Apple Watch Series 12 is slightly easier to repair, but iFixit still gives it a 4 out of 10

iFixit tore down the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 and gave each a 4 out of 10 for repairability, according to 9to5Mac. For the Series 12, that's a one-point bump from the last base-model Apple Watch iFixit scored. The Ultra 4 matches the Ultra 3. Apple added stretch-release adhesive and a pull tab to the Series 12, which makes its 1.461 Wh battery easier to get out than the 1.403 Wh one in the 46mm Series 11.

Both watches still have to be pried open screen-first, and iFixit's Shahram Mokhtari noted that the Series 12's display tolerances are even tighter than the Ultra 4's, enough that he worried about damaging the screen. Apple also swapped the display's ZIF connector and tape for a simpler press connector, so changing the screen now means pulling the battery too. On the Ultra 4, four screws on the back reach only the sensor assembly and the S11 chip, and the 2.444 Wh battery still sits behind the screen. iFixit said it “didn't receive a single meaningful repairability upgrade,” per AppleInsider. Google's Pixel Watch 5 got a 9 out of 10 from iFixit, because its display comes off with two Torx screws and a gasket.