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Apple’s Illuminated Logo and OLED Innovations in New MacBook Pro Revealed
A detailed analysis by iFixit has uncovered technical insights into Apple’s latest MacBook Pro featuring the PROLED XDR Display. The teardown focuses on the return of the illuminated Apple logo, the design of the tandem OLED display, and the device’s improved weight, among other findings.
The illuminated Apple logo on the laptop’s lid is a standout feature, achieved through a unique lighting system. According to the teardown, the logo is lit by a strip of four LEDs that work with a reflective layer and diffuser to evenly distribute light. When the LEDs are off, the logo’s two-way mirror coating gives it a reflective, shiny appearance, while allowing light to pass through when activated.
The tandem OLED display, which stacks two light-emitting layers, is highlighted as a key innovation. This design reportedly enhances brightness compared to traditional single-layer OLEDs. Under microscopic examination, iFixit noted that blue subpixels are larger than red and green ones, a design choice that may reduce material strain and prolong the display’s lifespan.
Despite the addition of touch capabilities and the illuminated logo, Apple managed to reduce the MacBook Pro’s overall weight by 92 grams (from 3.4 pounds or 1.55 kg to 3 pounds or 1.38 kg). The display assembly alone lost 101 grams, though the battery and trackpad contributed smaller reductions.
iFixit also tested the device’s repairability, assigning it a score of 5 out of 10. This marks an improvement over last year’s M5 model but falls short of the cheaper MacBook Neo’s score. Notably, replacing components like USB-C ports, fans, and the headphone jack still requires removing the entire logic board, even though these parts are technically replaceable. The HDMI port, SDXC port, RAM, and storage remain soldered to the board.
During testing, swapping logic boards between two MacBook Pro units proved successful in some aspects. The new model recognized the battery, display, and Touch ID sensor after a swap, with features like True Tone and touchscreen functionality operating normally. However, the previous year’s M5 model struggled with Touch ID calibration through Apple’s Repair Assistant.
FAQ
How does the illuminated Apple logo work?
The logo uses four LEDs in conjunction with a reflective layer and diffuser to evenly distribute light. A two-way mirror coating allows it to appear reflective when off and transparent when lit.
What is the repairability score of the new MacBook Pro?
iFixit gave the device a score of 5 out of 10, one point higher than the M5 model but one point below the MacBook Neo.
Can components like the headphone jack be replaced without removing the logic board?
No. Replacing the headphone jack still requires removing the entire logic board, despite it being a separately replaceable component.
The Hard Truth
The new MacBook Pro’s repairability remains a concern, with key components requiring invasive repairs. While the illuminated logo and OLED display showcase engineering prowess, the difficulty in replacing certain parts may deter users seeking long-term maintainability. This makes the device more suitable for those prioritizing performance over ease of repair.
Source Attribution
Source: 9to5Mac