What all components get changed out in a keyboard replacement, and how many years do you have?

[Hieveryone]

I have the 2019 15" MacBook Pro which I bought at launch. My "E" key is brighter than the rest of they keys. It's not a big deal, but I was wondering what components get changed out for a keyboard replacement, and how many years do I have to get it fixed?

 

[icanhazmac]

To the best of my knowledge the "top case" includes the keyboard, tracpad and battery. I am not sure if the Touch Bar is included in that or not. Some have said the cable that causes flex-gate is also changed but I have no proof of that either as Apple is a little stingy with the details.

Edit: The keyboard replacement program is 4 years from original date of purchase:

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro - Apple Support

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro

support.apple.com

 

[Hieveryone]

To the best of my knowledge the "top case" includes the keyboard, tracpad and battery. I am not sure if the Touch Bar is included in that or not. Some have said the cable that causes flex-gate is also changed but I have no proof of that either as Apple is a little stingy with the details.

Edit: The keyboard replacement program is 4 years from original date of purchase:

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro - Apple Support

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro

support.apple.com

Ok great! I did not know that. I've heard the logic board get's replaced, but I wouldn't know if that's true or not.

Sounds like a major operation for sure lol. I may get it fixed soon

 

[hallux]

"Flexgate" is related to the LCD, right? The LCD cables are part of the display assembly, they would not be changed with the topcase replacement.

Yes, topcase is the palmrest, keyboard, trackpad and battery. The TouchID board comes out but it looks like the touchbar is part of the assembly.

I've done this repair, it absolutely IS a major repair. The tech is basically taking the entire computer apart and re-building it in a new case.

 

[icanhazmac]

"Flexgate" is related to the LCD, right? The LCD cables are part of the display assembly, they would not be changed with the topcase replacement.

Thanks for dropping the knowledge! Last time I had mine repaired I posted the question here and got this response which is why I stated I wasn't sure.

They do replace that ribbon.

 

[hallux]

@icanhazmac Maybe I'm mistaken. It's been a couple years since I did the repair but I thought that generally the cable was part of the display assembly.

 

[icanhazmac]

Who knows, Apple may have started replacing those cables with topcases in an effort to save themselves the cost of a flex-gate fix later, could be rumor, who knows.

Regardless I hate Apple for making me hold on to my 2017 dumpster fire until the ARMs are released! I wanted to sell this and get a 16" but.......

 

[Hieveryone]

Who knows, Apple may have started replacing those with topcases in an effort to save themselves the cost of a flex-gate fix later, could be rumor, who knows.

Regardless I hate Apple for making me hold on to my 2017 dumpster fire until the ARMs are released! I wanted to sell this and get a 16" but.......

I've been hearing a lot about the ARM ones. So, let me get this clear in my heard. Right now we are using INTEL, but apple is switching to ARM. What is the advantage?

 

[hallux]

I've been hearing a lot about the ARM ones. So, let me get this clear in my heard. Right now we are using INTEL, but apple is switching to ARM. What is the advantage?

Apple is designing chips in house that are based on ARM, similar to the chips in the mobile devices. The advantage is that Apple will then control the major parts of the computer.

 

[ultrakyo]

I have had the keyboard replaced for my Macbook 12" under the program before and it replaces the top case which include the body and keyboard but does not include the touchpad & battery.

 

[strohscw]

.

 

[ilikewhey]

I've been hearing a lot about the ARM ones. So, let me get this clear in my heard. Right now we are using INTEL, but apple is switching to ARM. What is the advantage?

most likely 20ish hour battery, given the efficiency of ipad pro, way less heat, since its rumored to be 5nm die size (intel 14nm) if tsm claim is to be taken here. and overall 30-50% more performance depending on who you ask, again, all speculation, but with some truth behind it.

the con is, lack of app compatibility from the get to. will it get better? probably, but how long.

 

[Hieveryone]

most likely 20ish hour battery, given the efficiency of ipad pro, way less heat, since its rumored to be 5nm die size (intel 14nm) if tsm claim is to be taken here. and overall 30-50% more performance depending on who you ask, again, all speculation, but with some truth behind it.

the con is, lack of app compatibility from the get to. will it get better? probably, but how long.

I'd be good with more battery. If they can get the iPhone to last 5 days that'd be great. MacBook maybe 2-3 days

 

[ilikewhey]

I'd be good with more battery. If they can get the iPhone to last 5 days that'd be great. MacBook maybe 2-3 days

that will most definitely happen, pretty sure apple gonna keep the same battery capacity while switching to 5nm tsm die size. 20-25 hours of battery is not hard to fathom with apple silicon.

 

[aangvento]

I've been following this thread for a while but had nothing to add. Until now.

Guys, Apple silicon will likely not be a total flop. But they are not going to make computers that last for 2-3 days. Let's keep our expectations a reality. It will be their first time making desktop chips in a long time. Desktop chips require a lot of engineering that makes them different from mobile ones.

Intel might not be the best company in the market, both in policy and products, but they are still the market leader. If neither they nor AMD nor Qualcomm with decades of experience managed to get this, apple will not be pulling this off in one go. Do not expect oo much and you won't fall too hard. Right now, for those who are not Apple fans, this transition is seen as either a way to make cheaper processors and to prey on loyal costumers, through the fact most mac users are not power users; or it will be a total flop. They are not expecting a supercomputer. No one else is.

But, hopefully, they are wrong and the computers will be great. Because better computers are good.

Edit: Typos. Way, way too many typos. o o f

 

[jadraker]

Touch Bar is included in the top case. I got mine changed a year ago for malfunction speakers and Touch Bar was brand new with its adhesive.

One year later and I need another top case as Touch Bar is flashing with white squares when idle.