Replacing the OLED iPad Pro’s battery is easier than ever

iFixit's recent teardown of the new OLED iPad Pro highlights a key improvement in repairability due to easier access to the battery, a component that typically requires replacement over time. Unlike previous iPad Pro models, which required dismantling nearly all major components to reach the battery, the new design allows for quicker access, potentially saving hours of repair time. However, accessing the battery still involves removing the glued-in OLED screen, a process that must be handled with care to avoid damage.

Despite the advancements in battery accessibility, the teardown revealed ongoing challenges with other components. Many internal parts, including the tablet’s logic board and speakers, remain glued in place, complicating repairs and potentially leading to damage during disassembly. For instance, removing the glued-in speakers tends to destroy them, and the thin structure of the tablet makes it susceptible to bending, especially the daughter board. This design approach by Apple continues to be a hurdle for full repairability.

Further insights from the teardown include criticism regarding the device's storage configuration. The 256GB model utilizes a single NAND storage chip, which generally performs slower than models with dual-chip setups. This configuration is similar to the one found in entry-level M2 MacBook Air models, and though it may not affect casual users, power users requiring more robust performance might find this limitation notable. In summary, while the new iPad Pro shows improvements in some areas of repairability, it continues to pose significant challenges in others, reflecting ongoing tensions between device design and the practicalities of repairability.