iFixit finds modest repair gains in Apple Watch Series 12, not Ultra 4

In teardown findings published Oct. 6, 2026, iFixit rated Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 4/10 for repairability. The Series 12 has a couple of repair-friendly changes to its battery and display connection; Ultra 4 showed no meaningful repairability upgrade. On both watches, reaching the battery still means opening the display. iFixit’s teardown findings

What changed in Apple Watch Series 12?

The Series 12 battery is held by a stretch-release adhesive tab. Once the display is open, the tab makes it easier to release the battery than prying it free from adhesive. The display connection is also simpler: a press connector under a bracket replaces the earlier ZIF connector and tape.

The first step is still delicate. The display is glued in place, and iFixit said the tight opening tolerances raised concern about damaging the screen while prying it open. Replacing the Series 12 display also requires removing and replacing the battery.

The Series 12 battery is rated at 1.461 Wh, compared with 1.403 Wh in the 46 mm Apple Watch Series 11.

Why Ultra 4’s battery remains difficult to reach

Ultra 4’s battery is rated at 2.444 Wh, versus 2.313 Wh in Apple Watch Ultra 3. Reaching it still requires removing the display.

The four pentalobe screws on Ultra 4’s underside expose the sensor assembly, not the battery. iFixit says removing those screws compromises water resistance, so they do not provide a shortcut to battery access.

How iFixit scored the two watches

Both models received the same 4/10 score, but their repair histories differ: the Series 12 scored one point above the last base-model Apple Watch iFixit rated, while Ultra 4 matched the scores for the previous three Ultra generations.