enables repair
Google’s design choices appear to make a significant difference. The Pixel Watch 4 features visible screws that do not compromise its IP68 water and dust resistance. Inside, the vibration motor and battery are easily removable. The battery can be detached without adhesive, requiring only the unscrewing of its enclosure.
The display is secured by screws and sealed with a replaceable O-ring gasket that users can purchase independently. According to iFixit, Google’s decision to design the watch with a circular shape instead of a square one simplifies repairability. Square smartwatches, the site noted, make screw-based assemblies harder to implement.
While iFixit disclosed an ongoing business partnership with Google, it emphasised that this relationship did not influence the teardown evaluation.
Meta’s AR glasses deemed unrepairable
iFixed also did a tear down of Meta’s Ray-Ban Display AR glasses. Did brand new device received harsh criticism from iFixit. The teardown concluded that “the first iterations of these smart glasses are going to be unrepairable.” To perform even basic maintenance, such as replacing the battery, users would need to split both the frame and arms in half, a process for which Meta provides no guidance or safe method. The internal speakers are soldered in place, and the custom optical lenses would be nearly impossible to source or replace.
The site urged Meta to incorporate replaceable batteries, modular arms, and swappable lenses in future iterations to improve sustainability. Early product testers, however, described the glasses as “discrete and intuitive,” highlighting their sleek integration of AR features.
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