Apple’s latest M4 MacBook Air has undergone iFixit’s teardown treatment, and while there aren’t any major surprises, it gives us a better look at what’s inside. Apple has stuck with the same chassis design introduced with the M2 model in 2022, meaning no changes to the way it opens up. While iPhones now feature battery adhesive that releases with electricity, MacBooks are still using traditional adhesive strips—making battery replacement a delicate task. The good news? USB-C ports, a common failure point, remain relatively easy to access. However, the display, keyboard, and Touch ID button are still tricky to repair. Despite Apple's improved product manuals and official parts access, iFixit remains critical of parts pairing restrictions, ultimately giving the new MacBook Air a middling repairability score of 5 out of 10.

Key Takeaways:

• Same design: The M4 MacBook Air retains the chassis introduced with the M2 variant in 2022.
• Battery replacement: Unlike iPhones, which use new electric-release adhesive, this MacBook Air still relies on traditional adhesive strips, making replacement tricky.
• USB-C port accessibility: A bright spot—these ports are relatively easy to reach and replace, given their frequent failure in previous models.
• Hard-to-repair components: The display, keyboard, and Touch ID button remain challenging to access.
• No major internal changes: Aside from the upgraded M4 chip and a better webcam, the internal arrangement is largely the same.
• Repairability score: iFixit gave it 5 out of 10, citing Apple’s restrictive parts pairing rules despite offering official repair manuals.

For those hoping for improved user repairability, this MacBook Air doesn’t break new ground—but at least Apple’s repair documentation makes serviceability a little easier. What do you think? Should Apple lower repair barriers, or are we stuck in the "authorized repair shop" era forever? 🚀
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