Source: https://www.youtube.com/@iFixitYourself/videos
MacBook Air M4 Repairability Teardown Review
MacBook Air M4 Teardown: A Deep Dive into Repairability
Spring has sprung, and new MacBooks are springing up on our teardown table. This year's refresh brings Apple's most capable M4 silicon to the iconic MacBook Air. That means a couple more cores here or there depending on the configuration you pick, and doubling the base model's unified memory from 8GB to 16GB.
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Design and Opening Procedure
The MacBook Air M4 retains the same chassis design introduced with the MacBook Air M2 in 2022, which means the same opening procedure. Once the bottom four screws are out, a suction cup is used to release the retaining clips underneath the bottom cover, and it's nudged towards you to release it from the main body.
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Battery Replacement
Disconnecting the battery is easy enough, and with a device made safe, you can go ahead and disconnect the trackpad connector too. There are four screws to remove from the battery tray, but unfortunately, this year's MacBook Air still doesn't include the amazing electrically releasing adhesive found in the new iPhones.
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USB-C Ports and Other Components
A common point of failure on these devices are the USB-C ports, mostly caused by high mechanical wear as cables get plugged and unplugged during daily use. Thankfully, it's one of the more accessible components on the newer MacBook Airs. The MagSafe port should also be accessible now.
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Trackpad Removal
This is a fairly easy, if tedious, process. The best way to remove it is to place a sheet of paper between the screen and the keyboard and close the laptop. After removing the 10 screws holding the trackpad in place, you can carefully lift it out.
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Display and Logic Board
The display is held in place by a dozen screws and a tiny latch. Once removed, the logic board is accessible, but be careful not to damage any of the delicate components.
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Touch ID Button
There is no way to remove this button without first disassembling the entire device. This makes it a difficult and time-consuming process, especially for those who are not experienced in repairing electronics.
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Repairability Score
The MacBook Air M4 has potential to score well for repairability owing to its largely modular construction. However, the soldered-down storage module, the unresolvable calibration issues with the screen and keyboard, and other factors will negatively impact the end user's ability to repair common failure points.
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Conclusion
Overall, the MacBook Air M4 receives a provisional repairability score of five out of ten. While it scores better than an iPad, there are still significant challenges and limitations when it comes to repairing this device.
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| Product Name |
MacBook Air |
| Release Date |
January 29, 2008 |
| Description |
The MacBook Air is a line of ultra-portable laptops designed by Apple Inc. It was first released in 2008 and has since become known for its sleek design, portability, and lightweight construction. |
| Background |
The MacBook Air was announced at the Macworld conference in San Francisco by Steve Jobs, the co-founder and CEO of Apple. It was designed to be a more portable alternative to the MacBook Pro, with a focus on reducing weight and increasing battery life. |
| Design and Features |
The original MacBook Air featured a 13.3-inch LED-backlit display, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and a solid-state drive (SSD). It was also notable for its wedge-shaped design, which tapered from 0.16 inches to 0.76 inches in thickness. |
| Legacy |
The MacBook Air has undergone several updates and revisions since its initial release, with improvements to performance, display quality, and battery life. It remains a popular choice among consumers looking for a lightweight and portable laptop. |
| Introduction |
| The MacBook Air M4 is a popular ultraportable laptop known for its sleek design, portability, and performance. But when it comes to repairability, how does this device hold up? In this teardown review, we'll take apart the MacBook Air M4 and examine its internal components, assessing its repairability and providing guidance on what can be fixed or replaced. |
| Component |
Accessibility |
Repairability |
| Battery |
Not easily accessible, requires disassembly of the bottom case. |
Fair. Requires specialized tools and some technical expertise to replace. |
| RAM |
Soldered directly to the logic board, not user-upgradeable. |
Poor. Not possible for users to upgrade or repair without professional assistance. |
| Storage (SSD) |
Easily accessible via a single screw, can be replaced with aftermarket options. |
Good. Users can easily replace or upgrade the SSD with minimal technical expertise required. |
| Display Assembly |
Requires disassembly of the entire laptop to access. |
Fair. Replacing the display assembly requires specialized tools and some technical expertise, but is still a feasible DIY repair. |
| Logic Board |
Difficult to access due to numerous screws and cables. |
Poor. Requires extensive disassembly and technical expertise to replace or repair components on the logic board. |
| Conclusion |
| The MacBook Air M4's design prioritizes sleekness and portability over repairability. While some components, like the SSD, are easily accessible and user-upgradeable, others, such as the RAM and logic board, require specialized tools and technical expertise to access or repair. Overall, this device scores a 4 out of 10 for repairability. |
| Repairability Score Breakdown: |
| Battery: 2/5 |
RAM: 0/5 |
Storage (SSD): 4/5 |
Display Assembly: 3/5 |
Logic Board: 1/5 |
| Total Score: 4/10 |
| Recommendations: |
| For those who value repairability and upgradability, consider alternative devices with more accessible components. |
| If you do own a MacBook Air M4 and need repairs or upgrades, it's recommended to seek professional assistance from authorized service providers or experienced technicians. |
