Apple announced the availability of its new AirPods Pro earbuds this week, and the team at iFixit wasted no time taking their toolkit to the new headphones to provide a look at their internal workings. Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro are now available from Apple stores. Unfortunately, yet again, Apple does not provide a repairable design, which has been a point of contention for many users and repair advocates.
Design and Repairability
iFixit describes the AirPods Pro design as a “non-modular, glued-together design and lack of replacement parts makes repair both impractical and uneconomical.” This means that if any component of the AirPods Pro fails, the entire unit is essentially rendered useless unless replaced by Apple, often at a significant cost. This design choice has sparked debates about the sustainability and environmental impact of such products, as they contribute to electronic waste.
Awarding the new Apple AirPods Pro with a repairability score of 0 out of 10, iFixit highlights the challenges faced by consumers who wish to maintain their devices over a longer period. A score of 0 indicates that the AirPods Pro are among the most difficult consumer electronics to repair, with 10 being the easiest to repair. This is not surprising given Apple’s history of prioritizing sleek design and compact form factors over repairability.
Features and Performance
Despite the repairability issues, the AirPods Pro come packed with features that make them a compelling choice for many users. Some of the standout features of the new $249 AirPods Pro rechargeable wireless earbuds include:
– Active noise cancellation and Transparency mode: These features allow users to either block out external noise for an immersive listening experience or let in ambient sounds for better situational awareness.
– Inward-facing microphone for the adaptive equalizer: This microphone helps to adjust the sound quality based on the fit and seal of the earbuds, ensuring a consistent audio experience.
– Custom-designed Apple H1 wireless chip with Bluetooth 5: The H1 chip provides a stable and efficient wireless connection, as well as support for hands-free “Hey Siri” commands.
– IPX4 water resistance: This rating means the AirPods Pro can withstand splashes of water, making them suitable for use during workouts or in light rain.
The AirPods Pro also come with a new design that includes silicone ear tips in three different sizes, ensuring a more secure and comfortable fit for a wider range of users. Additionally, the earbuds feature a vent system to equalize pressure within the ear, which can help reduce discomfort during extended use.
For the full teardown revealing all the inner workings of the new Apple AirPods Pro headphones, jump over to the iFixit website by following the link below.
Source: iFixit
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