Apple’s M4 MacBook Air is Still a Repair Nightmare, Says iFixit

Apple’s new M4 MacBook Air is here, boasting faster performance, a better camera, and a surprising $100 USD price cut (well, $50 in Canada). But if you’re hoping for easier repairs, don’t hold your breath.

According to iFixit’s Elizabeth Chamberlain, Apple’s latest laptop is still a frustrating mess when it comes to fixing it.

The M4 MacBook Air keeps the same 2022 design but upgrades its processing power, doubles the base memory to 16GB, and bumps the camera up to 4K, now starting at $1,399 CAD (it was $1,449). But while Apple’s marketing is all sunshine and speed, the repair story isn’t as bright.

The battery is easy to access, but Apple still hasn’t included the fancy self-releasing adhesive seen in new iPhones. Instead, users have to deal with old-school pull tabs that can easily break, forcing a messy workaround, says iFixit. Port repairs are a rare highlight—MagSafe and USB-C ports are modular and relatively simple to replace.

But when it comes to the display, Apple makes it way harder than it needs to be. Removing the screen involves a complex process that is not for the faint of heart. Even worse, Apple’s software locks mean that if you don’t buy your replacement parts through Apple’s official Self Service Repair, you could lose features like True Tone.

And don’t even think about replacing the keyboard or Touch ID sensor. Both are buried under layers of components, making repairs nearly impossible without tearing the whole machine apart.

Despite Apple’s promises, the M4 MacBook Air earns a scathing 5 out of 10 repairability score. It’s better than an iPad—but that’s a low bar. Chamberlain says that until Apple fixes its restrictive software approach, true repairability will remain a pipe dream.

Check out the full M4 MacBook Air teardown below:

Apple has refurbished M3 MacBook Airs available online for a discount, so you can save by buying last year’s model.