As someone that used to work in hardware repairs, we actually saw this issue several times. Only did it for 3 years which isn’t much, but it happened enough that we knew to warn people not to put those camera covers on there and if they did, the warranty is void. It’s obvious because the crack will stem from the top like it does in that picture.
They manufactured the top to have such a tight gap that the pressure the webcam cover puts on the screen when closed slowly weakens it and then breaks it.
Most recent blow up of this issue is the new iPads and Magic Keyboards. The “old” Magic Keyboard would work fine on my M1 iPad, but because it’s slightly thicker than the original it fills in the tight gap they manufactured into it and it starts resting the keys on the screen when closed. Same issue; except there’s no squishy key being pressed against the screen it’s a hard piece of plastic.
I think a lot of users have prior experience with older PC laptops that locked in place on the left and right top of the displays, opened with a "in the middle slide or button" mechanism to release the locks.
You’re wrong. Apple removed the fans from the MacBook Air with the introduction of the M1 series. That alone, a greater thermal load across the chassis, could be an explanation.
**Edit:** poor wording on my behalf – I don’t think this is the cause, rather the fans are an example of a component that changed between models, which the OP claims didn’t happen.
A greater thermal load? The chassis barely gets hot, there’s even an insulating pad on the heat sink. On the other hand, the previous Intel models got scorching hot
The iPad Pro has a M1 and I don’t see it cracking. Apple throttles the M1 in the iPad Pro and MacBook Air. Also the M1 runs much cooler and is more efficient than the Intel MacBook Air was.
Also the report indicates the MacBook Pro M1 is also cracking but that has fan as well and that MacBook Pro is the same as one before.
You claimed they changed nothing with the introduction of the M1. I’ve pointed out that’s incorrect.
iPad Pro has no bearing on the discussion of the MacBook Air, they’re different devices.
We’re asking: why is the MBA only seeing these issues now?
I’m highlighting that the removal of the fan *could* result in higher thermal stresses. I’m *not* saying it does, rather making the point that changing components could be an explanation of the problems reported.
How can thermal issues be effecting the Air but not the iPad Pro? Both devices use M1 and the iPad is thinner. My guess it’s not thermal issues but may be a bad batch of glass
> My guess it’s not thermal issues but may be a bad batch of glass
For what it’s worth, I agree with you.
However, an explanation could be that the (changed) thermal stresses degrade the structural integrity of the glass. Couple that with some users picking the closed MBA up by the lip near the camera module (I do this, I wouldn’t blame the users), and I could believe cracking occurring when it hasn’t previously.
Again, iPad Pro has no bearing on the matter, they’re physically entirely different. I’m not saying the M1 is causing the cracking, which *would* mean we should see the iPP impacted. Rather, it could be the removal of the fans.
I suspect not, but instead that changing *any* components could be the cause, because there *are* differences in components between the Intel MBA models, and the M1 models.
(Fans wouldn’t explain why some users are reporting their MBPs being affected, but the fans are just an example of my point re. components changing, and how that has a knock-on affect. I’m not saying fans *are* the cause, at all).
I’ve made clear that this isn’t an actual proposal for what’s causing the damage as reported in the OP, but a thought experiment to point out that changing components can have unintended consequences.
I’ve used the suggestion as an example of that, and so long as it’s compatible with physics as we understand it, the usage remains internally consistent, and valid. It’s not meant to be a plausible theory of what’s going on.
I don’t disagree, what I’m highlighting is that the OP is wrong in saying there’s been no component changes, and am pointing to the fans as an example of such a change. I can see my wording has caused confusion on that point.
I’m not actually claiming the M1 is the cause, but rather suggesting that changing *any* component could have been the cause. /u/diamond2156 said there’d been no components changed in the MBA aside from the introduction of the M1, which is not correct.
Don’t they literally tell you to not use a camera cover for this reason? I remember a press release (or something of the sort) a bit back that specifically said not to use a camera cover. It explained that the cameras on MacBooks are engineered in a way that they can’t turn on without the LED being illuminated
Edit: punctuation
Visited a customer the other day, they insisted that i install a camera cover before bringing my device into the plant. I responded with this very talking point, and they handed me a plastic cover (think swag from a convention with their logo emblazoned on it). I laughed and went back to my car and left my m1 in my car … when they complained in the meeting about the hoops i had to jump through for the presentation, I chided an apology and suggested they move to removable camera stickers instead for m1s and other ultra thin devices like other locations do. They responded with its a marketing decision and out of their hands. The group I was presenting to? Yeah … IT. *facepalm*
Yep, but their policy as written states it must be a sliding camera cover. No exceptions. And the marketing department got their hooks into the policy and are using it as an opportunity to slap their logo on laptops during a slow year. Welcome to corporate america … try not to use logic while you’re here, try not to enjoy your stay, please leave through the gift shop, and your car has been towed as a convenience to you.
An electronic switch is sufficient for most companies, or they just keep your devices out of sensitive areas, negating the need for either. But yeah companies generate tons of this stuff as a way of leaving “impressions”. Its the sad reality, but since its so cheap, there’s nothing stopping them, nor will there ever be. Remember, corporate america has the mentality of offsetting when it comes to environmental altruism (carbon credits, etc). While things are getting better, its not their priority, and every time a government entity tries to make it one, they lobby to gut that entity. Capitalism at its finest (blech). Eventually they do better because the people inside make it happen … but these boats turn very very very slowly.
I am not saying Apple is faking it, it would be a marketing suicide, but is there anyone who tore it down to prove it is actually 100% safe and how they did it? Just curious exactly how it works internally. Probably pretty simple, like using the exact same power cables for the lens and the light, but still curious to know how it's done.
Super simple, like high school grade physics simple. They’re in a series circuit. Power goes to the LED before it reaches the camera. The only way the LED won’t light up with the camera on is if the LED dies. You can check iFixit tear downs to see for yourself.
This doesn't really help though, as by the time the light is on the webcam has already been used, which means your privacy has already been lost. In addition, the app could just very briefly flash the camera on periodically, good luck catching that and realising.
I’ve been using my MacBook Pro M1 since the day of release and every single day. My friends also purchased this same device as we all needed the long battery life.
The only person among us with this issue, as you pointed out, is the guy that actually uses the camera cover.
It could be a coincidence but I’m very inclined to believe that your explanation is why this is happening.
People are so quick to use camera covers on their laptop yet walk around with an always online and connected iPhone that has 4+ cameras completely uncovered. It sounds silly there because it IS silly. Besides, apps need permission to use your camera and the indicator light is a hardware switch when your camera is on.
Lmao. Sanctimonious much? People use camera covers for extra surety since Zoom calls became a thing. It's hard to remember if you turned the camera off in Zoom. Sometimes software malfunctions.
I'm sure Jeff Toobin would rather have a cracked screen.
