Apple announced the updated MacBook Pro models featuring Intel’s eighth-generation Core series processors last week. Now we hear from AppleInsider that Apple Repair Centres won’t be able to fix minor components on the new MacBook Pros until later this month. According to AppleInsider’s latest report, replacement keycaps will not be available until August. The rest of the parts on the other hand, including major ones like the motherboard and displays, will not be ready to hit the stores until late September.
Apparently, the training materials for repair of the MacBook Pros are already available at Apple stores and at Apple’s authorised repair centres. The tools for disassembly of the MacBook Pros stay the same as those used for the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.
For many years now, Apple has reportedly never had all parts available at retail repair locations until a month or two after the launch of a new Mac model. In the meantime Apple stores and Apple’s authorised service providers should still be able to provide some repairs depending on the severity of the complaint. Some customers may be asked to wait longer in case the device has to be shipped to a central depot for repair.
The new MacBook Pro is said to have a more durable keyboard. The previous year’s model was the target of many a keyboard-related complaint. One of the major complaints was that repeatedly hit keys would cease to work after a short period of time. Many claimed that such complaints arose because of Apple’s decision to switch to the new Butterfly-type keys. It was only at the end of June this year that Apple even admitted to there being such a problem. Apple then initiated a keyboard repair programme and started offering free of cost repair for its MacBook Pros that are plagued by keyboard issues. Sadly, the more silent keyboard on the 2018 MacBook Pros will not be the one replacing the faulty keyboards on older MacBooks that are submitted by users under the keyboard repair programme.
The recently updated MacBook Pro comes with a few new features, apart from the updated Intel Core CPUs, such as Bluetooth 5.0, True Tone display, support for external GPUs, and support for the ‘Hey Siri’ feature to activate the virtual assistant.