Macs have gone from being relatively easy to open to becoming devices where every repair can be an odyssey, and it's no coincidence. Design, security and business decisions They come together so that changing a battery, expanding storage or replacing a screen is no longer as affordable as it was a few years ago.
If you wonder why this happens, you will see that the reasons are not just one, but a set of factors: from welded and glued components that prevent substitutions, to verification systems that require Apple's own tools and software. All of this coexists with initiatives such as the right to repair, repairability indices in Europe and self-service programs that, although helpful, do not solve the root of the problem.
From the easy-to-upgrade Mac to the almost-closed laptop
There was a time when you could open up a Mac and upgrade the RAM, swap out the hard drive for a larger one, or replace the battery when it started to get weak. Those home improvements were common, and many users extended the life of their equipment with simple and affordable operations.
Today the picture is different: on modern MacBooks, the RAM and SSD are usually soldered together to the motherboard. If one of them fails or you run out of capacity, the solution is to replace the entire logic board, a repair that can cost hundreds of euros and isn't always worth the cost compared to buying a new computer.
Added to this is that the battery, in many models, is firmly attached to the chassisSafely removing it requires time, experience, and the right tools; it's not the typical quick-change option of yesteryear. While Apple has brought back useful ports like HDMI and an SDXC card reader on some devices, the ease of repair or upgrade hasn't returned.
The consequence is clear: among hobbyists and independent technicians, the reputation of Apple laptops for repairability has plummetedThis perception isn't just anecdotal; external reports and ratings support it with objective data and methodologies.
What the repairability indices say: who passes and who fails
PIRG's (Public Interest Research Group) annual Failing the Fix report analyzed the 10 most recent devices on sale from each brand as of January 2025 in the United States. Scoring focuses on actual repairability, giving more weight to how easy it is to disassemble a device, because that point reflects what the user perceives when they want to fix something.
In that ranking, ASUS and Acer appear as the brands that make disassembly easier and, therefore, repairs. HP laptops continue to show no improvement after a drop in repairability between 2023 and 2024, and Lenovo shows inconsistent performance and also with information gaps which makes it difficult to evaluate their case on equal terms.
Apple, for its part, comes out poorly in the laptop category. The study places it among the lowest scores, and highlights that got the worst grade in dismantling from the list (indicated as 97 in its methodology). However, there is an interesting nuance: its overall score rises from 4,3 to 5,1 compared to the previous year, partly because the company supported right to repair legislation in California and launched a self-service repair program that, while limited, does earn points.
In Europe, France has taken the lead with its "reparability index," a score that manufacturers must publish when selling devices. The company displays these scores in the French Apple Store, although They appear at the end of the purchasing process and are not visible in other regional versions of its website. The index depends on criteria defined by the Ministry of Ecological Transition: Available documentation, ease of disassembly and access, necessary tools, availability and price of parts, and category-specific criteria.
By that standard, Apple acknowledges that its devices don't shine. An iPhone 12 Pro gets 6,0/10; and among laptops, Macs with Apple M1 chips average 5,6, below models with Intel that are around 6,3. In contrast, there are mobiles like the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite with a 7,1, and in laptops we see from an Asus Chromebook Flip 14 with 5,7 up to Asus gaming laptops that reach 7,3, a competitive figure.
Security, biometrics, and the role of the T2 chip in repairs
Another key factor in the difficulty of repairing certain Macs is the T2 chip, present in computers such as the iMac Pro and the 2018 MacBook Pro. This chip groups together functions that were previously distributed across several controllers: camera ISP, audio, SSD management and the classic SMC (System Management Controller), in addition to hosting the Secure Enclave that protects biometric data and processes such as secure boot.
What does this entail? After repairing certain components, the equipment may require a validation using official diagnostic software Apple to become fully operational. This software, the Apple Service Toolkit 2, is for internal use by Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers; third parties without this certification cannot legally access it, leaving them in the dark for security-related repairs.
If an unauthorized person performs the intervention and then turns on the Mac, the system may request authentication on the restricted serviceWithout these credentials, the result can be an inoperable device, which in practice directs the user to the official network. It's a similar model to some cars and brands like John Deere, where diagnostic tools and codes are part of the lock.
Apple argues that this philosophy protects critical features like Touch ID and Face ID, and by extension, privacy. From the outside, voices like those at iFixit pose the dilemma: is this a control strategy Does this concentrate repairs on the official network, or is it an unavoidable safety penalty? Whatever the balance, it certainly complicates repairs carried out by self-employed or independent repairers.
The parallel market and its limits: parts, quality, and other obstacles
Outside the official channels, a genuine ecosystem of unauthorized repairs, especially in the iPhone. There are companies that manufacture aftermarket parts—for example, screens and digitizers—and supply thousands of stores around the world; it is estimated that there are around 15.000 of these businesses.
The quality of the spare part is decisive: the stores distinguish quality ranges And, on displays, "Premium" ones better match the original experience. Using lower-quality parts can have noticeable effects on response speed, color reproduction, and breakage resistance, which impacts both satisfaction and the durability of the repair.
But even with good material and expert hands, Apple's tendency to reinforce controls, adhesives and calibration procedures makes it each generation is more demandingFor the user, this translates into fewer options, higher budgets, and response times that don't always fit with everyday emergencies.
