Featured image: Cover art by TheTechWriteUp
Inside the New MacBook Pro: iFixit’s Deep Dive into Illuminated Logo and OLED Innovations
iFixit has conducted a detailed teardown of Apple’s latest MacBook Pro featuring the PROLED XDR Display, uncovering insights into the design of the illuminated Apple logo and the engineering behind the display. The report highlights Apple’s efforts to enhance both aesthetics and functionality while addressing weight and repairability challenges.
The illuminated Apple logo on the laptop’s lid, a feature revived in this model, is powered by a strip of four LEDs. These LEDs work with a reflective layer and diffuser to evenly distribute light, creating a visually striking effect. The logo itself is coated with a two-way mirror material, which gives it a reflective sheen when the LEDs are off but allows light to pass through when activated. However, accessing the logo proved difficult during the teardown, with iFixit noting that the OLED panel was damaged in the process, raising questions about its replaceability.
Apple’s tandem OLED technology, which stacks two light-emitting layers, was a focal point of the teardown. This design aims to achieve higher brightness than traditional single-layer OLEDs. Under microscopic analysis, iFixit observed that blue subpixels are larger than red and green ones, a design choice that may reduce material strain and extend the display’s lifespan.
Despite the addition of touch functionality and the illuminated logo, Apple managed to reduce the laptop’s overall weight by 92 grams (from 3.4 pounds to 3 pounds) and cut the display assembly’s weight by 101 grams. However, the battery and trackpad contributed only minor savings of 2 grams and 8 grams, respectively.
The teardown also examined the laptop’s repairability. While the new model scored 5 out of 10—a point higher than last year’s M5 MacBook Pro—it still lags behind the MacBook Neo. Replacing components like USB-C ports, fans, and the headphone jack requires removing the entire logic board, even though these parts are technically replaceable. The HDMI and SDXC ports, along with RAM and storage, are soldered to the board, limiting repair options.
iFixit tested logic board swaps between two MacBooks and found that the new model successfully recognized the battery, display, and Touch ID sensor after the swap. True Tone, brightness controls, and the touchscreen functioned as expected, and fingerprint enrollment was possible using a donor board. This contrasts with last year’s M5 model, which failed Touch ID calibration during similar tests.
FAQ
How does the illuminated Apple logo work?
The logo uses four LEDs paired with a reflective layer and diffuser to spread light evenly. Its two-way mirror coating allows it to appear reflective when off and transparent when lit.
What improvements did Apple make to the display?
Apple implemented tandem OLED technology with stacked light-emitting layers for higher brightness. Blue subpixels are larger than red and green ones, potentially enhancing display longevity.
Why is the repairability score 5/10?
While the new model improved slightly over last year’s score, replacing key components still requires removing the logic board. Many parts, including ports and storage, are soldered to the board, limiting repairability.
The hard truth
The new MacBook Pro’s repairability remains limited despite incremental improvements. Replacing common components requires complex procedures, and the illuminated logo’s design may complicate future repairs. While the display and touch features are innovative, these technical choices may increase long-term maintenance costs for users.
Source Attribution
Source: 9to5Mac