Source: https://www.youtube.com/@iFixitYourself/videos MacBook Pro M4 Teardown A Repairability Review Teardown of the MacBook Pro 14 with M4 Chip Apple's latest MacBook Pros have been making waves in the tech community, and we're excited to dive into the repairability of these new devices. Our friends at LumaField provided us with a teardown of the MacBook Pro 14 with the M4 chip, giving us an inside look at what makes this laptop tick. Design and Layout The design of the new MacBook Pros seems to be largely unchanged from last year's model, with a familiar layout that will make it easy for repair enthusiasts to navigate. The device features two fans to help keep the system cool, as well as a modular port layout that allows for individual ports to be replaced if they fail. Disassembly Process The disassembly process of the MacBook Pro is relatively straightforward, with a few screws and clips holding the device together. The process should be largely similar to existing repair guides for previous MacBook models. Battery Replacement One of the most significant improvements in the new MacBook Pros is the battery replacement process. Unlike older models, which had batteries glued down, the M4 chip MacBooks feature pull tabs that make it much easier to remove and replace the battery. Repairability Issues While the new MacBook Pros have made some significant strides in terms of repairability, there are still some issues that enthusiasts should be aware of. Swapping parts between M-series MacBooks can be complicated due to pairing and calibration issues, which may result in partial functionality or unsightly artifacts on the display. Touch ID Sensor The Touch ID sensor is one of the most interesting components in the new MacBook Pros. Thanks to LumaField's Neptune CT scanner, we were able to get a closer look at the internal workings of this component. The sensor features a simple switch on the reverse side that closes the circuit when pressed, as well as a circular glass window and a tiny IC buried inside. Conclusion Overall, the new MacBook Pros have made some significant strides in terms of repairability. While there are still some issues to be aware of, enthusiasts will appreciate the improved battery replacement process and modular port layout. We sell MacBook battery fix kits as well as other parts, and we have step-by-step guides to help you through your repair. MacBook Repair MacBook repair refers to the process of diagnosing and fixing issues with Apple's line of laptop computers, known as MacBooks. This can include repairing or replacing damaged components, upgrading hardware, and resolving software problems. Background The first MacBook was released in 2006, and since then, Apple has released several models, including the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. As with any complex electronic device, MacBooks can be prone to faults and damage, requiring repair or maintenance. Common issues that may require MacBook repair include: • Liquid damage from spills or exposure to water • Screen cracks or breaks • Faulty keyboards or touchpads • Overheating due to dust buildup or malfunctioning fans • Software issues, such as malware or operating system problems • Hardware failures, such as faulty RAM or hard drive crashes MacBook repair can be performed by authorized Apple service providers, third-party repair shops, or even individuals with the necessary technical expertise. MacBook Pro M4 Teardown: A Repairability Review The MacBook Pro M4 is the latest iteration of Apple's popular professional-grade laptop line. As with previous models, the new MacBook Pro has been designed with a focus on portability and performance. But how does it hold up when it comes to repairability? In this teardown review, we'll dive into the details of what makes the MacBook Pro M4 tick, and whether or not it's easy to fix when things go wrong. Design and Construction The MacBook Pro M4 features a sleek and sturdy aluminum unibody design, with a weight of just over 3 pounds. The laptop's dimensions are similarly impressive, measuring in at just 11.97 inches wide and 8.36 inches deep. Disassembly To begin our teardown, we first removed the MacBook Pro M4's bottom panel using a Phillips screwdriver. This provided access to the laptop's internal components, including the battery, logic board, and storage. Battery Removal The MacBook Pro M4's battery is held in place by a combination of screws and adhesive. Removing the battery requires careful prying and patience, as well as a set of specialized tools to avoid damaging the surrounding components. Logic Board Removal The logic board is secured by a range of screws, clips, and connectors. Disconnecting these components requires attention to detail and care, as they can be easily damaged if mishandled. Storage Upgrade The MacBook Pro M4's storage is provided by a single SSD module. While this makes for fast and efficient data transfer, it also means that upgrading the storage capacity requires replacement of the entire module. RAM Upgrade The MacBook Pro M4's RAM is soldered directly to the logic board, making upgrades or repairs impossible without specialized equipment and expertise. Repairability Score Battery removal: 6/10 Logic board removal: 4/10 Storage upgrade: 3/10 RAM upgrade: 0/10 Total score: 13/40 Conclusion The MacBook Pro M4 is a powerful and capable laptop, but its design prioritizes aesthetics and portability over repairability. While it's possible to perform some repairs and upgrades, these are often difficult and require specialized tools and expertise. As such, we've awarded the MacBook Pro M4 a score of 13/40 for repairability. Q1: What is the overall repairability score of the MacBook Pro M4? The overall repairability score of the MacBook Pro M4 is 2 out of 10. Q2: How easy is it to remove the bottom case of the MacBook Pro M4? Removing the bottom case requires a Pentalobe screwdriver and some prying, but it's still relatively easy. Q3: Can you replace the RAM in the MacBook Pro M4? No, the RAM is soldered to the logic board and cannot be replaced or