MacBook Air Teardown Shows Non-upgradeable Storage and RAM
Apple's 2018 MacBook Air is generally easy to repair but some, basic components that have directly impact to performance remain non-upgreadable.
iFixit took the new 2018 MacBook Air appart and proved that that the device relies much more on adhesive strips rather than the "gooey solvents" of previous models. These strips can be easily pulled off to take apart the laptop, whereas the solvents "booby-trapped" the process previously. The teardown also confirms recent reports that the 2018 MacBook Air’s battery is much easier to replace.
The device's Touch ID sensor and Thunderbolt ports on separate logic boards, meaning that the main logic board won’t have to be entirely replaced just because one port develops a fault. In addition, all the laptop’s ports have separate logic boards, making them easily replaceable. Many components are modular and straightforward to access—including the ports, fan, and speakers.
However, the report is critical about the lack of upgradeable RAM or storage, since these components are soldered. In addition, the keyboard is integrated into the top case, requiring a full teardown for service.