3 min read
The smartwatch world just witnessed a shift that few saw coming. The newly launched Pixel Watch 4 has quietly outclassed Apple’s flagship wearable in a crucial area that has long frustrated consumers: repairability. Multiple teardown reports and early user reviews suggest that Google’s latest watch is far easier to fix and maintain than Apple’s tightly sealed Apple Watch 11.
Tech teardown experts at iFixit, along with independent reviewers, have confirmed that the Pixel Watch 4 can be opened without extensive proprietary tools. Its modular internal structure allows easy access to the battery, screen, sensors, and other key components. In contrast, Apple’s watch continues to feature a rigid, glue-heavy construction, complicating any attempt at repair or part replacement.
Industry watchers say this move could significantly extend the Pixel Watch’s lifecycle. By simplifying the repair process, Google is making it cheaper and more practical for users to fix devices instead of replacing them. This could also help reduce e-waste, which has become a growing concern in the wearables industry.
A Rare Win for the Right to Repair Movement
The announcement has been praised by advocates of the Right to Repair movement, including Repair.org, which has long pushed tech companies to make their products easier to service. Over the past few years, governments in the EU and the US have introduced regulatory frameworks encouraging manufacturers to support longer product lifespans and third-party repair ecosystems.
Google’s decision aligns with this shift, potentially giving it a competitive edge over Apple in regions where repairability is becoming a legal expectation. According to analysts, consumer interest in sustainable devices is on the rise, with more buyers factoring longevity and repair cost into purchasing decisions.
Apple’s Sealed Strategy Under Fire
Meanwhile, Apple remains committed to its tightly controlled repair ecosystem. The Apple Watch 11, like its predecessors, is notoriously difficult to repair without Apple’s own tools, training, and authorization. Critics argue this approach not only drives up repair costs but also contributes to the growing pile of discarded devices.
This design philosophy has attracted regulatory attention in several markets, with lawmakers urging Apple to adopt more open repair policies. The contrast between Apple and Google on this front is sparking a broader debate about how much control consumers should have over the devices they own.
What This Means for the Smartwatch Market
If repairability becomes a deciding factor for smartwatch buyers, Google may have just set a new industry benchmark. Easier repairs could lower ownership costs, improve resale value, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. For Apple, this mounting pressure could eventually force it to rethink its design and repair strategy.
Analysts also believe this development could spark a ripple effect, encouraging other wearable manufacturers to follow suit. With regulatory winds shifting toward consumer rights and sustainability, repairability may soon become not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have.
