The cool cats at iFixit have performed and documented their teardown of the new $249 AirPods Pro earbuds, noting some amazing stuff in there as well as awarding it the same zero repairability score of both generations of the original AirPods.
Despite the replaceable $4-per-pair proprietary silicone tips that provide noise isolation and an improved fit, almost none of the components can be replaced by the customer.
The AirPods Pro are a bit heavier, each AirPod Pro bud weighing in at 0.19 ounces, or 33 percent heaver than the previous versions. The new charging case is also notably chunkier, weighing 1.61 ounces, compared to the original case’s 1.34 ounces.
iFixit also discovered a 1.98 Wh watch-style button cell battery inside each AirPod, replacing the pin-type battery found in the original AirPods. iFixit notes that this could be the same battery found in Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, and those are replaceable, but Apple has tethered the battery to a soldered cable, so AirPods customers will have no such luck.
iFixit has noted that given the lack of repairability, once the battery dies in an AirPods Pro earbud, the entire unit will need to be replaced. This amounts to $178, each AirBud replacement retailing for $89 in the United States.
However, the fees are lower if a customer has purchased AppleCare+ for Headphones. The plan costs $29 upfront, plus charges a $29 fee to replace a pair of damaged AirPods Pro or their case. This coverage applies for up to two years from the date AppleCare+ is purchased and is limited to two incidents.
You probably won’t be repairing the AirPods Pro, especially given how tightly glued together the units are, but take a gander at the teardown for additional information.