Apple’s cheapest laptop is also its most repairable. iFixit gave the new MacBook Neo a 6/10 repairability score. Although that number would only be mediocre for, say, a game review or final exam grade, it’s the MacBook line’s highest iFixit score in about 14 years.
As always, iFixit goes into great detail about the product’s repairability, but a few points stand out. First, the MacBook Neo’s battery is screwed down rather than glued — moving it from “this might burn the house down” to “routine repair” territory. The laptop also has a flat disassembly tree. That means its battery, speakers, ports and trackpad are all immediately accessible after opening the back case.
In other areas, a simplified antenna assembly helps the screen come away cleanly. Keyboard repair is still a bit tedious (41 screws and tape), but at least it isn’t riveted to the top case like on other models. (The screwed-not-glued battery helps here, too.) Apple’s decision to forego a Force Touch trackpad and return to a mechanical style improves repairability as well. And in a nice touch, all the machine’s Torx Plus screw sizes are clearly labeled inside the case.
