MacBook Neo becomes Apple’s most repair-friendly laptop in years, says iFixit

Apple’s newly introduced MacBook Neo is not only its most affordable MacBook to date, but also the most repairable model the company has released in “about fourteen years,” according to a detailed teardown conducted by repair specialists at iFixit.

The standout improvement, according to iFixit, is the battery design. Unlike previous MacBook models, where batteries were typically glued in place, the MacBook Neo uses a battery housed in a tray secured with 18 screws. While that may seem excessive, iFixit emphasised that screws are far preferable to adhesive for repairs, noting that this change alone significantly simplifies battery replacement. The update was so notable that it reportedly “sent cheers across the iFixit office.”

Additional design changes that improve repairability include a more straightforward disassembly structure, compatibility with replacement parts via Apple’s Repair Assistant without triggering issues, and easier replacement of components such as the display and keyboard.

Despite these improvements, iFixit still identified some limitations. The MacBook Neo retains soldered RAM and storage, which makes upgrading these components difficult or impossible. As a result, the device received a repairability score of 6 out of 10. Even so, iFixit described this as a strong result compared to previous MacBook models.

The shift marks a notable departure from Apple’s earlier design philosophy. In 2012, the company introduced a redesigned Retina Display MacBook Pro, which significantly reduced user repairability. That model featured components such as memory and batteries that were glued or otherwise fixed in place, earning it a repairability score of just 1 out of 10 from iFixit. The redesign was part of a broader effort by Apple to centralise repairs through its own services and authorised providers.

Over the years, Apple has faced ongoing criticism for resisting right-to-repair legislation and implementing “parts pairing” systems that restricted the use of third-party components. However, evolving regulations — including laws passed in states like Oregon — have pressured the company to ease some of these restrictions, particularly regarding iPhone repairs that use older or non-original parts.

While the MacBook Neo still includes soldered memory and storage, iFixit noted that the components most likely to fail are now far more accessible than in recent MacBook designs. “The battery is screwed down instead of glued in. The ports are modular. The display is easier to replace. The internal layout is unusually sensible,” the teardown report stated.