Repair specialist iFixit has completed its teardown of the 16-inch MacBook Pro and discovered a number of changes inside the device that make it easier to repair.
The first teardowns of the new MacBook Pro model revealed a number of changes to the logic board, thermal design, speakers and I/Os. Now iFixit has a complete video with the full teardown, including the site's typical repairability rating. Many of the new components are now attached with self-adhesive tabs instead of glue, according to iFixit. For example, the battery is now much easier to replace because the pull tabs and the new design no longer require the logic board to be removed - kudos to Apple. In addition to the battery, the logic board is also easier to remove thanks to the self-adhesive pull tabs. The USB-C and MagSafe ports as well as the headphone jack are also still modular on the new MacBook Pros, while the HDMI port and SD card reader are soldered to the logic board.
MacBook Pro 16″ teardown: Apple improves
As for other adjustments, Apple has increased the size of the new fans so that the system can push out more air for cooling. The exhaust holes in the speaker unit have also been enlarged to accommodate the improved thermal design. Nevertheless, there are still components in this generation that make replacement difficult. For example, iFixit lists the display. According to the repair pros, there is no way for third-party manufacturers to replace the display without losing True Tone functionality. The same goes for the Touch ID sensor. Based on the teardown forgives iFixit gave the new MacBook Pro 2021 four out of ten possible points in terms of repairability. Even if that doesn't sound like much, it is a significant improvement compared to its predecessor, which only received one out of ten possible points. (Image: Apple)