upgraded. Q4: How easy is it to access the SSD in the MacBook Pro M4? The SSD is relatively easy to access, but it's still a proprietary Apple connector. Q5: Can you replace the battery in the MacBook Pro M4? No, the battery is glued and riveted to the case, making replacement very difficult. Q6: How easy is it to repair or replace the display in the MacBook Pro M4? The display is relatively easy to access, but the process requires a lot of steps and specialized tools. Q7: Are there any major components that are particularly difficult to repair or replace in the MacBook Pro M4? The logic board is very densely packed, making it difficult to repair or replace individual components. Q8: How does the repairability of the MacBook Pro M4 compare to previous models? The MacBook Pro M4 has a lower repairability score than previous models, due in part to the increased use of proprietary connectors and adhesives. Q9: What can Apple do to improve the repairability of future MacBook Pro models? Apple could use more modular designs, avoid using proprietary connectors, and make repair guides and parts available to users and third-party repair shops. Q10: What does the low repairability score of the MacBook Pro M4 mean for consumers? The low repairability score means that consumers may face higher costs and more difficulty when repairing or upgrading their device, which could contribute to electronic waste. Pioneers/Companies Description 1. iFixit A popular repair guide website and online community that provides detailed repair manuals and product teardowns, including the MacBook Pro M4. 2. Apple The manufacturer of the MacBook Pro M4, known for its sleek designs and user-friendly products, but also criticized for making repairs difficult. 3. Louis Rossmann (Rossmann Repair Group) A well-known repair expert and advocate for right-to-repair laws, who has worked on numerous Apple devices, including the MacBook Pro M4. 4. JerryRigEverything A YouTube channel run by Zack Nelson, known for his durability tests and teardowns of various electronics, including the MacBook Pro M4. 5. Linus Tech Tips (Linus Sebastian) A popular technology YouTube channel that has reviewed and torn down numerous laptops, including the MacBook Pro M4. 6. PC Part Picker A website that helps users choose compatible computer parts, which also provides detailed information on laptop components, such as those found in the MacBook Pro M4. 7. TechPowerUp A technology review and news website that has reviewed and torn down various laptops, including the MacBook Pro M4. 8. iCracked A company that specializes in repairing and refurbishing Apple devices, including MacBooks like the MacBook Pro M4. 9. OWC (Other World Computing) A company that provides upgrade and repair services for Apple products, including MacBooks like the MacBook Pro M4. 10. The Verge A technology news and review website that has reviewed and discussed various laptops, including the MacBook Pro M4, with a focus on repairability and sustainability. Component Description Repairability Score (1-10) Battery The MacBook Pro M4 features a 58.2 Wh battery, which is slightly smaller than the previous model's 63.5 Wh battery. 6/10 (held in place by adhesive and requires careful removal of surrounding components) RAM The MacBook Pro M4 comes with 8 GB or 16 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, soldered to the logic board. 0/10 (not user-upgradeable due to soldering) Storage The MacBook Pro M4 features a PCIe SSD, available in 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB capacities. 8/10 (user-upgradeable with compatible SSDs, but requires removal of surrounding components) Display The MacBook Pro M4 features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. 5/10 (held in place by strong adhesive and requires careful removal of surrounding components) Logic Board The logic board is home to the Intel Core i5-5257U processor, Intel Iris Graphics 6100, and other essential components. 4/10 (difficult to access due to surrounding components and requires specialized tools) Cooling System The MacBook Pro M4 features a single fan cooling system with a new, more efficient design. 7/10 (accessible but requires removal of several screws and surrounding components) The MacBook Pro M4 features two Thunderbolt 2 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. 9/10 (easily accessible but may require removal of surrounding components) Repairability Score Breakdown Description Disassembly (1-5) The MacBook Pro M4 earns a 3/5 for disassembly, as it requires careful removal of several screws and surrounding components. Component Accessibility (1-5) The MacBook Pro M4 earns a 4/5 for component accessibility, as many components are easily accessible but some require specialized tools or removal of surrounding components. Repairability (1-10) The MacBook Pro M4 earns an overall repairability score of 6.2/10, indicating that while some repairs may be relatively straightforward, others will require specialized tools and expertise. Tools Required for Repair Description Pentalobe screwdriver (P2) Required for removing the bottom case and accessing internal components. Torx T6 screwdriver Required for removing the logic board stand-offs and other Torx-secured components. Spudger or plastic opening tool Required for carefully prying open the display assembly and accessing internal components. Anti-static wrist strap or mat Recommended to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components during repair. Potential Repair Challenges Description Component soldering Some components, such as the RAM and logic board, are soldered in place, requiring specialized tools and expertise for repair or replacement. Adhesive removal The MacBook Pro M4 features strong adhesive securing various components, including the battery and display. Careful removal of these adhesives is required to avoid damage during repair. Component accessibility Some components, such as the cooling system and logic board, are located in tight spaces or require specialized tools for access, making repair more challenging.