New 13-inch M4 iPad Pro Makes Battery Replacement Easier

iFixit teardown reveals improved battery replacement process but other repairs remain challenging

The latest iPad Pro from Apple is impressively thin, but that sleek design comes with a cost: many of its internal components are difficult to repair. However, the tech experts at iFixit have discovered a silver lining in their recent teardown of the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro. Replacing the battery is now easier than ever.

According to iFixit, for the first time in an iPad Pro model, the battery can be removed soon after detaching the screen. Although the process involves removing some screws and brackets, it significantly reduces the time required compared to previous models. This change represents a major step forward for the device's repairability.

Despite this improvement, iFixit warns that most other repairs on the new iPad Pro are complicated due to the cramped internal space. Components such as the daughterboard, speakers, and coax cables are glued down, making them tricky to fix without incurring damage. This suggests that while the battery replacement process may be easier, other repairs are still likely to be a headache for users.

The new Apple Pencil Pro also poses problems for those hoping to repair it themselves. iFixit found it to be nearly impossible to disassemble without causing harm, describing it as "a disposable piece of crap" once the battery runs out.

Overall, while the new design of the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro may streamline battery replacement, it presents significant challenges for repairing other parts of the device. Users should be prepared for potential difficulties if they encounter issues with their new iPad beyond the battery life.