Following its usual teardown of the Apple Watch, iFixit today released its first repair guides for Apple’s new device covering screen, NFC antenna, and battery replacements, as well as the process of safely replacing adhesives during repair.
When it comes to the NFC antenna, iFixit warns that it’s easy to damage the component when opening the Apple Watch for any repair, meaning replacement or repair might be necessary:
“Unfortunately, opening up your Apple Watch may damage the NFC antenna, which also serves as a gasketing seal. The antenna is made up of two layers, glued together. These layers may separate when you open your watch, compromising its seal after reassembly. If this happens, you’ll need to repair or replace your antenna before reassembling your watch.“
For screen repairs or replacements, you’ll have to start by disconnecting the battery and adhesive replacement will be necessary after opening the Watch: “Opening your Apple Watch will destroy the adhesive that keeps it together. Finish every repair by replacing the adhesive and following the reassembly guide shown here.”
To go along with the guides, iFixit is selling a new handmade tri-point screw driver bit that will be necessary for working on the Watch’s internals and replacing adhesive. The company says it will soon have replacement parts and a full kit of tools for Apple Watch repairs.
iFixit gave the Apple Watch its ritual teardown treatment earlier this month giving us a look at the internals of the device. The company gave it a 5 out of 10 repairability score (10 being the easiest to repair) and noted that proprietary screws (the ones it created the new driver bit for) and difficulty with component and board-level repairs held it back.
