iFixit gave us a peek at the new 2018 MacBook Pro’s redesigned keyboard last week, revealing the new silicone membrane that hopefully will help keep debris out of the keyboard. Now it has completed its teardown, and shared some other interesting info about the new Apple laptop.
The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models include higher-capacity batteries. The 13-inch model boasts a larger 58wh, 232.7 gram 6-cell battery, which is increased from the 5 cell 196.7 gram battery found in the 2017 model. While the battery is larger, the rated battery life has not improved.
On the bright side, the new MacBook Pro is not any heavier than the previous model. The report indicates Apple has “shaved some mass” from the top case of the device, but it isn’t for certain that is completely responsible for the weight savings.
The new MacBook Pro model’s speakers are longer and narrower, and are right up against the logic board. And internal connector used for diagnostics in the previous model is missing.
Apple’s new T2 chip – first first used in the iMac Pro – is included in the 2018 MacBook Pro, which enables “Hey Siri” functionality and houses the Secure Enclave that allows for on-the-fly encryption as well as merging several controllers, including the system management controller, image signal processor, audio controller, and SSD controller.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro ships with a new A1947 power adapter, which offers better shielding and includes impact-resistant foam rubber inside, and includes a plastic USB-C port in place of the previous adapter’s metal port.
iFixit gives the 2018 13-inch MacBook Pro a repairability score of 1 out of 10, due to the laptops’s RAM, processor, and SSD all being soldered down. In addition, the keyboard, battery, and speakers are all one unit, making repairs difficult.
For more information, visit the iFixit website for their full teardown.
