iFixit has posted its teardown of the new 2019 MacBook Pro which features an in-depth look at modifications made to the Apple's butterfly keyboard.
Apple’s newest MacBook Pro is its fastest yet, featuring an optional eight-core processor—a first in a MacBook—and a mysterious new keyboard material. Since it’s unlikely that Apple’s going to expound on this ‘material,’ and we’re never satisfied with an unsolved mystery, it’s time once again to take a closer look at the infamous butterfly keyboard.
Highlights:
● 2019's butterfly switch revision keeps the silicone membrane, but tweaks the materials in the springy metal dome and the plasticky material that covers it.
● The switch cover in the 2018 model is semi-opaque, somewhat tacky, and feels like silicone. The new model is clearer and smooth to the touch.
● Apple may be using a revised heat treatment, or alloy, or possibly both for the metal dome switch.
Repairability Score: 1 out of 10
● The trackpad can be removed and replaced with very little drama.
● The processor, RAM, and flash memory are soldered to the logic board. Repairs and upgrades will be impractical at best.
● The top case assembly, including the keyboard, battery, speakers, and Touch Bar, is glued together—making all those components impractical to replace separately.
● The Touch ID sensor doubles as the power switch, and is paired with the T2 chip on the logic board. Fixing a broken power switch may require help from Apple, or a new logic board.
Take a look at a few images below or hit the link for the full teardown.
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Apple’s newest MacBook Pro is its fastest yet, featuring an optional eight-core processor—a first in a MacBook—and a mysterious new keyboard material. Since it’s unlikely that Apple’s going to expound on this ‘material,’ and we’re never satisfied with an unsolved mystery, it’s time once again to take a closer look at the infamous butterfly keyboard.
Highlights:
● 2019's butterfly switch revision keeps the silicone membrane, but tweaks the materials in the springy metal dome and the plasticky material that covers it.
● The switch cover in the 2018 model is semi-opaque, somewhat tacky, and feels like silicone. The new model is clearer and smooth to the touch.
● Apple may be using a revised heat treatment, or alloy, or possibly both for the metal dome switch.
Repairability Score: 1 out of 10
● The trackpad can be removed and replaced with very little drama.
● The processor, RAM, and flash memory are soldered to the logic board. Repairs and upgrades will be impractical at best.
● The top case assembly, including the keyboard, battery, speakers, and Touch Bar, is glued together—making all those components impractical to replace separately.
● The Touch ID sensor doubles as the power switch, and is paired with the T2 chip on the logic board. Fixing a broken power switch may require help from Apple, or a new logic board.
Take a look at a few images below or hit the link for the full teardown.
Read More