Since 2015, it is not possible to order speakers from Apple if they fail on a MacBook Pro. Instead, it was necessary to replace the entire top case, including the battery and other central components. This increased costs and was ecologically bad, as many components that were still fully functional were disassembled. Now, according to a memo, Apple is finally changing that — and that’s including a number of older models, too.
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Repair manual already available
As MacRumors reports, Can be used with MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon Now you can change the speakers themselves without replacing the entire top case. According to a memo sent to Apple’s support department and authorized repair shops (Apple Authorized Service Providers, ASPs), this works for the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro M4, whether with the M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max. However, according to Macrumors, Apple then emphasized that all Apple Silicon models of the M1 Pro and M1 Max are supported as long as they are 14 or 16 inches in size.
Additionally, a self-service repair program is also supported – at least for the M4 model. a accompaniment repair manual Has already been published. However, this process is not that easy. To remove it, you’ll need a string made of Kevlar plus Post-Its (!) to loosen the adhesive — which involves various hand positions, which Apple describes in several pictures. It is also necessary to cover the battery to prevent the repairman from drilling holes in it.
Benefits not only for self-repairers
Apple’s decision to no longer offer individual replacement speakers isn’t just good for those who want to repair their MacBook Pro themselves. Apart from the positive environmental aspect, we are also pleased by the fact that speaker system repairs should now be more cost-effective if the Mac is out of warranty. Replacing the top case cost hundreds of euros, which hopefully will be cheaper now – despite the simple repair.
More recently, in 2014, Apple made it possible to equip existing MacBook Pro models with a new speaker. They then decided against it because the repair process seemed too complicated to the company – replacing the top case is more expensive, but also simpler. It’s still unclear how much an out-of-warranty repair for the speaker alone will cost, but that should become clear in the coming weeks.
(B.Sc.)
