Apple improves repair procedure for MacBook Pro component prone to failure
If the speaker fails on Apple silicon notebooks, the entire top case has to be replaced – unnecessarily bad for the environment. Now that is changing.
MacBook Pro on the desktop: All Apple Silicon devices receive a simplified repair of an audio component.
(Image: WeDesing / Shutterstock.com)
Since 2015, it has not been possible to reorder a speaker from Apple if it failed on the MacBook Pro. Instead, it was then necessary to replace the entire top case, which also included the battery and other key components. This caused costs and was bad for the environment, as many components that were still fully functional were discarded. According to a memo, Apple is now finally changing this – and is also covering numerous older models.
Repair manual is already available
As Macrumors reports, MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon can now have their speakers replaced without having to replace the entire top case. According to the memo, which was sent to Apple's support department and Apple Authorized Service Providers (ASPs), this is possible for MacBook Pro M4 with 14 and 16 inches, whether with M4, M4 Pro or M4 Max. However, according to Macrumors, Apple then added that all Apple Silicon models from the M1 Pro and M1 Max onwards are supported, as long as they are 14 or 16 inches in size.
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At the same time, the self-service repair program is also supported –, at least for the M4 models. A corresponding repair manual has already been published. However, the process is not entirely straightforward. To remove it, you need a Kevlar cord plus Post-its (!) to loosen the adhesive – along with various hand positions, which Apple describes in numerous pictures. It is also necessary to cover the battery to protect the repairer from puncturing it.
Advantages not only for self-repairers
Apple's decision to now also offer replacement speakers individually is not only good for people who want to repair their MacBook Pro themselves. In addition to the positive environmental aspect, the fact that repairs to the speaker system are now likely to be cheaper if the Mac is out of warranty is also pleasing. Replacing the top case then costs hundreds of euros, which will hopefully now be cheaper – despite the not uncomplicated repair.
The last time Apple made it possible to fit current MacBook Pro models with a new speaker was in 2014. The company then decided against it because the repair process apparently seemed too complex – replacing the top case is more expensive, but also simpler. It is still unclear how much "out of warranty" speaker repairs alone will cost, but this should become clear in the coming weeks.
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