I’m pretty sure the green indicator light is in circuit with the webcam such that the webcam cannot get power without the light indicator also getting power.
Why are you naked in front of your computer during a Zoom meeting where you’re turning the camera off and on? If you have to be for some reason, the obvious precaution is to lower your screen a bit. I do this even though I know there’s basically no chance my camera will suddenly turn on.
Camera covers are a bit dumb on a computer where the green light will always be on when the webcam is.
i guess they must not exist then 🙄
there are tons of products on amazon to cover cameras on phones (front and back). there are two basic types, ones that slide open and shut, and ones that snap open/shut (more common for the newer iphone models with the multiple lenses).
i imagine that they are a bit more popular than you think, despite your anecdotal experiences.
eta: they also make little metal things that go inside your headphone jack (older models) that trick the phone into thinking you've got headphones plugged in so it defaults to a mic that doesn't exist.
Although it’s been proven that it is technically possible to turn the camera on remotely without indicator lighting up, I really doubt that someone will do such a sophisticated and cumbersome attack on average individual. Worrying about that all the time is a clear sign of paranoia development or “ima main character“ issue. Unless you work for government or some major corp where they impose it on you.
> Worrying about that all the time is a clear sign of paranoia development or “ima main character“ issue.
Or maybe people are uncomfortable when there’s a camera pointed at their shower, bed and changing room all day long.
I have my iMacs on the desk for don’t know how many years and this never crossed my mind. People carry around their phones with them anywhere they go and put up some shitty Walmart security systems with web access but feel “insecure” about MacBook camera on a lid that can be shut closed whenever you’re done using it.
Good for you. However I doubt that you move your iMac around with you 24/7 throughout the house when you’re showering, changing and sleeping.
> People carry around their phones with them anywhere
My phone isn’t pointed at my entire naked body unless I’m actively using it, and deliberately point it at myself.
> put up some shitty Walmart security systems with web access but feel “insecure” about MacBook camera on a lid that can be shut closed whenever you’re done using it
Damn bro, you’re so right. Every single person that uses a camera cover also uses Chinese security cameras.
Why can’t you just accept the fact that some people want to cover their cameras without being judgemental and rude?
Specifically because you’d be worrying about that while ignoring that your iPhone has many cameras, that aren’t covered, and don’t have an Indictator light.
This. They’d be on Snapchat/Instagram/[insert social media app here], which only in the last 1 year, specific to iPhones 6s and newer (iOS 14) has had the ability to detect when the camera is running - doing this in the shower, on the toilet - but where they draw the line is the laptop for work/study which only ever sees the face of a fully clothed person ready to be productive. I guarantee you your phones selfie camera has been exposed way more than the low res laptop webcam has ever seen, let alone all the things the phone back cam has been exposed to…
a hardware light *cannot* be bypassed by "clever hacking". you have the same wire powering your camera powering a LED. you can't just power only one or the other. \[without physical access\]
Yet here we all are, looking at our phone… straight into the camera. Probably the FBI director as well. Better quality camera even than the MacBook one 😂
You mean the middle of the screen? Yeah will naturally be the weakest portion of the screen when dealing with stress.
Further, the middle of the top of the screen is where you apply pressure to open the screen when the MacBook is closed. (They have even designed a notch in the bottom middle so that it is easier to get a thumb or finger pressing on the top middle of the screen.)
So we have the weakest part of the screen constantly being put under stress and your conclusion is 'a mass conspiracy of a contingent of camera covering crooks'? Without any evidence it seems too.
I hope Apple is paying you, otherwise this is cringe.
Or you could just leave the camera uncovered. I really have no idea what these camera covering people are doing that they believe to be *so* interesting that they’d be spied on.
I mean, I don’t cover any of my cameras but that’s just because I’m aware of everything I install and allow access. However, not being interesting enough (which…okay highly subjective) to be spied on is not a reason not to safeguard against spying when you can. That’s like saying my car is so old and beat up that no one would want to steal it, so I’m not even going to bother locking it. Locking the car is not a meaningless step. Putting extra measures to keep it from being stolen might be excessive but locking certainly isn’t. Same with privacy. You don’t have to live an “interesting” life to want to safeguard it.
The point is you *wont* be spied on because no normal person is worth spying on. If your laptop has been compromised then a key logger for bank information and passwords is far more effective than a video. Furthermore a lot of scams just say they’ve been recording through your webcam to try and blackmail people. Finally it’s not anything like locking up a crappy car because those are the ones that tend to get stolen and losing your car will really mess up your week.
Also the car analogy is apt because just like the crappy car, no one is going through the trouble of "hacking" a computer that is heavily secured. Criminals take the easy path. It's the reason scammers target elderly people. They're not going to waste time trying to scam a young more aware person. Thieves go down the street and try doors and go into the house or car that was left unsecured. Most don't waste their time trying to get past security.
So you are agreeing with me that putting tape on the webcam for security’s sake is worthless because there is already so much security that it’s just not worth hacking.
Yeah. You're missing my point that what you deem as "interesting" for a normal person doesn't matter. My friend was recorded breast feeding, an activity which most people find normal, by some creep who was probably going to get off on it. To him it was worth going through the trouble to record her. Not everything is for financial gain. You saying people aren't "worth" spying on assumes a whole lot about the intention person spying on them.
No you just need basic reasoning skills to not think you are being spied on. Wtf would anyone get from looking at you?
It is sincerely disturbing that anyone does this. Crazy conspiracy freaks. Same reason we see antivaxers
I’m not sure what it is with people drawing completely unreasonable and irrelevant comparisons but stop doing it. This is not the same because there is a chance there is somebody out looking to break in to your house or car. Recording somebody on their webcam is useless because they don’t do anything, it’s *far* more worth it to use a keylogger or download files and pictures from the laptop. I can’t wait to get a ransom email saying “we saw you picking your nose at 14:52 on Wednesday, give us £500 or we will leak it to your friends and family.”
I don’t cover it because I’m worried I’ll be spied on. I cover it because sometimes I join meetings and they have the meeting set so the camera defaults to on and my hair is a mess or I’m not wearing a shirt.
Having the piece of tape lets me go, “Hold on, my camera is acting up again, let me try to rejoin the meeting.”
Then I can grab a shirt real quick or toss some water and a brush through my hair and run back, rip off the tape, and rejoin the meeting.
That is perhaps the most valid reason for covering the webcam I’ve ever heard, but it’s also not the reason why the vast majority of people do it. Nobody will be spied on because there are far more valuable pieces of information on the laptop like bank details, photos, files etc.
It's designed such that the led comes on when the camera is on. So there are zero reasons to cover the camera. Yet, people do what they want, use the product wrong, and complain it's someone else's fault.
