Apple’s latest smartwatches remain difficult to repair, according to teardown site iFixit. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 both received repairability scores of 4 out of 10, with the Series 12 earning a modest improvement over the previous base model and the Ultra 4 matching the score given to earlier Ultra devices.

iFixit’s teardowns found that both watches use extensive adhesive around the display to maintain water resistance. That design makes opening either model challenging and creates a risk of damaging the display cable during disassembly.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 remains difficult to open

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has not introduced repairability changes, according to iFixit. Its battery can only be reached by removing the display, and the adhesive securing the screen makes that process particularly difficult. The teardown site warns that prying into the watch can easily cut the display cable.

The Ultra 4 does include a larger battery than its predecessor. iFixit measured the battery at 2.444Wh, compared with 2.313Wh in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. That capacity increase does not change the watch’s repair score.

Series 12 makes limited repair improvements

The Apple Watch Series 12 is also sealed tightly, but iFixit identified two changes that simplify some repair work. The battery adhesive includes a pull tab, allowing the battery to be removed more easily once the display has been taken off. Apple also removed the ZIF connector used in the previous design, resulting in a simpler cable arrangement.

Those changes are limited by the watch’s tightly integrated construction. Technicians still need to remove the display to reach the battery, while replacing the display requires removing the battery first. The 46mm Series 12 has a 1.461Wh battery, up from 1.403Wh in the Series 11.

iFixit compares Apple with Google

iFixit highlighted Google’s Pixel Watch 5 as an example of a more repairable wearable. That watch received a 9 out of 10 repairability score because its display and battery can be accessed by removing several screws and a gasket, without dealing with adhesive.

The comparison points to a broader difference in repair strategy. Apple’s approach prioritizes a sealed construction, while Google’s design gives technicians a more direct path to components that commonly need service, such as batteries and displays.

Repair law compliance questioned

iFixit also argues that Apple is not complying with Right to Repair laws in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, New York, Maryland and Connecticut. The site says Apple does not provide Apple Watch repair parts, service tools or repair manuals.

According to iFixit, it is preparing evidence for attorneys general in states with Right to Repair laws. The company says that material is intended to help officials evaluate whether Apple’s support for Apple Watch repairs meets legal requirements.