MacBook Pro 16-inch 2019 Teardown

Product Overview

The 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro features a 16-inch LED-backlit IPS Retina display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920. It is powered by a 2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor, paired with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU. The device includes 16 GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 SDRAM, a 512 GB SSD, and a 100 Wh battery. It also introduces a new six-speaker system and a high-performance microphone array.

Design and Keyboard

The 16-inch model is slightly larger and thicker than its 15-inch predecessor. A significant change is the return to a scissor-switch mechanism for the Magic Keyboard, replacing the previous butterfly design. The new keyboard features a physical Esc key, a matte-finish Touch ID/power button, and a redesigned inverted-T arrow key layout. Despite the mechanical change, the keyboard assembly remains riveted to the chassis, making it difficult to repair.

Thermal and Internal Improvements

The device features a redesigned thermal system with larger fans and exhaust vents, allowing for 28% more airflow. This improvement enables the system to handle higher power loads during intensive tasks. The internal layout includes a 99.8 Wh battery, the largest ever in a MacBook, achieved by increasing the thickness of individual cells by 0.8 mm.

Repairability and Maintenance

The MacBook Pro 16-inch 2019 receives a repairability score of 1 out of 10. While the trackpad is modular and relatively easy to replace, most critical components are not. The processor, RAM, and flash storage are soldered to the logic board. The keyboard, battery, speakers, and Touch Bar are secured with glue and rivets, significantly complicating repairs. Additionally, the Touch ID sensor is tied to the logic board, further increasing the complexity of hardware maintenance.