I actually found this teardown even more interesting than the iPhone XS teardown I posted earlier this morning. Mostly, I think, because I have seen so many iPhone teardowns, and relatively few for the Apple Watch.
From the conclusion:
- Watch band replacements remain fast and simple, and are even backward-compatible with previous models.
- Screen replacements are difficult but do-able—it’s the first thing to come off, and detaches via simple ZIF connectors.
- Battery replacements are pretty straightforward, once you’re inside.
- While not proprietary, incredibly tiny tri-point screws are a repair hinderance. And they are all over the place.
- Several component flex cables are mounted directly to the S4 package, requiring skilled microsoldering to replace.
- The resin-encased S4 system makes most board-level repairs impossible.
That third pic in Step 4 is the money shot. Click or tap the image, than click it again or pinch to zoom to really drink in all that detail. Gorgeous.
Agreed—this is truly remarkable manufacturing!
Though, I would say Step 2 is the money shot. I’ve heard from several people the new 44 feels about the same as the 42, and that is a really nice side-by-side that shows the 44 is really only very slightly larger.
Patiently waiting for mine. Super-excited.