iFixit Shares Full 16-Inch MacBook Pro Teardown

[LeeW]

So, obviously you know how shallow and narrow-minded you are that this "if" statement must have hit you hard and you couldn't hold it in anymore. Squealed before anyone poked you.

I am completely comfortable with who I am and what my views are on life, objects and whatever, you can throw whatever you want at me, it just whooshes over my head.

 

[powerslave12r]

Wow, lucky me!

I have been having problems with my 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro, so they just replaced it with a 2019 16-inch!

What problems were you having?

 

[Amorie]

What problems were you having?

keyboard died about a million times, but also Logic board went out twice.

 

[powerslave12r]

keyboard died about a million times, but also Logic board went out twice.

That's pretty horrible. When the logic board went out, what was the mbp doing? Just not booting up?

 

[Zdigital2015]

To further your point, thanks to the upgrade-ability of the mid-2010 Macbook Pros, my MBP is still my primary computer NINE YEARS LATER. To think I would have had to have shelled out $1,700 for a new, similarly specced (512GB SSD; current pricing) Macbook instead of the ~$200 in upgrades I've made is absolutely asinine.

Your $200 investment netted you a maximum of 300MB/s which is certainly a nice gain over the paltry 70-100MB/s that the spinning HDD in the MacBook Pro shipped with back in the day.

Given that the 2016-2019 MacBook Pro push 3.2GB/s Read and 2.2GB/s Write, and are near the theoretical maximum of PCIe x4 bandwidth, you would have no need to upgrade outside of capacity.

Given how slow the dual-core Core i5 and i7 CPUs in the mid-2010 MacBook Pros are it seems as though your computing needs aren’t much more advanced than what a $ $499 iPad Air could take care of in today’s environment.
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keyboard died about a million times, but also Logic board went out twice.

Million times?!? Statistically impossible, but really any keyboard dying is unacceptable to the extent that Apple can control the design and implementation.

 

[Zdigital2015]

But users should express their disappointment. Ive stepped back, maybe Tim leaves the company sooner or later and maybe someday someone at Apple starts to think different.

It’s cultural and philosophical as much as it is driven by profit. Tim Cook is not going anywhere anytime soon. Again, the move to sealing laptops was well on its way before Steve Jobs died and isn’t some invention of Tim Cook to screw users, no matter how much users want to believe Steve was on “their side”.

 

[DEASFA]

But users should express their disappointment. Ive stepped back, maybe Tim leaves the company sooner or later and maybe someday someone at Apple starts to think different.

Appreciate that but after seven years I feel you are been incredibly optimistic hoping for change. Good luck 👍
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The problem is that Apple didn't engage with customers BEFORE releasing the trashcan and EOL'ing the grater. That created animosity within the Pro AND hobbyist community resulting in migrations away from the platform, or significant grumbling at least.

So this year they're backpedaling like crazy, but not before setting up a culture of disposability and a mechanism for further monetization first.

Tim Cook has been called brilliant by many, and I see it now. He's amazing at making money. But clearly, the products have suffered over the years, when compared to their legacy. And they've suffered on issues that did not exist prior to his tenure, because Apple themselves made it easy to repair and upgrade back then. Those new to Apple don't know what Apple used to be, so they dismiss easily how much it has changed for the worse. Someone born deaf can function as well as someone who lost their hearing, but they don't feel the same way about it.

For my part, I used to replace my multiple Macs upon a new model release. That's how much of a diehard I was. But this came to a grinding halt in 2012, and I'm STILL using that hardware.

So in the end this has NOTHING to do with having highly portable, powerful computers which professionals have asked for and instead has EVERYTHING to do with profitability, as you pointed out.

Steve was a product guy, Tim's a profit guy. Simple.

All that said, the complaining might be moot. Apple backpedals only when the numbers reflect it, and that takes time. It'll be 4 years total, if not longer, until the stupid-a** keyboard issues are fixed accross the board. This is Apple doing what they do best, giving us just enough of what we want to keep something in the back pocket for next year so that people don't just throw their hands up. "Keep them wanting more", as it were.

So the question is who actually drove the change? The people who complained AND left, or the people who complained but kept using Apple products?

I think it's both, but more the former than the latter.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to defend Apple for the mistakes it has made or the direction it has gone. The trash can was hubris. I don’t think the same of the MacBook Pro although I’d agree that the went a little too hard for weight and size reduction at the cost of performance.

my first Mac was the 2012 15 inch retina. After wielding an xps 15 which was ridiculously big and heavy (part of the battery was essentially external to the main body and acted as a foot stand to help with thermals) I was blown away at how powerful and quiet and light the Mac was. It was a computer built for my needs in every way. This doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate that it left people like you behind. All I’m saying is that after 7 years of clear signalling by Apple it’s time to make a choice and move on.