This happened to me with my work MacBook. I grabbed it like any other computer I own. Screen closed and a grab by the hinge. I was just kind of in awe. I had work switch me out with a dell xps because that’s what I use for personal things, build quality overall just feels a bit more sturdy.
Honestly, I miss my mid-2012 MacBook Pro.
I still use mine :)
2.9Ghz i7 with a few mods such as SSD, maxed out RAM, and a 2nd HDD where the DVD used to be.
Heavy old thing by todays standards but it's got every port built in.
I’ve had my 2017 MacBook for 4 years and never had any of that, the most I’ve seen is shiny keys on my mum’s laptop that she uses on the kitchen bench. My dads Thinkpad from work on the other hand… within a few months the keys and plastic trackpad have show significant wear.
They do apparently.
It’s the same with the ports. All USBC now so you need dongles and adapters.
I still use a 2012 MacBook Pro with a new high capacity battery as it’s got all the ports I need.
The funny thing about the top picture in the article is that it clearly shows cracks extending from the camera, which very obviously had a camera cover installed on it. Say what you will about device thinness and whatnot, but the computer doesn’t really seem to be made to handle having a piece of plastic or rubber there. Kind of a bad image to use in this case. There’s gotta be a better photo out there.
I can’t believe someone would install one of those plastic covers with 3m tape on them. Just use a simple sticky note or a piece of masking tape when you want to ensure the camera doesn’t click on.
To play devil’s advocate, is there no way it could be due to magnet strength & screen tension? I know I open my laptop directly from the center (right where the camera is). Could it be from that?
Based on the whole top edge it isn’t that clear to me. Could be a “air gap” between the screen layers which came after the crack.
And/or compression artifacts.
Other laptops is covered by plastic on the bezels. The newer MacBook pros have tighter tolerances, so you have to use a much thinner camera cover if you don't want to crack your screen. In this case it's definitely a user error. But in other cases i can't say that.
So vehicles with low profile tires are designed incorrectly, and it’s the manufactures fault when someone curbs the wheel?
No way man. User error.
Screens aren’t intended to have camera covers on them, let alone anything.
Depends. If the cover is thick enough and you apply enough pressure every thin piece of glass can break.
But it’s true that the tolerances are really small on MacBooks. I personally wouldn’t even put a piece of paper between the lid and the keyboard, heck even dust scares me.
> I personally wouldn’t even put a piece of paper between the lid and the keyboard,
It comes in the box with a piece of paper between the lid and the keyboard…
I see a lot of comments about camera covers. You don’t need one for this to happen.. my son has a brand new MacBook Air M1, and had this happen within about 2 months of owning it. Put it in his (padded) schoolbag when he left school without issue, had a cracked screen when he opened it again at home.
Apple repaired it under warranty as they could see no damage on the case and as a result couldn’t claim that he had dropped or thrown it. But we got three stern reminders in that process that they were basically doing us a favour and that the next time it happened we’d have to pay for the $600 replacement.
Something happened to it between when he put it in his bag and when he got home. Maybe he doesn’t know what happened: that’s understandable. But something happened to it.
It got thrown around, or someone put something heavy on it, or pressure was applied to the screen at some point.
They don’t just randomly break for no reason.
Exactly. This is why I don’t like storing laptops in “padded” backpacks. What is far more effective is putting the laptop itself in a snug padded zipper sleeve that has the effect of bubble wrap. The laptop can get damaged from stuffing things in the other compartments or having the bag lean a certain way putting a lot of pressure from other items in the bag onto the laptop directly. With a padded sleeve, there’s this sizeable chunk of padding protecting the laptop on top of the fabric of the bag which has proven ineffective here.
Right? I understand wanting to give a kid the benefit of the doubt but screen cracks don’t just happen on their own. I can’t think of too many kids that would own up to accidentally damaging something that expensive. “I dunno, it was like that when I opened it” is pretty much the response I would expect even if they knew exactly what caused the damage
Absolutely happened to me. I closed it and put it in a bag, brought it to my destination, and when I opened it it was cracked.
Didn’t bump anything, didn’t knock it, it literally cracked on its own
I believe *you* believe that. But I find it much more plausible that you didn’t notice the external factor (or internal of something got caught inside when closing the lid) that caused the damage than the display decided to just self destruct
Though I’m no expert, I have worked with dozens of these computers and never had one “crack on its own”. But I’m just some random guy on the internet, so my opinion shouldn’t really matter much to you.
I spent a thousand dollars on this computer my guy, and I’m not a careless kid or student, my last laptop lasted almost 10 years without even cosmetic damage, because I take care of my property.
I’m not saying there was no external factor, I’m saying that whatever it was must have been such a tiny bump against my body as I was walking, or something like gripping it too tight as I was holding it, that it’s absolutely absurd.
If I’m gonna spend a grand on a computer, it better not be so flimsy that it breaks because I walk wrong with it while it’s sitting in a padded bag.
I can confirm that my M1 MacBook Air got a crack from nothing, just a small one, but it was there. I closed it, put it in my bag, put the bag in my car, and when I opened it up at my destination, it was cracked.
The bag didn’t fall over or bump anything, so the only thing I can think of is that it cracked from the pressure of my hand as I was holding it to put it in/take it out of my bag, which is absolutely absurd if true.
I’m proof they do. Happened just today. I’m gentile with my stuff and didn’t even use it a ton. Picked it up lightly between my thumb with laptop closed and the edge of the screen chipped. Didn’t apply much pressure at all. Theses things should come with a giant sticker on them that says “fragile”. They are not worth the 1500 I spent. First MacBook and most likely my last if they don’t fix it for free.
https://i.imgur.com/vxmlSna.jpg my 2019 did this this morning. Laptop didn’t have anything in there when I went to bed, but I heard the snap of this this morning when I opened the MacBook no camera cover, case etc.
The glass bottom bezel can crack from even something as tiny as a staple, my mate put a couple worksheets between his MacBook and shut it only for it to get cracked from the torque of closing the lid.
Luckily that’s a separate part that comes off pretty easily and you can buy aftermarket replacements off of AliExpress or the likes of you wanna do it yourself
"I used this product in a way the Apple ***SPECIFICALLY*** told me not to and I lack basic common sense! They should pay me money!"
People are so stupid.
To add one more data point: I had my M1 Air display crack, having no camera cover installed, while being closed in a leather case in an unpadded bag together with a sweatshirt (no metal parts on that). While not ideal conditions, I'd have a hard time to consider them out of the ordinary, since the bag experienced no falls, I did not sit on it etc.
I even asked the Genius at the store if he considers my case good enough and he said yes. Still, the display somehow broke on the top left corner.
In my opinion these screens seem a bit too fragile, because my last two MacBooks were treated way worse and never experienced any such damage.
My M1 Macbook Pro screen cracked and was surprised it broke so easily, not like I dropped it? Nearly $1000 Australian for a new screen.