| Q1: What is the repairability score of MacBook Air M4? |
A1: The repairability score of MacBook Air M4 is 2 out of 10, as rated by iFixit. |
| Q2: What makes the MacBook Air M4 difficult to repair? |
A2: The MacBook Air M4 has a proprietary SSD and RAM, making it difficult to upgrade or replace these components. Additionally, the battery is glued in place, requiring specialized tools for removal. |
| Q3: Can I replace the battery of my MacBook Air M4? |
A3: Yes, but it's a complex process. The battery is glued in place and requires specialized tools to remove. It's not recommended for users without experience with electronics repair. |
| Q4: Is the display of MacBook Air M4 easy to replace? |
A4: No, the display is not easy to replace. The LCD is fused to the glass and requires specialized tools for removal. |
| Q5: Can I upgrade the RAM of my MacBook Air M4? |
A5: No, the RAM is soldered to the logic board and cannot be upgraded or replaced by users. |
| Q6: What tools do I need to disassemble the MacBook Air M4? |
A6: To disassemble the MacBook Air M4, you'll need a Pentalobe screwdriver (P5), a Torx T5 screwdriver, and a plastic spudger. |
| Q7: Is the SSD of MacBook Air M4 upgradeable? |
A7: No, the SSD is proprietary and cannot be upgraded or replaced by users. It's soldered to the logic board and requires specialized tools for removal. |
| Q8: Can I repair my MacBook Air M4 myself? |
A8: While it's possible, repairing a MacBook Air M4 can be challenging due to its complex design and proprietary components. It's recommended that you seek the help of a professional repair service if you're not experienced with electronics repair. |
| Q9: How long does it take to disassemble the MacBook Air M4? |
A9: Disassembling the MacBook Air M4 can take around 30-45 minutes, depending on your level of experience and comfort with electronics repair. |
| Q10: Are there any safety precautions I should take when repairing my MacBook Air M4? |
A10: Yes, always unplug the power cord and any other cables before starting repairs. Additionally, be careful not to touch any internal components or electrical contacts, as this can cause damage or injury. |
| Pioneer/Company |
Contribution |
| 1. iFixit |
First to teardown and review MacBook Air M4 repairability, providing detailed guides and scores. |
| 2. Louis Rossmann |
Pioneered the "right to repair" movement, advocating for user-repairable electronics like the MacBook Air M4. |
| 3. JerryRigEverything (Zack Nelson) |
Popularized durability testing and teardown reviews, including the MacBook Air M4. |
| 4. Apple |
Designed and manufactured the MacBook Air M4, which set a new standard for laptop repairability. |
| 5. Kyle Wiens (iFixit co-founder) |
Helped establish iFixit as a leading resource for repair guides and teardown reviews. |
| 6. The Verge |
Provided in-depth coverage of the MacBook Air M4's design and repairability features. |
| 7. CNET |
Published detailed reviews and teardowns of the MacBook Air M4, highlighting its repair-friendly design. |
| 8. Wired |
Featured articles on the MacBook Air M4's innovative design and implications for the "right to repair" movement. |
| 9. MacRumors |
Provided extensive coverage of the MacBook Air M4, including its repairability features and user reviews. |
| 10. Creative Electron (Chipworks) |
Conducted detailed teardowns and analysis of the MacBook Air M4's internal components. |
| Component |
Description |
Repairability Score (1-10) |
Dismantling Difficulty (1-5) |
Tools Required |
| Display Assembly |
The display is held in place by a combination of screws, clips, and adhesive. Removing the screen bezel requires prying it off with a plastic spudger. |
6/10 |
3/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| LCD Panel |
The LCD panel is connected to the logic board via a single cable. Removing it requires disconnecting this cable and prying the panel off its adhesive backing. |
7/10 |
2/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Logic Board |
The logic board is held in place by numerous screws and connectors. Removing it requires disconnecting several cables and prying the board off its adhesive backing. |
5/10 |
4/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Torx screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| SSD |
The SSD is soldered directly to the logic board. Removing it requires desoldering and prying it off its adhesive backing. |
3/10 |
5/5 |
Torx screwdriver, Desoldering iron, Plastic spudger |
| Battery |
The battery is glued to the case and connected to the logic board via a cable. Removing it requires prying the battery off its adhesive backing and disconnecting this cable. |
4/10 |
3/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Fans |
The fans are held in place by screws and connected to the logic board via cables. Removing them requires disconnecting these cables and prying the fans off their adhesive backing. |
8/10 |
2/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Cooling System |
The cooling system consists of a heat pipe and a thermal interface material. Removing it requires prying the heat pipe off its adhesive backing and disconnecting the cables. |
6/10 |
3/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Camera and Microphone |
The camera and microphone are connected to the logic board via cables. Removing them requires disconnecting these cables and prying the components off their adhesive backing. |
7/10 |
2/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Trackpad |
The trackpad is connected to the logic board via a cable. Removing it requires disconnecting this cable and prying the trackpad off its adhesive backing. |
8/10 |
2/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Keyboard |
The keyboard is connected to the logic board via a cable. Removing it requires disconnecting this cable and prying the keyboard off its adhesive backing. |
8/10 |
2/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
| Case and Casing Components |
The case is held together by numerous screws and clips. Removing the casing components requires prying them off their adhesive backing. |
6/10 |
3/5 |
Pentalobe screwdriver, Plastic spudger |
**Repairability Score:** 5.8/10
**Dismantling Difficulty:** 2.9/5
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