To make MacBooks thinner and lighter, Apple has chosen to solder various components directly onto the logic board, including RAM and other storage. While this does make the device more sleek, it also means that users cannot upgrade these components themselves. When a MacBook’s performance needs a boost, users often have no choice but to purchase a new device, which unfortunately adds to electronic waste.

Another notable limitation is Apple’s use of proprietary Silicon Chips, which means that there is no possibility of upgrading between different generations of Apple Silicon. So, for example, if you want to upgrade from M1 to M2, you will need to buy a completely new MacBook.

This lack of upgradability in MacBooks is a major concern for environmentally conscious consumers. Electronic waste is a more significant issue than many people realize, and laptops that cannot be easily upgraded by users only contribute to this problem. Sustainable ownership, which involves extending a device’s lifespan through upgrades, becomes quite challenging with MacBooks.

The limited upgradability of these devices is an important factor to consider for potential buyers. Those who value the flexibility to customize their laptops according to their changing needs or those who want to reduce their environmental impact may find the MacBook’s design philosophy to be a significant obstacle.