Apple’s latest M5 MacBook Pro has received a small improvement in terms of repairability, according to a recent teardown by iFixit. It is the first model in the range to allow the battery to be replaced without removing the trackpad, which marks a gradual shift in Apple’s approach to repairs.
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However, the process remains far from simple for the average consumer. Through Apple’s Self Service Repair Store, the only replacement option currently available is a “Top Case with Battery and Keyboard”, meaning users must purchase and work with the full chassis section rather than replacing the battery alone. Although the trackpad can now stay in place, MacBook Pro owners still face the task of removing numerous screws and components simply to carry out a basic battery change. iFixit also noted that the latest model includes a slightly higher-capacity 72.6Wh battery compared with the previous version’s 72.4Wh battery.
Despite these incremental improvements, iFixit awarded the M5 MacBook Pro a repairability score of four out of ten. This rating suggests that, while the repair is technically achievable for those with the right tools and skills, the procedure remains more difficult than necessary and may deter many users.
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The score is one point lower than that of the earlier M1 MacBook Pro, which achieved a five out of ten. Even so, iFixit acknowledged that Apple has made some progress in enabling owners to carry out certain repairs, hinting at a slow but noticeable shift towards better accessibility and consumer choice in the future.
