Just days after Apple officially introduced the new M5 MacBook Pro, repairability experts have released their first in-depth teardown of the device. The examination focused on whether Apple had made any major structural changes to the internal design and how easy or difficult it would be to service the machine.
The analysis revealed that the new model features performance-focused upgrades such as the M5 chip and faster SSD storage, but internally, the chassis remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. However, several small adjustments were identified that could directly impact repair processes.
The teardown confirmed that Apple continues to use P5 Pentalobe screws, which require special tools and make opening the device more complicated for anyone without Apple-specific equipment. Battery replacement, long known as one of the most challenging repairs on MacBook Pro models, remains just as complex — if not more so.
Instead of offering the battery as an individual part, Apple sells it as part of an integrated top case assembly that includes the keyboard. This means that anyone wanting to replace only the battery must also purchase the entire top case and keyboard module. Apple’s official service documentation indicates that nearly all internal components have to be removed to access and replace the battery.
Even basic access to components like the fan, ports, or other critical hardware requires removing the logic board first, making the repair procedure both time-consuming and complicated.
Despite these challenges, the teardown did reveal one minor improvement. In previous models, technicians had to remove the trackpad to reach the adhesive pull tabs securing the central battery cells. In the M5 model, this extra step is no longer required, slightly simplifying the removal process.
Another noteworthy detail is the battery capacity itself. The teardown showed that the M5 MacBook Pro includes a 72.6 Wh battery — a small increase from the 72.4 Wh capacity found in the previous M4 model. Interestingly, Apple’s official technical specifications still list the capacity as 72.4 Wh, creating a minor discrepancy.
Ultimately, while the new model brings marginal improvements in disassembly, the overall repairability remains poor. Due to the battery’s tightly integrated design and the complexity of the process, the M5 MacBook Pro received a repairability score of 4 out of 10.