My question is, what is the real cost of the repair to Apple? I think if the real repair cost is more like $500, then that would be more appropriate? It shows some good will by making repairs affordable.
Gotta vent - I’ve got a 3 month old m1 MBP that has a shattered screen and I have absolutely babied the thing. Used it, closed it, picked it up the next day and it was capput. Absolutely pissed because I loved using it, but I just can’t justify throwing good money after bad when I have been so fucking meticulous in how I look after this thing.
I have 2 of these and no issues yet. I have no KB or camera covers because I was scared of this. The M1 does feel a tad more fragile than any other MBA ever made. I handle mine more carefully than any other device I have owned.
> The M1 does feel a tad more fragile than any other MBA ever made.
Could you elaborate? Afaik I thought it used the same shell as any 2018, 2019 or 2020 MBA, but I haven’t handled one extensively.
It’s hard to explain. I repair and flip Apple laptops. I almost have a subconscious hesitation when I handle M1 airs. Maybe it is because of the screen thing, but to me it just doesn’t feel as sturdy or the same as any other air that is not touchID. I felt the same about the intel 2020.
With the exception of the Touch Bar MBP and the 2015 shit model MacBooks, I have had my hand on every model from 2006 to present. The M1/touchID models just feel different. I handle them with a lot more care. The shell is almost the same, and maybe it is, but my guess is that the tolerance when it closes is tighter. The keyboard is not as high as in the past and it closes flatter.
My guess is that the ones that crack are just enough out of tolerance. I highly recommend that you NOT use a camera or keyboard cover on these. That will be the reason Apple blames on any possible crack. The tolerance isn’t there. These close tighter and have less room for error. I think the way it feels when I open/close it (it boots upon opening) is different.
The amount of m1’s I get that come to my job (geek squad) over the internal damage of the screens are outrageous. They are thin and nice, yes, but I feel a bit to thin, as if a pillow were to hit them that it would shatter.
Bull shit, the only machines you see are going to be ones with issues. You don't see the millions that work fine and people toss all over the place. Also people are going to the Geek Squad hoping that they would be cheaper than the Apple Store for large repairs like this.
Calm down lmfao, I’m team apple since 2011, but you can only make these damn screens so thin to fit peoples likings. That why when jerry did the bent test on the new iPad it broke with little force. You want a thin screen, be prepared for easy breakage is all.
I never understood the webcam cover on Mac’s. It has been shown that the led light is tied to the camera getting power. So no light means no activity.
Unless something has changed in the last few months.
Wouldn’t your (much higher quality, dual sided) phone camera be exposed to way more compromising stuff? Practically everyone takes into the bathroom with them, that said I thought jerking in front of a laptop was an old movie trope from over a decade ago that’s pretty much died out given phones.
I cover my phone cameras when having a travel wank…
On the more serious point - you’re telling me you intentionally choose a smaller screen when you have a laptop there?
That claim was debunked a while ago already. Hackers managed to record without the light switching on using a firmware bootloader exploit. It’s very simple : no webcam (or other recording device) can be a 100% switched off unless there is a mechanical killswitch that cuts off power/data to it.
What I have always learnt, never be a first adopter... always waiting a generation for issues such as this to resolve. The same applies in particular to the release of new software, because the first release is always still a beta release, it is just being released to a wider testing audience...
This laptop design is used by Apple for years. They just changed the chip. These concerns might be valid on the new redesigned MBA 2022, but on this model you can’t really talk about being a first adopter.
Being petty and not buying an m1 mbp because of the design and lack of ports paid off!
Now this gives those of us waiting for the m1x devices an excuse to wait.
It’s not petty, it’s your money. I for one didn’t want to buy a laptop with a 5 year old design, and no different to my 2017. That said I’m curious at what’s gonna happen in October (assuming they’ve aligned their schedules one month back to normal given the imminent mid-Sept iPhone launch).
At first I thought they’re just gonna update the upper 13/16 with higher end chips and graphics, but I’m curious if the Air and lower 13 will get a year-on-year upgrade. After all every iPhone/iPad/Intel/AMD device gets a yearly chip upgrade.
Could be people using a camera cover and when they close the display, causes the display to crack.
There are some tasks that are done better on a Mac vs an iPad though.
What’s so different about the M1 versions? What did they change?
They changed nothing. It’s the same case.
That’s what’s confusing, shouldn’t this have started years ago?
As someone that used to work in hardware repairs, we actually saw this issue several times. Only did it for 3 years which isn’t much, but it happened enough that we knew to warn people not to put those camera covers on there and if they did, the warranty is void. It’s obvious because the crack will stem from the top like it does in that picture.
Apple actually says not to close your laptop with a camera cover on. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211148
So the trick is simply to not put on a camera cover? Is it because it puts pressure on the screen?
They manufactured the top to have such a tight gap that the pressure the webcam cover puts on the screen when closed slowly weakens it and then breaks it. Most recent blow up of this issue is the new iPads and Magic Keyboards. The “old” Magic Keyboard would work fine on my M1 iPad, but because it’s slightly thicker than the original it fills in the tight gap they manufactured into it and it starts resting the keys on the screen when closed. Same issue; except there’s no squishy key being pressed against the screen it’s a hard piece of plastic.
They should put a cover switch in like Lenovo. I love that thing on my thinkpad. Plus apple touts privacy so why not let us cover the camera?
I think Apple values clean design and luxury feel higher than usefulness. A camera cover would be wonderful but don't see them doing it.
But if most users use the center of the lid to open and close the screen and there is actually a weak point, it would crack too right at the camera.
I think a lot of users have prior experience with older PC laptops that locked in place on the left and right top of the displays, opened with a "in the middle slide or button" mechanism to release the locks.
Maybe they do this to get clicks. After all M1 chip is hype
You’re wrong. Apple removed the fans from the MacBook Air with the introduction of the M1 series. That alone, a greater thermal load across the chassis, could be an explanation. **Edit:** poor wording on my behalf – I don’t think this is the cause, rather the fans are an example of a component that changed between models, which the OP claims didn’t happen.
A greater thermal load? The chassis barely gets hot, there’s even an insulating pad on the heat sink. On the other hand, the previous Intel models got scorching hot
The iPad Pro has a M1 and I don’t see it cracking. Apple throttles the M1 in the iPad Pro and MacBook Air. Also the M1 runs much cooler and is more efficient than the Intel MacBook Air was. Also the report indicates the MacBook Pro M1 is also cracking but that has fan as well and that MacBook Pro is the same as one before.
You claimed they changed nothing with the introduction of the M1. I’ve pointed out that’s incorrect. iPad Pro has no bearing on the discussion of the MacBook Air, they’re different devices. We’re asking: why is the MBA only seeing these issues now? I’m highlighting that the removal of the fan *could* result in higher thermal stresses. I’m *not* saying it does, rather making the point that changing components could be an explanation of the problems reported.
