iFixit has published a detailed teardown of Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro, uncovering the specific hardware modifications required to restore the laptop’s iconic illuminated logo. The analysis highlights the engineering trade-offs Apple made to reintroduce the branding element on a device that no longer relies on traditional backlighting.
Engineering the PROLED logo
Previous generations of MacBook Pro laptops used liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that required a backlight panel. Apple utilized a physical cutout in the aluminum lid to allow this backlight to shine through the Apple logo. The transition to OLED screens eliminated the need for a separate backlight layer, which initially led Apple to remove the glowing feature entirely in 2016.
To bring the design back for the new PROLED XDR Display model, Apple implemented a different solution. The teardown shows a light strip containing four LEDs positioned behind the display panel. These LEDs project light through a diffuser layer to illuminate the logo from within.
The logo itself is coated with a material iFixit describes as functioning like a two-way mirror. This coating allows the emblem to appear metallic and reflective when the device is powered off, while still permitting light to pass through when the internal LEDs are active. This approach recreates the familiar aesthetic without compromising the thin profile of the OLED screen.
Repairability and internal design
The teardown also examined other structural changes Apple made to reduce the laptop’s weight. The company used less aluminum in both the base and the lid of the chassis. Additionally, the trackpad was slightly smaller than in previous iterations, and the hinge mechanism was redesigned to minimize screen wobble when the touchscreen is tapped.
These modifications do not improve the device’s repairability. iFixit noted that the laptop remains difficult to disassemble. Replacing the USB-C ports requires removing the entire logic board. Other critical components, including the memory modules and the HDMI port, are soldered directly to the motherboard.
The new MacBook Pro carries a price tag of up to $15,000. While high-end users may not prioritize self-repair, the internal design reflects Apple’s continued preference for integrated components over user-serviceable parts. The glowing MacBook logo serves as a visual distinction for the company’s most expensive laptop, separating it from standard consumer models.
Source: Engadget
