AirPods Pro 3 in iFixit teardown: Comfort yes, repair no Apfelpatient

The AirPods Pro 3 are the latest generation of Apple's premium wireless earbuds. They feature small but interesting design changes and, as always, rely on Apple's compact technology package. At the same time, a recent teardown by iFixit shows that repairability remains at zero. Anyone using this model is dealing with a product that offers little chance of repair in the event of a defect.

Since the first version of the AirPods, it's been clear: these small headphones aren't designed to last. Batteries are tightly glued, cases are nearly impossible to open without damaging them, and components are installed in such a way that they remain virtually inaccessible without specialized equipment. iFixit regularly documents these weaknesses and evaluates repairability based on clear criteria. Our review of the AirPods Pro 3 shows that Apple hasn't changed its strategy. Despite new foam tips and adjustments to the charging case, the basic design remains designed for disposable rather than repairable use.

New foam tips in detail

One of the most noticeable changes concerns the ear tips. Apple has equipped the AirPods Pro 3 with tips that contain a small layer of foam inside. This layer sits on the top, exactly where it comes into contact with the ear. The change is clearly visible under a microscope. The goal of this adjustment is to improve the fit and potentially increase comfort.

Battery and runtime compared to its predecessors

Inside each earbud is a 0.221 Wh battery cell. The charging case contains a single 1.334 Wh battery. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, had two cells in the charging case. This difference has a noticeable impact on battery life: Instead of 30 hours like its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 3 case only offers 24 hours of battery life. This means less reserve for longer use, even though the earbuds themselves remain as powerful as ever.

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Magnets and charging options

Another difference lies in the use of magnets. The charging case of the AirPods Pro 3 contains fewer rare-earth magnets than the previous version. However, Apple has adjusted the layout so that functionality isn't compromised. MagSafe and Qi 2 remain fully functional, so wireless charging continues to work without issues.

Repair remains impossible

As with all AirPods models, the AirPods Pro 3 are not designed for repair. The battery is firmly glued in place and can only be removed with heat and special tools. This damages the casing, as it must be pried open. The delicate flex cables inside are also installed in such a way that they are almost inevitably destroyed upon opening. The charging case is also affected: Here, too, the battery is glued in and cannot be easily replaced. Attempts to replace the batteries almost always result in irreparable damage to the earbuds or case. Therefore, many repair shops have completely abandoned repair attempts.

iFixit rating: 0 out of 10

Based on this analysis, iFixit gives the AirPods Pro 3 a repairability rating of 0 out of 10. This means they're essentially considered disposable. Once the battery loses noticeable capacity, the only option is to replace them with a new model.

AirPods Pro 3: Comfort instead of durability

The AirPods Pro 3 offer a redesigned design with new foam tips, MagSafe and Qi-2 support, and a modified battery configuration in the charging case. At the same time, iFixit's teardown reveals that the fundamental design remains unchanged: glued batteries, hard-to-reach cables, and a case that can't be opened without damage. With a repairability rating of 0 out of 10, it's clear that the third generation isn't a long-term option. Sustainability plays no role here; the only thing that matters is everyday functionality—as long as the batteries last. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / photoschmidt)