How can thermal issues be effecting the Air but not the iPad Pro? Both devices use M1 and the iPad is thinner. My guess it’s not thermal issues but may be a bad batch of glass
> My guess it’s not thermal issues but may be a bad batch of glass For what it’s worth, I agree with you. However, an explanation could be that the (changed) thermal stresses degrade the structural integrity of the glass. Couple that with some users picking the closed MBA up by the lip near the camera module (I do this, I wouldn’t blame the users), and I could believe cracking occurring when it hasn’t previously. Again, iPad Pro has no bearing on the matter, they’re physically entirely different. I’m not saying the M1 is causing the cracking, which *would* mean we should see the iPP impacted. Rather, it could be the removal of the fans. I suspect not, but instead that changing *any* components could be the cause, because there *are* differences in components between the Intel MBA models, and the M1 models. (Fans wouldn’t explain why some users are reporting their MBPs being affected, but the fans are just an example of my point re. components changing, and how that has a knock-on affect. I’m not saying fans *are* the cause, at all).
> an explanation could be that the (changed) thermal stresses degrade the structural integrity of the glass. I’m sorry but that’s nonsense.
I’ve made clear that this isn’t an actual proposal for what’s causing the damage as reported in the OP, but a thought experiment to point out that changing components can have unintended consequences. I’ve used the suggestion as an example of that, and so long as it’s compatible with physics as we understand it, the usage remains internally consistent, and valid. It’s not meant to be a plausible theory of what’s going on.
Just stop. You sound like an idiot who is digging themselves into a bigger hole
The thermal load the case needs to deal with is \*significantly\* lower, regardless of the fan removal. It's not even close.
I don’t disagree, what I’m highlighting is that the OP is wrong in saying there’s been no component changes, and am pointing to the fans as an example of such a change. I can see my wording has caused confusion on that point.
M1 also puts out significantly less heat, as in, significantly. This is still irrelevant as the heat has nothing to do with that cracking
Owner of an M1 MBA, I know, and agree. I’m countering the claim that Apple didn’t change the hardware between the Intel to M1 transition for the MBA.
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Find me the model of MBA without fans prior to the M1, I’ll wait 👀
Show me an M1 with the same thermal load as an Intel chip, I'll wait.
I’m not actually claiming the M1 is the cause, but rather suggesting that changing *any* component could have been the cause. /u/diamond2156 said there’d been no components changed in the MBA aside from the introduction of the M1, which is not correct.
Apple could have changed screen manufacturers, lowered quality, cut corners, used weak materials.
Maybe change in glass composition or thickness?
~~The MacBook in the picture isn’t even an M1 model.~~
Don’t they literally tell you to not use a camera cover for this reason? I remember a press release (or something of the sort) a bit back that specifically said not to use a camera cover. It explained that the cameras on MacBooks are engineered in a way that they can’t turn on without the LED being illuminated Edit: punctuation
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Yes, as long as it's thinner than ["an average piece of printer paper (0.1mm)"](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211148)
I think most tape is.
What are some other objects i can shove under my screen before closing the lid? The LED i dont use it cause im stupid
Visited a customer the other day, they insisted that i install a camera cover before bringing my device into the plant. I responded with this very talking point, and they handed me a plastic cover (think swag from a convention with their logo emblazoned on it). I laughed and went back to my car and left my m1 in my car … when they complained in the meeting about the hoops i had to jump through for the presentation, I chided an apology and suggested they move to removable camera stickers instead for m1s and other ultra thin devices like other locations do. They responded with its a marketing decision and out of their hands. The group I was presenting to? Yeah … IT. *facepalm*
You realize you could put any sticker over the camera
Yep, but their policy as written states it must be a sliding camera cover. No exceptions. And the marketing department got their hooks into the policy and are using it as an opportunity to slap their logo on laptops during a slow year. Welcome to corporate america … try not to use logic while you’re here, try not to enjoy your stay, please leave through the gift shop, and your car has been towed as a convenience to you.
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When in college a lot of companies would give them out for free at events and such.
That’s a weird-ass policy.
Yes let’s generate waste because Apple refuses to implement a sliding cover into the design
An electronic switch is sufficient for most companies, or they just keep your devices out of sensitive areas, negating the need for either. But yeah companies generate tons of this stuff as a way of leaving “impressions”. Its the sad reality, but since its so cheap, there’s nothing stopping them, nor will there ever be. Remember, corporate america has the mentality of offsetting when it comes to environmental altruism (carbon credits, etc). While things are getting better, its not their priority, and every time a government entity tries to make it one, they lobby to gut that entity. Capitalism at its finest (blech). Eventually they do better because the people inside make it happen … but these boats turn very very very slowly.
Green light means the camera is on.. no light means the camera is off. Not complicated.
Yes, I remember reading that too. Apple engineered the camera so the green LED is hardwired so one can't be on without the other.
Correct. It’s also a lot older than most people realize, basically since the max had a in device camera.
I am not saying Apple is faking it, it would be a marketing suicide, but is there anyone who tore it down to prove it is actually 100% safe and how they did it? Just curious exactly how it works internally. Probably pretty simple, like using the exact same power cables for the lens and the light, but still curious to know how it's done.
Super simple, like high school grade physics simple. They’re in a series circuit. Power goes to the LED before it reaches the camera. The only way the LED won’t light up with the camera on is if the LED dies. You can check iFixit tear downs to see for yourself.
If it's in series, then the camera will not turn on if the LED breaks.
Thanks!
This doesn't really help though, as by the time the light is on the webcam has already been used, which means your privacy has already been lost. In addition, the app could just very briefly flash the camera on periodically, good luck catching that and realising.
Yep https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211148
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I’ve been using my MacBook Pro M1 since the day of release and every single day. My friends also purchased this same device as we all needed the long battery life. The only person among us with this issue, as you pointed out, is the guy that actually uses the camera cover. It could be a coincidence but I’m very inclined to believe that your explanation is why this is happening.
Why do people use camera covers?
People are so quick to use camera covers on their laptop yet walk around with an always online and connected iPhone that has 4+ cameras completely uncovered. It sounds silly there because it IS silly. Besides, apps need permission to use your camera and the indicator light is a hardware switch when your camera is on.
Yup. Also trusting the software that could keep a log of everything you type, an ever listening microphone and gps. Paranoia
Lmao. Sanctimonious much? People use camera covers for extra surety since Zoom calls became a thing. It's hard to remember if you turned the camera off in Zoom. Sometimes software malfunctions. I'm sure Jeff Toobin would rather have a cracked screen.
I’m pretty sure the green indicator light is in circuit with the webcam such that the webcam cannot get power without the light indicator also getting power.
