iFixit is out with its Retina MacBook Air teardown. While there are some notable repairability improvements, Apple’s latest notebook got its lowest marks for non-serviceable, non-replaceable RAM and storage. However, overall, it scored higher than the 2018 MacBook Pro and the 2017 MacBook.
We heard yesterday that the new MacBook Air doesn’t require the entire top case to be replaced when swapping out the battery. It was a welcome, yet surprising detail since the previous generation MacBook Air design from 2013 forward required a new top case with a battery replacement.
iFixit has more details on the battery and much more in its MacBook Air teardown. Starting on a positive note, the new MacBook Air opens up easily and all the ports and associated boards aren’t difficult to replace.
Next the teardown revealed replaceable speakers and battery.
Adhesive pull strips under the MacBook Air speakers
The battery uses both six adhesive strips and four screws to keep it secure. In contrast to those two components being relatively easy to replace, the trackpad is a different story.
Other downsides include non-upgradeable/non-servicable RAM and storage, but overall iFixit came away optimistic that Apple may offer better repairability in the future.
With many of Apple’s other notebooks receiving repairability scores of 1/10, the MacBook Air has made some progress with a score of 3/10.
Check out the full Retina MacBook Air teardown here.
