Smartphones have struggled with repairability, but legal pressures in the EU and states like Oregon have driven improvements. While smaller gadgets like smartwatches and earbuds faced more challenges, Google is aiming for change. Previously, if your earbud case or smartwatch stopped charging, you had to buy new ones or opt for costly repairs, as making user-replaceable batteries while keeping devices thin was difficult. However, with the Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Watch 4, Google is breaking the norm. These devices now feature replaceable batteries, and the Pixel Watch screen is also replaceable.
Starting with the Pixel Buds 2a, if the charging case stops working, you have options. Under warranty, Google will fix it for free. Out of warranty, there’s a cost, but now you can buy replacement parts directly from Google. Though pricing for replacement batteries isn’t available yet, they promise to keep selling them for five years after the product is deemed obsolete. Google ensures easy replacement by designing them with small screws, although a Torx screwdriver is required. Presumably, Google will sell the necessary screwdriver with its repair parts, but confirmation is pending.
This is an improvement from the past. You can check the battery compartment in the photo above and slide it out for repairs. The same applies to the Pixel Watch 4, which also allows screen replacement. A Torx screwdriver is needed, but no adhesive or heat is involved. Google estimates it takes 30 to 40 minutes to replace both the battery and screen if done together.
The downside? The earbuds themselves don’t have replaceable batteries, but compared to other companies like Apple, this development is significant. Google took shots at Apple during the Made by Google event, but this repairability effort is something it should be proud of.