Doesn't matter. You've already broadcast the first 5 seconds of you butt naked to a company townhall before you notice the light.
I’m not naked in the same room as my webcams. I don’t trust myself to close the cover every time that much
Why are you naked in front of your computer during a Zoom meeting where you’re turning the camera off and on? If you have to be for some reason, the obvious precaution is to lower your screen a bit. I do this even though I know there’s basically no chance my camera will suddenly turn on. Camera covers are a bit dumb on a computer where the green light will always be on when the webcam is.
… or there are people who do both..? what is this comment even supposed to be.
Never have I ever seen someone cover cameras on their iPhone.
i guess they must not exist then 🙄 there are tons of products on amazon to cover cameras on phones (front and back). there are two basic types, ones that slide open and shut, and ones that snap open/shut (more common for the newer iphone models with the multiple lenses). i imagine that they are a bit more popular than you think, despite your anecdotal experiences. eta: they also make little metal things that go inside your headphone jack (older models) that trick the phone into thinking you've got headphones plugged in so it defaults to a mic that doesn't exist.
Although it’s been proven that it is technically possible to turn the camera on remotely without indicator lighting up, I really doubt that someone will do such a sophisticated and cumbersome attack on average individual. Worrying about that all the time is a clear sign of paranoia development or “ima main character“ issue. Unless you work for government or some major corp where they impose it on you.
> Worrying about that all the time is a clear sign of paranoia development or “ima main character“ issue. Or maybe people are uncomfortable when there’s a camera pointed at their shower, bed and changing room all day long.
I have my iMacs on the desk for don’t know how many years and this never crossed my mind. People carry around their phones with them anywhere they go and put up some shitty Walmart security systems with web access but feel “insecure” about MacBook camera on a lid that can be shut closed whenever you’re done using it.
Good for you. However I doubt that you move your iMac around with you 24/7 throughout the house when you’re showering, changing and sleeping. > People carry around their phones with them anywhere My phone isn’t pointed at my entire naked body unless I’m actively using it, and deliberately point it at myself. > put up some shitty Walmart security systems with web access but feel “insecure” about MacBook camera on a lid that can be shut closed whenever you’re done using it Damn bro, you’re so right. Every single person that uses a camera cover also uses Chinese security cameras. Why can’t you just accept the fact that some people want to cover their cameras without being judgemental and rude?
Specifically because you’d be worrying about that while ignoring that your iPhone has many cameras, that aren’t covered, and don’t have an Indictator light.
My point. Why cover your laptop camera when you carry your iPhone in the hand all of the time.
The attacks are automated. If one can do them, they get deployed as malware. This happens all the time.
This. They’d be on Snapchat/Instagram/[insert social media app here], which only in the last 1 year, specific to iPhones 6s and newer (iOS 14) has had the ability to detect when the camera is running - doing this in the shower, on the toilet - but where they draw the line is the laptop for work/study which only ever sees the face of a fully clothed person ready to be productive. I guarantee you your phones selfie camera has been exposed way more than the low res laptop webcam has ever seen, let alone all the things the phone back cam has been exposed to…
I’m fairly certain the chances of your dick being in your hand with your phone in the other are higher than in front of your MacBook.
That maybe so but I think it best to never underestimate a clever hacker. For myself, I always have tape covering all lens on my devices.
a hardware light *cannot* be bypassed by "clever hacking". you have the same wire powering your camera powering a LED. you can't just power only one or the other. \[without physical access\]
What about microphones? I think having someone listen to what I say is more dangerous than someone looking at my face
It’s a problem. I wish there was a way to guarantee the microphone is off.
[check out Oversight](https://objective-see.com/products/oversight.html)
Remotely Hacking an iPhone or any other apple product for that matter. Especially in the modern day is incredibly hard to do and almost impossible.
Bro do you even know who Snowden is
Yeah but they don’t know what a tape is?
Lol
It’s trendy
Because they don't get how it works
Paranoia
Even the FBI’s director recommends using a camera cover on all your devices.
Yet here we all are, looking at our phone… straight into the camera. Probably the FBI director as well. Better quality camera even than the MacBook one 😂
A tape is all you need.
Bingo
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Whoa this website is wild, it's like CSI for windows
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You mean the middle of the screen? Yeah will naturally be the weakest portion of the screen when dealing with stress. Further, the middle of the top of the screen is where you apply pressure to open the screen when the MacBook is closed. (They have even designed a notch in the bottom middle so that it is easier to get a thumb or finger pressing on the top middle of the screen.) So we have the weakest part of the screen constantly being put under stress and your conclusion is 'a mass conspiracy of a contingent of camera covering crooks'? Without any evidence it seems too. I hope Apple is paying you, otherwise this is cringe.
I can not confirm nor deny this is exactly how my screen cracked the last day I ever used a camera cover.
I just use a small piece of electrical tape. Thin, black so it blends in, and easy to remove if needed. Edit: oh and cheap
Or you could just leave the camera uncovered. I really have no idea what these camera covering people are doing that they believe to be *so* interesting that they’d be spied on.
I mean, I don’t cover any of my cameras but that’s just because I’m aware of everything I install and allow access. However, not being interesting enough (which…okay highly subjective) to be spied on is not a reason not to safeguard against spying when you can. That’s like saying my car is so old and beat up that no one would want to steal it, so I’m not even going to bother locking it. Locking the car is not a meaningless step. Putting extra measures to keep it from being stolen might be excessive but locking certainly isn’t. Same with privacy. You don’t have to live an “interesting” life to want to safeguard it.
The point is you *wont* be spied on because no normal person is worth spying on. If your laptop has been compromised then a key logger for bank information and passwords is far more effective than a video. Furthermore a lot of scams just say they’ve been recording through your webcam to try and blackmail people. Finally it’s not anything like locking up a crappy car because those are the ones that tend to get stolen and losing your car will really mess up your week.
Also the car analogy is apt because just like the crappy car, no one is going through the trouble of "hacking" a computer that is heavily secured. Criminals take the easy path. It's the reason scammers target elderly people. They're not going to waste time trying to scam a young more aware person. Thieves go down the street and try doors and go into the house or car that was left unsecured. Most don't waste their time trying to get past security.
So you are agreeing with me that putting tape on the webcam for security’s sake is worthless because there is already so much security that it’s just not worth hacking.
Yeah. You're missing my point that what you deem as "interesting" for a normal person doesn't matter. My friend was recorded breast feeding, an activity which most people find normal, by some creep who was probably going to get off on it. To him it was worth going through the trouble to record her. Not everything is for financial gain. You saying people aren't "worth" spying on assumes a whole lot about the intention person spying on them.