 

[CHA05 R31GN5]

I am completely comfortable with who I am and what my views are on life, objects and whatever, you can throw whatever you want at me, it just whooshes over my head.

If it did, then you wouldn't have felt a need to reply, again and again... You must have a pretty small head for all that whooshing.
But, to add. I'm well aware that you haven't the foggiest idea about what you're talking about in this subject matter. So, keep waving your Apple flag with the other clueless protesters.

 

[code-m]

Having a good recycling program DOES NOT justify Apple for creating non upgradable- Disposable applianced that generate more trash.
It is like, hey, we cut all these trees to create paper, but we are planting new ones... rather than going digital. You are still cutting trees...

I concur, don't get me wrong I am not condoning Apple's actions, I am stating that compared to other electronic/computer manufacturers it has a better recycling program. I completely support user upgradability and repairability for environmental reasons, I do hope Apple makes a change in the right direction at least for its Mac hardware as a start.
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But users should express their disappointment. Ive stepped back, maybe Tim leaves the company sooner or later and maybe someday someone at Apple starts to think different.

I believe Tim Cook has a contractual obligation for a set number of years, in which time Apple BoD will either renew/extend his contract as CEO for which he may or may not accept or they find another. Tim regardless if you like him or his decision seems to be making Apple shareholder and the BoD happy, so I don't expect any sudden changes. If Tim does not stay till his contract ends he looses all those bonus shares as promised.

 

[Detnator]

Because there are tons of reasons as to why you should always purchase and replace your current computer every 3 years.

I know you're being sarcastic. So... Why shouldn't you replace it every three years?? The way technology is constantly changing why wouldn't you want to be up to date?

Or... if you don't need to be up to date in three years, then why do you need to be up to date now but not then? If you don't need to be up to date, then get a three year old refurbished one from Apple now with three years AppleCare on it and then swap that for this new one (when it's three years old then).

And in either case, whatever you buy, trade it back in to Apple and get something for it, and buy a new one. Apple will refurbish it and sell it to someone else for another three years, who doesn't need the performance of a new one. Or they will recycle it properly and take care of the planet. Apple's big on that stuff y'knowl

Whichever one you buy, what are you doing on it now that you won't be doing on it in three years's time that needs the performance now and won't need it then? Whatever way you bend it, it costs no more to replace every three years or even every two years than to hold on to one for six years.

What is wrong with this approach? What is this obsession people have with holding on to tech for so long?
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The complaint is the ease of repairing an electronic device to reduce waste and extend the longevity of it, instead of a full recycle of a component such as the entire top case which includes the keyboard, battery, speakers, touch bar, etc. Of course, if you're already a wasteful person, don't care about the environment, nor future generations other than just what appeases you while you're alive, then I'm sure you are absolutely fine with these unnecessary engineering designs. It does reduce cost to Apple though and makes them more of a profit than the design which allows more modular individual components. Speakers blown; replace the top case. Key sticking; replace the top case. Battery degraded and requiring replacement; replace the top case. Touch Bar inoperative; replace the top case....

The thing is, it IS repairable. It's just not USER-repairable. Do you really think Apple just takes all these broken top cases and tosses them out? No. They built the thing. They can take it apart and replace only the broken parts. They have much more advanced etc. tools than users have.

Apple repairs that top case just like they repair your broken iPhone (after swapping it with you for a refurbished replacement). They repair it, refurbish it, and sell or provide it as a refurbished model/part to the next person, just like you got someone else's repaired and refurbished formerly broken model/part.

So they're NOT wasting it. They ARE extending the longevity of it. They're just not letting YOU do that. And for good reasons. The complaints are entirely misinformed.
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Apple needs to dispense with the "Pro" nomenclature if they're going to continue to solder critical components to the logic board and make it more difficult to repair with glue and rivets.

This is the stupidest argument I've ever heard. I know MacRumors forum readers/commenters like to tinker, but true pros have more important things to do (like work - y'know, that thing that makes them pros) than fiddle with their computers.

And if you want to disagree, then go right ahead, but you're disagreeing with the countless MILLIONS of pros who are buying these things at top dollar and making money with them to pay for them and then some.
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Apple has not repaired anything in over a decade.

Evidence?

 

[dukebound85]

On one hand, I’m irritated that Apple has secured everything down without a chance of repairability but on the other hand, I have never had a reason to open my 2014 MacBook Pro. But it’s nice to know that I can at least upgrade the SSD if I want.

