When iFixit took apart the iPhone 14 it found that Apple redesigned the interior to make the phone easier to repair, earning it a decent 7/10 score in the repairability rating. The new Apple Watch Ultra has four exposed screws holding the back panel – does that mean the new $ 800 smartwatch is easy to repair?
Well no. Watch the iFixit teardown video below, which explains the challenges involved in repairing a Watch Ultra.
The Apple Watch Ultra has a much larger battery than the Series 8 • Also a bigger speaker
Part of that is inevitable – the watch is rated for an impressive 100m water resistance and you can submerge it to a depth of 40m (130ft). This type of waterproofing requires a really good seal, so if you take off the back, you need to make sure you put in a new gasket (and do it right too).
Another problem concerns the design itself: you cannot access the battery from the back, you have to remove the display. This was the case with the Watch Series 7 as well, but the Apple Watch Ultra has a flat display and the metal body has a raised edge around it for protection. This makes it very difficult to remove the display without breaking it.
How much do repairs cost? Going through official Apple channels will cost you $ 100 for battery replacement, other more complex repairs (including a cracked screen) will be $ 500 without an AppleCare + plan (and $ 80 with it).
You can check out iFixit’s battery and screen replacement guides if you are planning on doing the repairs yourself.
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