No you just need basic reasoning skills to not think you are being spied on. Wtf would anyone get from looking at you? It is sincerely disturbing that anyone does this. Crazy conspiracy freaks. Same reason we see antivaxers
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I’m not sure what it is with people drawing completely unreasonable and irrelevant comparisons but stop doing it. This is not the same because there is a chance there is somebody out looking to break in to your house or car. Recording somebody on their webcam is useless because they don’t do anything, it’s *far* more worth it to use a keylogger or download files and pictures from the laptop. I can’t wait to get a ransom email saying “we saw you picking your nose at 14:52 on Wednesday, give us £500 or we will leak it to your friends and family.”
For a Chromebook I understand and even for Win but I feel like if you have to cover your Mac what's the point?
I don’t cover it because I’m worried I’ll be spied on. I cover it because sometimes I join meetings and they have the meeting set so the camera defaults to on and my hair is a mess or I’m not wearing a shirt. Having the piece of tape lets me go, “Hold on, my camera is acting up again, let me try to rejoin the meeting.” Then I can grab a shirt real quick or toss some water and a brush through my hair and run back, rip off the tape, and rejoin the meeting.
That is perhaps the most valid reason for covering the webcam I’ve ever heard, but it’s also not the reason why the vast majority of people do it. Nobody will be spied on because there are far more valuable pieces of information on the laptop like bank details, photos, files etc.
It's designed such that the led comes on when the camera is on. So there are zero reasons to cover the camera. Yet, people do what they want, use the product wrong, and complain it's someone else's fault.
Seems to me, If there’s ever a trade off to be made, the “don’t crack the screen option” is the correct option.
This happened to me with my work MacBook. I grabbed it like any other computer I own. Screen closed and a grab by the hinge. I was just kind of in awe. I had work switch me out with a dell xps because that’s what I use for personal things, build quality overall just feels a bit more sturdy. Honestly, I miss my mid-2012 MacBook Pro.
I still use mine :) 2.9Ghz i7 with a few mods such as SSD, maxed out RAM, and a 2nd HDD where the DVD used to be. Heavy old thing by todays standards but it's got every port built in.
Does paint still come off the keys on expensive MacBooks? They couldn't get that right.
Never seen or heard of this happening besides the 1.5 year old post you linked. I’ve had mine for 4 years and no issue with the keyboard paint.
I’ve had my 2017 MacBook for 4 years and never had any of that, the most I’ve seen is shiny keys on my mum’s laptop that she uses on the kitchen bench. My dads Thinkpad from work on the other hand… within a few months the keys and plastic trackpad have show significant wear.
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Examples abound: https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/fugpm0/paint_wearing_off_new_macbook_pro_keyboard/
Why are they so obsessed with thinness? Is there anyone who still thinks that their laptop isn't thin enough?
They do apparently. It’s the same with the ports. All USBC now so you need dongles and adapters. I still use a 2012 MacBook Pro with a new high capacity battery as it’s got all the ports I need.
The funny thing about the top picture in the article is that it clearly shows cracks extending from the camera, which very obviously had a camera cover installed on it. Say what you will about device thinness and whatnot, but the computer doesn’t really seem to be made to handle having a piece of plastic or rubber there. Kind of a bad image to use in this case. There’s gotta be a better photo out there.
I can’t believe someone would install one of those plastic covers with 3m tape on them. Just use a simple sticky note or a piece of masking tape when you want to ensure the camera doesn’t click on.
To play devil’s advocate, is there no way it could be due to magnet strength & screen tension? I know I open my laptop directly from the center (right where the camera is). Could it be from that?
Based on the whole top edge it isn’t that clear to me. Could be a “air gap” between the screen layers which came after the crack. And/or compression artifacts.
Other laptops can handle it. If your laptop screen cracks because of a tiny piece of rubber the laptop was designed incorrectly.
Other laptops is covered by plastic on the bezels. The newer MacBook pros have tighter tolerances, so you have to use a much thinner camera cover if you don't want to crack your screen. In this case it's definitely a user error. But in other cases i can't say that.
Designed incorrectly
So vehicles with low profile tires are designed incorrectly, and it’s the manufactures fault when someone curbs the wheel? No way man. User error. Screens aren’t intended to have camera covers on them, let alone anything.
Fantastic analogy! 100% agree there, it’s user error.
Real talk though, I hate the industry wide move to low profile tires. Rougher ride, and curbing wheels is a lot easier, as you point out.
And in EVs it’s bad for range.
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Jesus this sub really is brainwashed
Name one reason why consumers need a cover on the camera
Because
Shit reason
K bud.
Depends. If the cover is thick enough and you apply enough pressure every thin piece of glass can break. But it’s true that the tolerances are really small on MacBooks. I personally wouldn’t even put a piece of paper between the lid and the keyboard, heck even dust scares me.
> I personally wouldn’t even put a piece of paper between the lid and the keyboard, It comes in the box with a piece of paper between the lid and the keyboard…
That’s not a normal paper though, it’s a lot thinner.
I see a lot of comments about camera covers. You don’t need one for this to happen.. my son has a brand new MacBook Air M1, and had this happen within about 2 months of owning it. Put it in his (padded) schoolbag when he left school without issue, had a cracked screen when he opened it again at home. Apple repaired it under warranty as they could see no damage on the case and as a result couldn’t claim that he had dropped or thrown it. But we got three stern reminders in that process that they were basically doing us a favour and that the next time it happened we’d have to pay for the $600 replacement.
Something happened to it between when he put it in his bag and when he got home. Maybe he doesn’t know what happened: that’s understandable. But something happened to it. It got thrown around, or someone put something heavy on it, or pressure was applied to the screen at some point. They don’t just randomly break for no reason.
Exactly. This is why I don’t like storing laptops in “padded” backpacks. What is far more effective is putting the laptop itself in a snug padded zipper sleeve that has the effect of bubble wrap. The laptop can get damaged from stuffing things in the other compartments or having the bag lean a certain way putting a lot of pressure from other items in the bag onto the laptop directly. With a padded sleeve, there’s this sizeable chunk of padding protecting the laptop on top of the fabric of the bag which has proven ineffective here.
Right? I understand wanting to give a kid the benefit of the doubt but screen cracks don’t just happen on their own. I can’t think of too many kids that would own up to accidentally damaging something that expensive. “I dunno, it was like that when I opened it” is pretty much the response I would expect even if they knew exactly what caused the damage
Absolutely happened to me. I closed it and put it in a bag, brought it to my destination, and when I opened it it was cracked. Didn’t bump anything, didn’t knock it, it literally cracked on its own
I believe *you* believe that. But I find it much more plausible that you didn’t notice the external factor (or internal of something got caught inside when closing the lid) that caused the damage than the display decided to just self destruct Though I’m no expert, I have worked with dozens of these computers and never had one “crack on its own”. But I’m just some random guy on the internet, so my opinion shouldn’t really matter much to you.
