MacBook Neo Tips iFixit Most Repairable MacBook in Years
Apple’s new budget MacBook boasts easier battery replacement and modular components, surprising repair experts.
San Francisco: Apple’s new MacBook Neo surprised repair experts at iFixit. They call it the most repairable MacBook in 14 years.
The big change is the battery. Old MacBooks had batteries glued inside. The Neo uses 18 screws to hold the battery in a tray. Screws are better than glue, making battery replacement much easier. The iFixit team cheered when they saw this design.
Other fixes make the Neo better to repair. The display and keyboard are easier to replace. Parts like ports can be swapped out. A tool called Repair Assistant accepts new parts without problems.
Still, the Neo got only 6 out of 10 for repairability. That’s because memory and storage are still soldered in. You can’t upgrade them later. But iFixit says this is good for a MacBook. The parts that break most often are now easier to reach than on any MacBook in years.
This changes things for Apple’s repair philosophy. Since 2012, Apple made its devices harder to fix at home. The Neo moves back toward easier repairs.