AirPort Time Capsule A1470 (Mini!) Teardown
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 7 Steps
This quick teardown is a little companion to the AirPort Extreme disassembly. The Apple Time Capsule is pretty much the same device, just with a hard drive and a few extra bits and bobs. If you’re curious about all the details, check out the Extreme teardown for an in-depth look at the insides.
Step 1
– Today, I decided to go off-script. While the other tech writers were busy taking apart a mysterious new device (secrecy is real), I dove into the AirPort Time Capsule instead. Since we expected minimal differences from the previous AirPort Extreme, I kept it quick and straightforward. Also, I couldn’t resist giving the main graphic a little personal touch—so I skipped running it past the design team. This 2013 model is an A1470, as marked on the bottom—no funny business here, just the real deal.
Step 2
– Let’s kick things off by cracking this thing open. Same method as before, so no need to put you to sleep with a repeat.
– With the case open, you’ll spot a few new twists: the inside looks a little different this time.
– Instead of a chunky metal clamp, there’s a smaller metal piece that wraps around a rubber cover. Underneath that rubber cover? That’s where the hard drive is hiding.
Step 3
– This drive is a standard Seagate Barracuda, 2TB model—perfect for those who want reliable storage without breaking the bank. The SATA connection it uses isn’t your typical wide connector; it’s a slim, super-thin cable designed specifically to fit into tight spaces. Its sleek profile not only makes plugging in easy but also helps secure the drive snugly inside the enclosure with a rubber cover and metal clamp. If you need a hand with any part of this process, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 4
Pro tip: Consider investing a little extra upfront to avoid the risk of damaging your device later on. It’s a smart move that can save you time and headaches down the line. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
– This is where the magic happens. Unlike the earlier AirPort Extreme, which didn’t have this port, the Time Capsule gets to do its thing thanks to this addition. The AirPort Extreme, on the other hand, remains, well… not quite as extreme.
– Some of you asked if it’s possible to turn an Extreme into a Time Capsule. The answer is ‘Yes,’ but honestly, we’re not sure it’s worth the hassle. The Seagate Barracuda drive pretty much covers the price difference between the Time Capsule and the Extreme.
Step 5
– Other than that, the Time Capsule is pretty much a twin to the Extreme. Same power setup, same fan, same processing muscle.
– Nothing too wild or unexpected here—carry on to the next step!
Step 6
– Here are all the components that come with the Time Capsule, which you would miss out on if you go with the Extreme. It’s your call, savvy user, to choose the Wi-Fi device that fits your needs.
– AirPort Time Capsule A1470 Repairability Score: 8 out of 10 (10 being the easiest to repair).
– This one’s pretty straightforward—it’s essentially the same repair process as the AirPort Extreme, so you’ll be cruising through this one in no time.
Step 7
– Heads up: swapping your Time Capsule’s 2TB drive for a 4TB 3.5″ one is a breeze. The Seagate model shown here works perfectly, and the HGST option should do the trick too.