I don’t think the ssd replaceable on this new mbpnif I’m reading the tear down coreectly

 

[Peperino]

I’m not saying Apple have made no errors along the way but they simply do not make computers for people who want to tinker with the various parts over a decade before they buy a new computer. There is seven years of evidence to suggest this yet people are complaining about user serviceable ram as if Apple just took it away. I appreciate the disappointment but it’s time to move on because Apple have made their position clear.

REally? and that is why the realease the new Mac Pro, and Mac Mini...with replaceable RAM...

 

[DEASFA]

REally? and that is why the realease the new Mac Pro, and Mac Mini...with replaceable RAM...

Pay attention. This is a discussion about the MacBook Pro. The trash can had replaceable ram. Nothing has changed on the monitor-less desktop space except maybe the new mini’s are more difficult to remove the ram and ssd is now not replaceable by users.

 

[LeeW]

Mac Mini...with replaceable RAM...

Whilst the Mac Mini has replaceable ram Apple are clear that it should be done by them, not the user, yes you can replace it yourself if you are comfortable but try taking it to an Apple store for a warranty repair for any reason after you have done it and be expected to pay because you have caused the issue.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Flying Dutchman dude.
Are you sure? I say you are posting an assertion based on price (or cost of goods to Apple).

My take is that replacing a 16-in MBP battery demands, at least relative to Genius "repair skills" and "bench time", swapping the complete upper case, together with the glued battery, (riveted) keyboard and speakers. Possibly only saving the touchpad, but only on the 16-in.

How do I know? Because I have done one such battery upgrade on a prior-generation mid-2015 MBPr, and it is major, difficult surgery. (There is little difference in layout between the prior-generation and the 16-in MBPr)

There is no way that Apple corporate would allow such extreme surgery on a customer's MBP on the reduced confines of their "clean room" backroom, with the uncertain micro-skills of the so-called Geniuses.

your experience is anecdotal at best and pointless.
Apple prices are on their website.
It will costs 209€ to replace a battery out of warranty. That's the only point.
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LOL! Sorry dude. Reread my post.
Replacing the battery is indeed "extreme surgery", when not swapping, but reusing all the other components.

Reading comprehension has been lost to you.

Do not take my word, get educated:

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2015 Battery Replacement

Use this guide to safely remove the glued-in battery from your MacBook Pro with the help of an iFixit battery replacement kit. The adhesive remover...

www.ifixit.com

iFixIt Scorecard:
Difficulty: Difficult
Steps: 74
Time Required: 2 - 3 hours (if skilled)

Agagin. iFixit isn't even an authorized repair center by Apple.
Their "vote" is pointless.
You can definitely replace a battery on a MacBook Pro. You just have to take it to an Apple authorized center.
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Wow, lucky me!

I have been having problems with my 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro, so they just replaced it with a 2019 16-inch!

are you serious ???
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Yet you show distinctive bias against anything non-Apple: "Enjoy your Windows computer: I wouldn’t take one even for free." Whereas I have both Apple and Lenovo (and HPE, and Supermicro) gear; one of us might be just that little bit more objective, methinks! And you know why I got the Trashcan? Because I could put 128GB RAM in it and stick in a better CPU (that I chose to trade TDP vs clock speed) not because it's Apple, and it's still running absolutely fine! The only thing I would fault Apple on the Trashcan is that some cretin thought that trading I/O bandwidth for display bandwidth if you're running 4K screens is a good idea and didn't have separate DisplayPorts.

I'm sitting in front of a Dell workstation.
My bias is more than justified.
Windows ? No thanks.

 

[hans1972]

An alternative would be, that Apple made its battery user-replaceable. The only cost would be the cost of the battery. I would not have to be on the same continent as an Apple store in order to get it serviced. Also, 0 downtime to get my damn computer back once it dies.

Apple has a global network of over 5000 AASPs, so unless you're in a country without official Apple support, you should be able to find places.

 

[antonis]

Which makes me wonder just how well the 16" MBP is going to cope with 130W TDP from CPU+GPU alone if, RX 5500M has TDP of 85W (no reason to think that the "Pro" version would be significantly lower)... And there doesn't seem to be any cooling around the "SSD" chips.

They'll probably down clock here and there. Problem with usb-c charging is that it is very limited. To charge beyond that limit, you have to go with a proper standard charging connector like most laptops do.

 

[Spock]

I don’t think the ssd replaceable on this new mbpnif I’m reading the tear down coreectly

it isn’t, I was referring to my 2014 MacBook Pro.

 

[v0lume4]

Your $200 investment netted you a maximum of 300MB/s which is certainly a nice gain over the paltry 70-100MB/s that the spinning HDD in the MacBook Pro shipped with back in the day.

Given that the 2016-2019 MacBook Pro push 3.2GB/s Read and 2.2GB/s Write, and are near the theoretical maximum of PCIe x4 bandwidth, you would have no need to upgrade outside of capacity.

