2020 MacBook Air is more repairable than predecessor, teardown finds
Apple's new 2020 MacBook Air boasts more robust parts and a higher degree of repairability than its predecessor, according to a new teardown of the notebook.
The 2020 MacBook Air features some design changes that make it easier to service. Photo courtesy iFixit
The MacBook Air was last redesigned in 2018, a revamp that included many features seen in Apple's MacBook Pro lineup -- such as a the problem-prone butterfly keyboard. In the 2020 MacBook Air, it seems, Apple is walking back on at least some of those features.
One of the most important changes is the move back to a scissor switch keyboard, which Apple dubs the Magic Keyboard. Repair site iFixit's teardown notes that the Magic Keyboard is here, and although much more reliable, didn't require a major overhaul of the MacBook's internals. For example, the new MacBook Air is about 0.5mm thicker than its predecessor because of the Magic Keyboard and only slightly heavier.
The MacBook Air is the second Mac notebook to feature a new Magic Keyboard, after the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple is also largely expected to release a new smaller MacBook Pro model with the same keyboard improvements.
But the Magic Keyboard, while arguably the most significant change in the 2020 MacBook Air, isn't the only difference here. iFixit notes that the interior of the device looks fairly similar, but adds that there are a few new details.
For one, there's a larger heatsink over the MacBook Air's processor, which Apple didn't mention in its press release but could offer some improved thermal performance.
More notably is a new cable configuration between the logic board and the trackpad, which allows for much easier removal of the trackpad and battery. Repair technicians are now able to remove the battery without moving the logic board. iFixit points out that the change is seemingly "squarely aimed are improving serviceability in the existing design."
In addition to stretch-release adhesive seen in past MacBook Air models, the speakers also feature new screws securing them in place, which should make disassembly a bit easier.
As a result of these changes, iFixit has given the 2020 MacBook Air a repairability score of 4 out of 10, a point higher than the previous model and the same as the 2015 MacBook Air.
The 2020 MacBook Air features some design changes that make it easier to service. Photo courtesy iFixit
The MacBook Air was last redesigned in 2018, a revamp that included many features seen in Apple's MacBook Pro lineup -- such as a the problem-prone butterfly keyboard. In the 2020 MacBook Air, it seems, Apple is walking back on at least some of those features.
One of the most important changes is the move back to a scissor switch keyboard, which Apple dubs the Magic Keyboard. Repair site iFixit's teardown notes that the Magic Keyboard is here, and although much more reliable, didn't require a major overhaul of the MacBook's internals. For example, the new MacBook Air is about 0.5mm thicker than its predecessor because of the Magic Keyboard and only slightly heavier.
The MacBook Air is the second Mac notebook to feature a new Magic Keyboard, after the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple is also largely expected to release a new smaller MacBook Pro model with the same keyboard improvements.
But the Magic Keyboard, while arguably the most significant change in the 2020 MacBook Air, isn't the only difference here. iFixit notes that the interior of the device looks fairly similar, but adds that there are a few new details.
For one, there's a larger heatsink over the MacBook Air's processor, which Apple didn't mention in its press release but could offer some improved thermal performance.
More notably is a new cable configuration between the logic board and the trackpad, which allows for much easier removal of the trackpad and battery. Repair technicians are now able to remove the battery without moving the logic board. iFixit points out that the change is seemingly "squarely aimed are improving serviceability in the existing design."
In addition to stretch-release adhesive seen in past MacBook Air models, the speakers also feature new screws securing them in place, which should make disassembly a bit easier.
As a result of these changes, iFixit has given the 2020 MacBook Air a repairability score of 4 out of 10, a point higher than the previous model and the same as the 2015 MacBook Air.
Comments
The board also almost definitely has only two pads for flash chips, so the MacBook Pro's SSD should be significantly faster.
13" MBP is definitely due for a bump to LPDDR4 RAM and at least 32 GB max capacity.
Then there's the profit in the price of CTO RAM. We're lucky you can still upgrade the RAM in a 27" iMac and the 2020 mini. Apple could make the iMac Pro the only Mac with user upgradeable memory.
I'm waiting for somebody to show what's involved in upgrading the 2020's memory and if it's easier or harder than a 2018, which is much more involved than a 2012 mini and not possible in the 2014.
This. Any benefit to the consumer is secondary, and probably incidental to Apple's thought process. A change "squarely aimed are improving serviceability in the existing design" will not automatically result in a decrease in our repair costs, as much as I'd like to see that happen, along with a decrease in the price of Apple Care.