iFixit’s team of electronics repair specialists tore into a new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M3 chip and came away with a clear verdict: the device isn’t easy to repair. The critique, expressed in a detailed video review, centers on how the machine is put together and what that means for real-world serviceability.
On the positive side, reviewers noted that Apple kept the overall disassembly straightforward. A handful of screws are the primary barrier to opening the chassis. Once the case is open, the battery and trackpad can be removed and sent to dedicated technicians for replacement with relative ease, which is a meaningful win for users facing battery wear or trackpad issues.
Where the new MacBook Pro falls short, according to iFixit, is in the RAM and SSD layout. Both memory and storage modules are embedded directly on the motherboard, which blocks user-initiated upgrades or replacements and locks in the device’s performance trajectory after purchase. In practical terms, this means future-proofing through self-upgrades is not an option.
There is a contrasting element to the design, as several interfaces—such as USB-C ports, the MagSafe charging connector, and the Touch ID sensor—can be detached from the motherboard without major difficulty. Still, any reassembly or reconfiguration must be validated by Apple’s software. Without proper verification, the operating system may throw errors that impede normal operation.
Additionally, multiple repair scenarios call for subsequent calibration or setup within Apple’s software ecosystem. Even common tasks like replacing a display or a sensor module may require software alignment to ensure full functionality and reliability post-repair. This dependency underscores a broader challenge for technicians and end users who expect a more modular, serviceable design.
Considering these points, iFixit assigned a repairability score of 4 out of 10 for the MacBook Pro with the M3 chip, reflecting a clear gap between user-replaceable components and the current hardware architecture. This rating aligns with broader industry conversations about balancing compact engineering with long-term serviceability and upgradeability (Source: iFixit).
Earlier discussions from Insider touched on the features of the 2024 iPad, continuing the ongoing dialogue about how Apple devices balance performance, design, and repairability across product lines (Source: Insider).