Given how slow the dual-core Core i5 and i7 CPUs in the mid-2010 MacBook Pros are it seems as though your computing needs aren’t much more advanced than what a $ $499 iPad Air could take care of in today’s environment.

Oh, make no mistake, it's quite apparent during use that the laptop is old. Haha. I'm actually planning on purchasing a new computer on Black Friday. The point I was making was that what I needed was space (original HDD was 256GB), not necessarily write speeds. In the modern day, if I ran into a space issue with 256GB of storage, I'd have to shell out $1700 just to even upgrade to 512GB of storage. A brand new computer instead of a quick swap that would cost me <$100 to do myself. Asinine.

I'll do you one even better: the CPU is a Core 2 Duo. Yes! On the 13-inch model they were still shipping with the Core 2 Duo because of compatibility with the dedicated GPU they were shipping in it. And, amazingly, it does fine in Lightroom although the export times are slow. I tried to get into video and quickly met my match.

I much prefer mouse/keyboard (or trackpad) to a touch interface, though. No iPad for me!

 

[Amorie]

Million times?!? Statistically impossible, but really any keyboard dying is unacceptable to the extent that Apple can control the design and implementation.

You get what i mean. At least one key stopped working 5 times. They keyboard was horrible.

Typing now on my 16-inch. It's pretty darn amazing.

 

[Zdigital2015]

You get what i mean. At least one key stopped working 5 times. They keyboard was horrible.

Typing now on my 16-inch. It's pretty darn amazing.

I do, but the hyperbole surrounding the keyboards on these forums has made me a bit reactive to comments. That said, a single key stopping five (5) times is absolutely unacceptable.

I have two 2016 models and have had only one model have an issue with two keys, both of which seemed to resolve themselves on their own.

I really love the slimness of the 2016-2019, so I may move to a 2019 with a Vega 20 should a really spectacular price present itself, but the 16” is calling to me. Really calling.

 

[Detnator]

They'll probably down clock here and there. Problem with usb-c charging is that it is very limited. To charge beyond that limit, you have to go with a proper standard charging connector like most laptops do.

Ummm... huh?

My 2019 15” MBP charges from empty to full over USB-C faster than any other laptop I’ve had ever before (and I’ve had at least 15 over about twice as many years).

Not sure what you’re talking about.

 

[Peperino]

Ummm... huh?

My 2019 15” MBP charges from empty to full over USB-C faster than any other laptop I’ve had ever before (and I’ve had at least 15 over about twice as many years).

Not sure what you’re talking about.

And they also fall faster than any other MBP due to the no Mag-Safe.

 

[Detnator]

I do, but the hyperbole surrounding the keyboards on these forums has made me a bit reactive to comments. That said, a single key stopping five (5) times is absolutely unacceptable.

I have two 2016 models and have had only one model have an issue with two keys, both of which seemed to resolve themselves on their own.

I really love the slimness of the 2016-2019, so I may move to a 2019 with a Vega 20 should a really spectacular price present itself, but the 16” is calling to me. Really calling.

I have a maxed out (2.4 8-core, 32GB, 4TB, Vega 20) 2019 bought three months ago that I’d like to sell. Financially kinda crazy but I really want the 16. AppleCare+ included to August 2022. Interested?
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And they also fall faster than any other MBP due to the no Mag-Safe.

This again, seriously? For the love of... Y’know there’s that website where you can search for stuff on the internet, right? It’s called goggle or googol or something...

https://www.google.com/search?q=usb-c+magsafe

There are countless options* here. Options = CHOICES.

Apple’s MagSafe implementation was awesome, but no more awesome than at least some of those options. And it still had issues. Parallel or perpendicular? How strong the magnets were? Not much choice. Now you have choice.

And bonus, you can charge on either side...

Or have one of two connected 5K displays charge it while you use the other two available ports for two bus powered TB3 NVMe drives for 4+ GB/s of striped storage...

Or any of thousands (millions even?) of other arrangements now possible with 4x TB3 ports that were never possible before.

People are complaining that TB3 is so limiting. It’s exactly the opposite. TB3/USB-C is everything in one. Just buy a damn cable and If that’s not enough buy a mini hub. (Eg. hypershop.com).

Let the MagSafe thing go. It’s still available. Give it a rest.

 

[antonis]

Ummm... huh?

My 2019 15” MBP charges from empty to full over USB-C faster than any other laptop I’ve had ever before (and I’ve had at least 15 over about twice as many years).

Not sure what you’re talking about.

Talking about max supported power. There are limits (that doesn't mean other laptops with other "poor" connectors don't have as well).