The result is a scenario where, in many cases, the question is no longer “can I fix it?” but “can I fix it?” pays off repair it?” And that answer depends on the part, the model, the availability of spare parts, and the specific policy affecting that device.
Is it that hard to open a Mac? The case of the 15-inch MacBook Air at iFixit
When iFixit took apart the 15-inch MacBook Air, the final score was a 3/10. It may seem very low, but, in the Apple context, it is not one of the worst: there were MacBook Pros with Retina displays that obtained 1/10, practically a “don’t try it at home.”
In that particular teardown, the iFixit team describes the experience with the device as “horrible.” sticky battery, and points out that removing the logic board required dealing with the speakers, further complicating the steps. These are small obstacles that, combined, increase the risk and time of any intervention outside of a specialized service.
Beyond repairability, the 15-inch model adds some interesting facts: it is a 22% heavier than the 13 version, offers 26% more pixels, is only 0,2 mm thicker and has a battery of 66,5 WhIt's a very attractive device for those who want more screen space without sacrificing the Air spirit, but all this comes at the cost of a design that's still a bit unfriendly to a screwdriver.
Apple has launched its program self-service repair In Europe, with manuals, parts, and rental tools. It's a step forward in transparency, yes, but when disassembly is intricate, parts are welded, and adhesives are plentiful, the practical barrier remains. For many users, the reasonable option ends up being an official service center or an authorized service center.
The right to repair and the real cost of a complex repair
The right to repair has gained momentum in Europe and the United States, with legislation requiring more repairable designs and access to documentation and parts. The reality of the workshop, however, is stubborn: Without hardware designed to facilitate disassembly, the right can remain a dead letter.
In the field of smartphones, Apple is a clear example of how a repair can become very expensive. Replacing the screen of an iPhone 14 Pro Max in Spain can cost up to 799 euros without AppleCare+, and in other cases, such as an intervention with severe structural damage, an official service could provide figures such as 703 Euros to change, according to documented cases.
When facing such a serious repair, the process requires specialized machinery, and if the chassis is bent, it may be impossible to use the official removal tools. Repairing the rear window may involve completely disassembling the interior and relocating it to a new chassis, something only suitable for highly trained hands with the proper tools.
In addition, if after the repair the system detects that the part is not “original” or has not been activated through official channels, iOS may disable features such as True Tone or auto-brightness. In one documented case, such a repair led four and a half hours even to an experienced professional, which illustrates the complexity we face.
It's not all bad news: in the iPhone 14, Apple introduced a chassis that makes it easier to change the rear glassIn that specific intervention, a saving of 348 Euros compared to the official service, a sign that design can make a huge difference in cost and viability.
Repair your old Mac or upgrade? A real dilemma.
Let's consider a very common case: an early 2015 13-inch MacBook Pro with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD, used for Lightroom and office automationThe screen needs labor, the battery needs replacing, and there are a few things that aren't working. The question is whether to take it to Apple, a trusted technician, or upgrade to a new device.
On older machines, the sum of a screen, a battery, and other repairs can be dangerously close to the value of a more modern laptop. In authorized hands, you'll get warranty and insured parts, but the estimate is usually higher; at a good independent shop, the cost can be lower, with the counterpart of equivalent parts and less fit with Apple's verification ecosystem.
What if you go for a new Mac? Mac mini It seems cheap at first, but you will need a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and when doing numbers the final price goes upAn iMac simplifies everything by coming "turnkey," although it usually means a larger outlay. If you open the door to the PC, there are pre-built desktops that can perform very well in photo editing, but it's advisable choose the right CPU, RAM and storage so as not to fall short with Lightroom.
The iPad, with its increasingly capable editing apps, can be a partial solution, although not everyone is comfortable with its touch-based workflow. If you're coming from a Mac and are familiar with classic Lightroom, migrating to an iPad workflow can be a bit more complicated. slow you down At first, consider whether the change in your daily routine is really worth it.
Practical advice: ask for fixed quotes for critical parts (screen and battery), compare them with the cost of a new device that meets your needs and consider the extra lifespan you could gain. If the 2015 responds well after a clean formatting And the investment is reasonable, it may be a good way to extend its use; if not, perhaps it's time for a replacement.
Official Tools: What Apple Diagnostics Can (and Can't) Do
Before thinking about spare parts, it is worth spending the Apple Diagnostics to rule out hardware problems. This utility checks the motherboard, memory, and wireless components, and in many cases, it can be run even when macOS won't boot.
Note: Apple Diagnostics does not test external peripherals (such as USB) or third-party parts, and does not detect software conflictsIf you don't find any physical errors, the source may be within the system, and you may want to reinstall macOS or check the settings in apps like Lightroom before opening your computer.
If the diagnosis does report hardware errors, you will have an objective basis to decide whether to run the warranty (if applicable), go to a Authorized SAT or seek a quote from an independent repair shop with good references and experience with Macs.
Looking at the bigger picture—increasingly integrated designs, low repairability scores, safety-related testing requirements, and high costs for complex repairs—it's easy to see why fixing a Mac can be a chore. Brands that prioritize easy disassembly They are doing better, and legislative initiatives are pushing for improvements, but in the meantime, users must calmly choose between repairing, updating, or renewing equipment according to their circumstances and their budget.
