Apple last month released the fifth-generation iPad Air, with new features including an M1 chip, 5G support for cellular models, an upgraded front camera with Center Stage support, and up to a 2x faster USB-C port for data transfer. Apple made an internal change to the device that repair advocates may like.
iFixit shows the battery pull tabs of the fifth-generation iPad Air.
The new iPad Air has stretch-release pull tabs on the underside for easier removal, according to repair website iFixit. The previous iPad Air models have completely glue-in battery cells that are more difficult to remove, with technicians using a solvent like isopropyl alcohol to loosen the large amount of glue.
The pull tabs should make it easier for third-party repair shops and customers to replace their batteries, but Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers still replace the entire device when a customer needs a new battery for all iPad models, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The pull tabs could make it easier for Apple's recycling partners to remove the battery from the iPad.
The sixth-generation iPad mini and the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models have battery pull tabs. Despite having pull tabs, iFixit found that the iPad mini's battery is still glue down along the top and bottom edges, making it not an entirely repair-friendly design. It is not clear if the new iPad Air's battery cells are still attached to some degree.
The newer MacBook Air models have battery pull tabs.
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