iFixit's teardown analysis reveals minimal internal changes between the M4 Pro MacBook Pro and its predecessor, the M3 Pro.
While the M4 Pro boasts a slightly larger heatsink, likely to accommodate the M4 Pro chip's increased power output, other components remain largely unchanged. The dual-fan cooling system and battery capacity are identical to the previous model. Some minor repositioning of integrated circuits (ICs) on the logic board is observed.
Externally, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro largely mirrors the M3 Pro, with the base M4 model gaining an additional Thunderbolt port to match the M3 Pro and M3 Max configurations. Unfortunately, no significant repairability improvements are noted, with battery replacement still posing a challenge due to the adhesive tabs requiring trackpad removal.
Looking ahead, Apple is rumored to be planning a major MacBook Pro redesign in 2026, coinciding with the MacBook Pro's 20th anniversary. This redesign may incorporate a thinner chassis, OLED display technology, and the new M6 chip family. Whether this redesign will address existing repairability concerns remains to be seen. For more on Apple's future plans, see Apple's Conversational AI Chatbot "LLM Siri" Coming in 2025.
This analysis suggests that the M4 Pro MacBook Pro prioritizes performance enhancements over significant design or repairability changes. For insights into choosing the right Mac processor, check out Choosing the Right Mac Processor: A Comprehensive Guide. Those looking for Black Friday deals might be interested in Best MacBook Black Friday Deals 2024: Air & Pro.