Apple Watch Ultra Teardown Reveals Difficult Battery Replacement Process
Apple has already stated that Apple Watch Ultra repairs will cost $499, and a teardown has revealed the most likely reason why.
iFixit got their hands on Apple's $800 smartwatch and spared no time taking it apart. The good news is, the watch casing can easily be opened at the rear thanks to exposed screws. However, to switch out the battery requires removing the display, and it's an extremely risky process.
As the video above shows, even after heating the watch up and using a very thin metal tool, removing the display resulted in it cracking. Apple has not provided an easy way to get to the battery, and you have to wonder how even Apple certified repair "Geniuses" will fair attempting to save the screen as they lift it away from the titanium casing. Perhaps a suction cup on the display applying an even pulling force would help?
With the screen off, iFixit counted what looks to be close to 40 screws used inside to secure the battery, Taptic engine, microphone, depth sensors, display flex cable, and tiny motherboard. The battery is 2.1Wh, which is almost double the size of the 1.19Wh battery used in the Apple Watch Series 8. The Ultra's battery also has a curved cutout which looks like a hair, but iFixit thinks it's there for pressure relief if the battery swells.
Apple designed the Watch Ultra to withstand rugged environments and intense outdoor exercise/extreme sports, but iFixit says the display is very exposed and will damage easily. That, combined with the hazardous battery replacement process, suggests Ultra owners need to seriously consider paying extra for that AppleCare+ protection.
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