AirPods Pro Teardown Overview

Introduction

• Focus on the new AirPods Pro featuring noise canceling and a force-sensitive button.
• Previous AirPods models were difficult to disassemble.

Charging Case Disassembly

• Tools Used: Vise, opening picks, metal spudger.
• Process:
  • Warp the case with a vise to crack adhesive.
  • Use opening picks and a spudger to pop clips.
  • Disconnect glued connectors.
  • Separate inner black case to access batteries and small board.
• Battery Details:
  • Uses two-cell battery with 1.98 watt-hours capacity.
  • Increased capacity compared to AirPods 2 (1.52 watt-hours).
• Connector:
  • Modular lightning connector, screwed in place.

AirPods Pods Disassembly

• Initial Approach:
  • Similar method with vise to break seal.
  • Pry open using opening picks.
• Internal Findings:
  • Battery: Button cell battery similar to Galaxy Buds.
  • Connections: ZIF connector allows non-destructive separation.
  • Challenges:
    • Glued ZIF connector and cable.
    • Screaming AirPods when prying near the battery with tweezers.
    • Battery removal involves dealing with rubbery adhesive.
    • Battery soldered to cable connected to the driver.
  • Driver Access: Requires destructive removal of plastic brace.
• Stem Investigation:
  • Cutting needed to free contents.
  • Discover microphones, antenna hardware, and a mysterious rectangle (likely the force sensor).

Repairability

• Score: 0 out of 10.
• Reasons:
  • Non-modular, glued design.
  • Lack of replacement parts.
  • Impractical and uneconomical to repair.

Conclusion

• AirPods Pro are highly non-serviceable.
• For more repairable examples, refer to Galaxy Buds teardown.