Both the new MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with the M1 chip have interesting differences with the Intel at the performance level. However, there are several aspects in which both teams look identical to their predecessors. From iFixit they have complied with their traditional disassembly of new devices and we have already been able to see the guts of these new computers, with the odd surprise that is worth analyzing.
Identical on the outside and inside?
A very simple game that we propose is to look at a new generation MacBook Air or Pro with Apple Silicon and another from this year with Intel chips and try to find their differences on an aesthetic level. You may not be able to see them in person, but if you search a bit online you can find excellent photographs of both. Already? Have you looked for it? If you have not done it, it does not matter, we will give you the answer: they are identical. This does not have to be a negative point in any case, but it is striking to say the least.
Both computers (Intel and M1) have 13.3-inch screens, a renewed keyboard with scissor mechanism identical to the Magic Keyboard, have identical borders and are even available in the same colors. Although it could have been expected that the ‘Pro’ would optimize its front by reducing the frames and reaching a 14-inch panel, the truth is that it has not been the case. Maybe next year something will change, but for now this is what it is.
In the iFixit report we have been able to verify that inside there are not too many changes , although there are some more than outside. In the MacBook Air, the lack of fans stands out visually, something that its predecessor did incorporate. This was on the left side of the board and has now been replaced by a heat sink . Also other changes on the board are palpable, in addition to the brand new M1 chip.
From the MacBook Pro it is recognized how complicated it was to differentiate it from the model with Intel, since in this team there are many more similarities than in the case of the ‘Air’. The cooling design of the computer, including fans, is identical to the previous model. Of course, this does not mean that for this reason the ventilation problems seen in previous generations are still present, since in the end the processor is totally different and it is already seeing a much better optimization than those that were with the Intel.
Something curious and that does not seem to have liked too much is that the integrated memory (RAM) is difficult to repair without official Apple tools. To this must be added the security T2 chip that in this case is directly integrated into the M1.
The conclusion of iFixit and that we also share in this writing, is that in the end these apparent changes are small, but enough to see a sample of the fine work that Apple has been doing in these years and that in the future it will be seen more abruptly. . In the end, you have to take into account that old phrase of not judging by appearances, since these teams are much more than what meets the eye.
