IFixit Teardown Finds Apple’s AirPods 5 Are Slightly More Repairable, Earning First-Ever Non-Zero Score Despite ‘Disaster’ Charging Case

The unveiling of the AirPods 5 was part of a packed hardware lineup introduced during the September 9 keynote event. Apple’s "Surprise and Shine" presentation featured high-profile device reveals, including the debut of the foldable iPhone Duo, the flagship iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphones, as well as the next-generation Apple Watch Series 12 and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 wearable devices.

The hardware enhancements brought by the AirPods 5 are complemented by a suite of software capabilities delivered across Apple’s latest operating system updates, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate. To support these software features across its broader audio accessory lineup, Apple released a major firmware update on Monday, September 14, 2026. Bearing build number 9A348, the firmware was rolled out to the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2.

Within iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, Apple introduced a completely overhauled AirPods management interface that streamlines how users control their wireless earbuds across Apple devices. The software suite adds a dedicated interactive slider for adjusting Adaptive mode settings, allowing users to fine-tune the balance between environmental passthrough and noise attenuation in real time. Additionally, the software updates introduce built-in support for custom EQ adjustments, giving listeners greater direct control over their audio output profiles.

While the software and firmware updates bring enhanced functionality and unified controls across Apple’s entire audio catalog, iFixit’s physical teardown provides a clear view of the engineering trade-offs inherent in making increasingly compact, feature-rich earbuds. The transition from total unrepairability to an achievable battery swap marks a notable architectural shift for Apple’s mainstream earbud design, even as the destruction required to open the charging case demonstrates that full end-to-end repairability remains an unfulfilled benchmark for the product line.