Inside the MacBook Air M3 (2024) – Repair Overview & Teardown Guide

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OVERVIEW:

The all-new M3 MacBook Air 13-inch in Starlight (Model A3113) features a sleek design with notable similarities to its M2 predecessor, especially in internal layout and component placement. This teardown walks through the delicate process of opening the device, removing key components such as the trackpad, logic board, and battery, and highlights common repair points like the trackpad, keyboard, and LCD. Throughout the repair, attention is given to the unique elements of the M3 model, including color-matched parts and relocated connectors, ensuring a precise and effective repair process.

See official Apple specs for this model

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 4 TO 5 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate connectors and components, as well as familiarity with precision screwdrivers and adhesive removal techniques.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a Pentalobe screwdriver for the bottom case screws, a suction cup for lifting the bottom case, a T3 screwdriver for various cover screws and connectors, a T5 screwdriver for trackpad and logic board screws, a T8 screwdriver for LCD hinge screws, a plastic spudger for safely disconnecting cables, tweezers for handling adhesive strips, and adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol for loosening glued components.

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Remove Bottom Case

• Flip the MacBook Air over and use a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the four bottom screws, noting the shorter screws near the LCD hinge.
• Attach a suction cup to the bottom case, then gently pry up the sides to release clips securing the bottom case.
• Slide the bottom case away from the hinge hooks and lift it off to expose the internals.

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Disconnect Battery

• Using a T3 screwdriver, remove the battery cover.
• With a plastic spudger, carefully lift and disconnect the battery connector to prevent electrical damage during repair.

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Remove Trackpad Flex Cable

• Peel back the folded trackpad flex cable beneath its retention bracket..

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Remove Trackpad

• Switch to a T5 screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the trackpad.
• Carefully feed the flex cable through the opening and lift out the trackpad assembly.
• Note the small washers on the trackpad posts that provide tactile click feedback—ensure these are transferred to any replacement part

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Remove Logic Board Covers and Disconnect Connectors

• Remove T3 screws securing multiple logic board connection covers on the right and left sides, exposing connections for the speakers, Wi-Fi antennas, microphone array, LCD proximity sensor, and headphone jack.
• Peel back and disconnect the respective cables using a plastic spudger.

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Remove Wi-Fi Antenna Modules

• Using a T5 screwdriver, remove four screws at the top of the logic board securing Wi-Fi antenna modules.
• Carefully pull out the antenna modules.

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Remove Speaker

• Using a T5 screwdriver, remove four screws at the top of the logic board securing speaker modules.
• Carefully pull out the speakers on both the left and right sides.

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Remove LCD Assembly

• Remove the front two T3 screws on the logic board side of the LCD hinge covers.
• Remove six T8 screws securing the LCD hinges (three on each side).
• Ensure the LCD proximity sensor cable is fully disconnected from the top case.
• Lift and set aside the LCD assembly.

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Remove Microphone and Headphone Jack Assembly

• Remove two T5 screws securing the microphone/headphone jack assembly.
• Note that this part is color-specific and must match the device’s finish.

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Remove Logic Board Screws and Disconnect I/O Ports

• Remove T5 screws holding the logic board in place, avoiding the four central T3 screws that secure the heat sink to the chip.
• Remove T3 screws and peel back the retention plate to access the Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C ports, and MagSafe 3 port.
• Use a plastic spudger to disconnect all ports and cables, taking care to keep color-specific parts matched.

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Remove Daughter Board and Disconnect Keyboard Cables

• Remove the T5 screw securing the daughter board that controls audio, Touch ID, and keyboard backlighting.
• Disconnect the Touch ID flex cable using a T3 screwdriver and carefully peel the daughter board off the top case, noting adhesive patches.
• Disconnect keyboard and backlighting cables.

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Remove Touch ID Assembly

• Using a T3 screwdriver, remove the Touch ID assembly from the top case.
• Pull the flex cable through to fully free the Touch ID component.

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Remove Battery

• Peel up adhesive pull tabs on the battery with tweezers, pulling straight to avoid snapping.
• Remove the T3 screws securing the battery cover.
• Carefully disconnect the battery daughterboard flex cable.
• Remove remaining screws securing the battery and lift the battery out.

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Optional Component Removals

• If needed, remove the microphone array by peeling off adhesive and disconnecting cables.
• For keyboard replacement, remove all border screws with a Pentalobe (PL1) screwdriver and peel the keyboard off, replacing the backlighting as necessary.

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CONCLUSION:

This detailed teardown of the M3 MacBook Air 13-inch reveals a repair process very similar to its M2 predecessor, with some subtle but important differences such as color-matched connectors and relocated battery plugs. The most common repairs will involve the trackpad, keyboard, and display, making understanding these components crucial for effective service. Following these careful, step-by-step instructions helps ensure a smooth disassembly and reassembly. Whether replacing hardware due to liquid damage or general failure, this guide will assist technicians in performing precise and safe repairs on the M3 MacBook Air.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Investing in quality screwdrivers, spudgers, and adhesive removers will make the repair smoother and protect your device from accidental damage.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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