Apple final month launched the fifth-generation iPad Air, with key new options together with an M1 chip, 5G help for mobile fashions, an upgraded entrance digital camera with Heart Stage help, and as much as a 2x sooner USB-C port for information switch. Because it seems, Apple additionally made an inner change to the system that restore advocates could admire.
iFixit picture displaying fifth-generation iPad Air’s battery pull tabs
In accordance with restore web site iFixit, the brand new iPad Air’s battery cells have stretch-release pull tabs on the underside for simpler elimination. As compared, earlier iPad Air fashions have utterly glued-in battery cells which might be tougher to take away, with technicians generally utilizing a solvent like isopropyl alcohol to loosen the massive quantity of adhesive.
The pull tabs ought to make battery replacements simpler for third-party restore outlets and prospects trying do-it-yourself repairs, however Apple Shops and Apple Licensed Service Suppliers nonetheless substitute the whole system when a buyer wants a brand new battery for all iPad fashions, in keeping with a supply acquainted with the matter.
The pull tabs might even have environmental advantages by making it simpler for Apple’s recycling companions to take away the battery from the iPad’s aluminum enclosure.
Apple has been including battery pull tabs to extra units, together with the sixth-generation iPad mini and the newest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Professional fashions. Nonetheless, regardless of having pull tabs, iFixit beforehand discovered that the iPad mini’s battery remains to be glued down alongside the highest and backside edges, so it’s not a completely repair-friendly design. It is unclear if the brand new iPad Air’s battery cells stay glued in to some extent as properly.
Different units with battery pull tabs embrace the iPhone 5s and newer, choose iPad Professional fashions, and newer MacBook Air fashions.
