Macbook Pro 14 M4 exposed
As a star brand in the small tech world, Apple deserves special attention when releasing its new products… and even after. After thoroughly disassembling all the new features Apple announced at the start of the school year, iFixit began reviewing the MacBook Pro 14 M4. And at least we can say that after relatively good surprises on the repair front in recent weeks, Apple is tempering our expectations for this new machine.
After an innovative battery replacement process on the iPhone 16 and the pleasant surprise represented by the new Mac Mini, the Apple brand is returning to its bad habits on the latest MacBook Pro, emphasizing that Why should the right to compensation be retained? A political and legislative battle of the first order.
Complex finishing
On the good news side, we note that Apple has made available a complete and very thorough repair guide for its new computer. Attention that will allow the most daring to try home repair adventures. You still have to want it.
In fact, aside from the well-swappable USB-C ports, most components will require patience and a good dose of talent to replace. Replacing the battery, which is the component that will see wear (and therefore need replacing) the fastest, requires that we first remove the touchpad with its removable adhesive underneath. There are stripes. An improvement over previous generations that were full of glue, but a process that’s still intimidating.
Removing the motherboard requires a lot of screwdrivers, delicate disconnection of connectors and foolproof organization to secure the numerous screws that hold it in place.
Serialization, a still alive problem
But the MacBook Pro 14 M4’s repairability issues go beyond disassembly itself. More specifically, they are towards MacBook serialization methods. This method of storing parts locks a computer component to its serial number. Replacing the motherboard alone will flood the software and hardware problems, leaving the only option to repair directly at an Apple Store. Too bad for those who are not lucky enough to have this kind of shop near their home.
Serialization, however, was prohibited by a European directive adopted last June. And although not all EU countries have yet translated it into their national law, the practice is disappearing on smartphones. Unfortunately, this new “right to repair” promoted by Brussels has nothing to do with computers.
Indeed, as HOP and the Right to Repair coalition already lamented at the time, this European right to repair is limited in scope. It only applies to washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, televisions, welders, vacuum cleaners, servers, telephones, tablets and batteries that are light means of transportation. The notable exception of computers therefore allows Apple to unnecessarily complicate the repair of MacBooks.
