New AirPods H1 chip exposed in teardown, still not able to be repaired
A teardown of the second-generation AirPods reveals Apple made relatively few changes to the physical design of the wearable accessory, but like the original, it is still a product that is practically impossible for users to perform repairs on at home without ruining them completely.
Extracting components from the second-generation AirPods (via iFixit)
The customary teardown of the just-released AirPods refresh is a demonstration that some Apple products just should not be taken apart. In a similar manner to one from two years ago for the original model, the newest attempt effectively destroys the AirPods in the process of disassembly, due to needing to cut the casing apart and to get around the considerable amount of glue used to keep all of the components in place.
The deconstruction by iFixit attempted to ease the process by warming the accessories to weaken the adhesive, before prying open the ear section to gain access to the components.
Inside the AirPods is the Apple 343S00289 chip, which is believed to be the improved H1 chip used for handling Bluetooth audio communications in headphones, as well as another Apple chip thought to be a low-powered stereo audio codec. Just as last time, Apple uses a 93 milliwatt-hour battery in each earbud.
The second-generation AirPods and the wireless charging case, disassembled (via iFixit)
Along with the AirPods, the team took apart the accompanying case, which offered its own issues requiring the use of a vise to deform the shell enough to cut the adhesive and extract the docking tubes. While some elements are the same as last time, including the exact same 398mAh battery, the hinge is noted for being sturdier than for the previous generation.
The disassembly of the case did find a new wireless charging coil, as well as a thermal pad to help cool the component, and a modified sync button that has additional solder points specifically for the wireless charging coil.
The new AirPods were given an iFixit "repairability" score of 0 out of a possible ten, with the repair firm advising "AirPods are not designed to be serviced. No hardware components can be accessed without damage to the device." Despite the disposable nature and minimal score, one positive from the experience was that the construction "isn't entirely improved," with the kit potentially able to "survive an extra trip through the washing machine."
Extracting components from the second-generation AirPods (via iFixit)
The customary teardown of the just-released AirPods refresh is a demonstration that some Apple products just should not be taken apart. In a similar manner to one from two years ago for the original model, the newest attempt effectively destroys the AirPods in the process of disassembly, due to needing to cut the casing apart and to get around the considerable amount of glue used to keep all of the components in place.
The deconstruction by iFixit attempted to ease the process by warming the accessories to weaken the adhesive, before prying open the ear section to gain access to the components.
Inside the AirPods is the Apple 343S00289 chip, which is believed to be the improved H1 chip used for handling Bluetooth audio communications in headphones, as well as another Apple chip thought to be a low-powered stereo audio codec. Just as last time, Apple uses a 93 milliwatt-hour battery in each earbud.
The second-generation AirPods and the wireless charging case, disassembled (via iFixit)
Along with the AirPods, the team took apart the accompanying case, which offered its own issues requiring the use of a vise to deform the shell enough to cut the adhesive and extract the docking tubes. While some elements are the same as last time, including the exact same 398mAh battery, the hinge is noted for being sturdier than for the previous generation.
The disassembly of the case did find a new wireless charging coil, as well as a thermal pad to help cool the component, and a modified sync button that has additional solder points specifically for the wireless charging coil.
The new AirPods were given an iFixit "repairability" score of 0 out of a possible ten, with the repair firm advising "AirPods are not designed to be serviced. No hardware components can be accessed without damage to the device." Despite the disposable nature and minimal score, one positive from the experience was that the construction "isn't entirely improved," with the kit potentially able to "survive an extra trip through the washing machine."
Comments
Laptops ,phones are understandable, but headphones is where you have lost me iFixit.
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/iPhone/iPhone-XS-Max-Front-Camera-Assembly/IF407-006?o=1
That's an outrage!
That being said, I disagree with donsullivan. I don't think they're bashing Apple or Airpods, simply stating the obvious (They're not repairable). Anyone can buy these products and disassemble them, if you don't like them standing on their soapbox, get your own soapbox and make a difference.
As far as iFixIt is concerned, who really cares? They are an opportunist little shop that benefits from pointing out the obvious with breathless delight. I guess they could go after just about any Swiss watch maker with similar glee ... so they're saying that people should be able to have their $12K Rolex watches repaired by some dude in shopping mall kiosk or do it themselves in the basement? Sure. send me the tools. To me iFixIt is at the same level as the Blendtec folks (Will It Blend?) - somewhat amusing but nothing to get excited about.
They have totally changed from a seller of tools and guides to one of the newest big sticks to beat Apple with.
They claim a “right to repair” against Apple’s repair policies, but fail to warn the general public about the safety issues when it comes to repairs, especially Lithium ion battery replacement.
Just reading the comments on their site about how many people caused potential fatal thermal events changing an iPhone battery makes me shudder. A $50 savings isn’t worth someone’s life.
They also bad mouth Apple’s Genius Bar and the technicians who repair your product.
For anyone who thinks replacing their batteries on AirPods is worth the risk, take a look at the woman who had her beats headphone batteries replaced and exploded on her.
www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2017/5/19/15666082/apple-headphones-fire-flight-explosion-beats-battery
ifixit sells batteries, I wonder if they also make you sign a waiver in case they are defective.
Apple has more to lose than ifixit if a pair of AirPods catches on fire while you use them. I’d rather pay the $49 or just buy a new pair. It’s cheaper than suing or plastic surgery to repair severe burns.
Yes, it's a shame that all the other comprehensive site that perform the exact same functions equally well are ignored. iFixit must be paying kickback for the coverage or somehow tricking media via evil mechanicians, no doubt. Jeeze get a life.
And would anybody seriously expect the v2 AirPods to have replaceable batteries? I think the replacement cost per AirPod is excessive, but Apple probably doesn't want people trying to save money by buying replacements.
Unless somebody can equal AirPod features along with the W1/H1 functionality, I'm somewhat regrettably an AirPod user for the foreseeable future. There's still much more good than bad for me.