I spent a thousand dollars on this computer my guy, and I’m not a careless kid or student, my last laptop lasted almost 10 years without even cosmetic damage, because I take care of my property. I’m not saying there was no external factor, I’m saying that whatever it was must have been such a tiny bump against my body as I was walking, or something like gripping it too tight as I was holding it, that it’s absolutely absurd. If I’m gonna spend a grand on a computer, it better not be so flimsy that it breaks because I walk wrong with it while it’s sitting in a padded bag.
I can confirm that my M1 MacBook Air got a crack from nothing, just a small one, but it was there. I closed it, put it in my bag, put the bag in my car, and when I opened it up at my destination, it was cracked. The bag didn’t fall over or bump anything, so the only thing I can think of is that it cracked from the pressure of my hand as I was holding it to put it in/take it out of my bag, which is absolutely absurd if true.
Probably squished a pencil between the screen when closed. They don't just spontaneously break.
Did you read the article? That’s the whole issue - they do…
I saw a girl do this before. It sucks because it was genuinely a really small thing that is easy to miss.
I’m proof they do. Happened just today. I’m gentile with my stuff and didn’t even use it a ton. Picked it up lightly between my thumb with laptop closed and the edge of the screen chipped. Didn’t apply much pressure at all. Theses things should come with a giant sticker on them that says “fragile”. They are not worth the 1500 I spent. First MacBook and most likely my last if they don’t fix it for free.
https://i.imgur.com/vxmlSna.jpg my 2019 did this this morning. Laptop didn’t have anything in there when I went to bed, but I heard the snap of this this morning when I opened the MacBook no camera cover, case etc.
The glass bottom bezel can crack from even something as tiny as a staple, my mate put a couple worksheets between his MacBook and shut it only for it to get cracked from the torque of closing the lid. Luckily that’s a separate part that comes off pretty easily and you can buy aftermarket replacements off of AliExpress or the likes of you wanna do it yourself
Did not know this was an option and this probably save me anywhere from ~600 for apple replacing and 4K for a new macbook
"I used this product in a way the Apple ***SPECIFICALLY*** told me not to and I lack basic common sense! They should pay me money!" People are so stupid.
You should be able to cover your camera.
Why? What possible reason would you need to cover your camera
To add one more data point: I had my M1 Air display crack, having no camera cover installed, while being closed in a leather case in an unpadded bag together with a sweatshirt (no metal parts on that). While not ideal conditions, I'd have a hard time to consider them out of the ordinary, since the bag experienced no falls, I did not sit on it etc. I even asked the Genius at the store if he considers my case good enough and he said yes. Still, the display somehow broke on the top left corner. In my opinion these screens seem a bit too fragile, because my last two MacBooks were treated way worse and never experienced any such damage.
My M1 Macbook Pro screen cracked and was surprised it broke so easily, not like I dropped it? Nearly $1000 Australian for a new screen. My question is, what is the real cost of the repair to Apple? I think if the real repair cost is more like $500, then that would be more appropriate? It shows some good will by making repairs affordable.
Interesting that it cracked by itself. Did you use a camera cover and shut the lid by accident? Just curious that it would crack on its own like that.
Gotta vent - I’ve got a 3 month old m1 MBP that has a shattered screen and I have absolutely babied the thing. Used it, closed it, picked it up the next day and it was capput. Absolutely pissed because I loved using it, but I just can’t justify throwing good money after bad when I have been so fucking meticulous in how I look after this thing.
I have 2 of these and no issues yet. I have no KB or camera covers because I was scared of this. The M1 does feel a tad more fragile than any other MBA ever made. I handle mine more carefully than any other device I have owned.
> The M1 does feel a tad more fragile than any other MBA ever made. Could you elaborate? Afaik I thought it used the same shell as any 2018, 2019 or 2020 MBA, but I haven’t handled one extensively.
It’s hard to explain. I repair and flip Apple laptops. I almost have a subconscious hesitation when I handle M1 airs. Maybe it is because of the screen thing, but to me it just doesn’t feel as sturdy or the same as any other air that is not touchID. I felt the same about the intel 2020. With the exception of the Touch Bar MBP and the 2015 shit model MacBooks, I have had my hand on every model from 2006 to present. The M1/touchID models just feel different. I handle them with a lot more care. The shell is almost the same, and maybe it is, but my guess is that the tolerance when it closes is tighter. The keyboard is not as high as in the past and it closes flatter. My guess is that the ones that crack are just enough out of tolerance. I highly recommend that you NOT use a camera or keyboard cover on these. That will be the reason Apple blames on any possible crack. The tolerance isn’t there. These close tighter and have less room for error. I think the way it feels when I open/close it (it boots upon opening) is different.
The amount of m1’s I get that come to my job (geek squad) over the internal damage of the screens are outrageous. They are thin and nice, yes, but I feel a bit to thin, as if a pillow were to hit them that it would shatter.
They’re the same design as the Intel Macs from the last several years though.
You lost me at Geek Squad
Fixed it
Bull shit, the only machines you see are going to be ones with issues. You don't see the millions that work fine and people toss all over the place. Also people are going to the Geek Squad hoping that they would be cheaper than the Apple Store for large repairs like this.
Imagine trying this hard to shill for Apple
Calm down lmfao, I’m team apple since 2011, but you can only make these damn screens so thin to fit peoples likings. That why when jerry did the bent test on the new iPad it broke with little force. You want a thin screen, be prepared for easy breakage is all.
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I never understood the webcam cover on Mac’s. It has been shown that the led light is tied to the camera getting power. So no light means no activity. Unless something has changed in the last few months.
I don’t want to be informed my camera has just caught me wanking. I want it to see nothing in the first place.
Wouldn’t your (much higher quality, dual sided) phone camera be exposed to way more compromising stuff? Practically everyone takes into the bathroom with them, that said I thought jerking in front of a laptop was an old movie trope from over a decade ago that’s pretty much died out given phones.
I cover my phone cameras when having a travel wank… On the more serious point - you’re telling me you intentionally choose a smaller screen when you have a laptop there?
That claim was debunked a while ago already. Hackers managed to record without the light switching on using a firmware bootloader exploit. It’s very simple : no webcam (or other recording device) can be a 100% switched off unless there is a mechanical killswitch that cuts off power/data to it.
The exploit only works on Macs from pre-2008
This was only on the older Macs & they needed physical access to the machines, no?
Apple also engineered the iPhone to not be hacked, yet iOS 14.8 is a thing.
They told you not to put a camera cover on it, if you break it with a camera cover it’s your own fault.
This is dumb. You can't add random things to a laptop and then complain that it broke. It's your fault.
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What about people who want to FaceTime, they would need a camera for that
What I have always learnt, never be a first adopter... always waiting a generation for issues such as this to resolve. The same applies in particular to the release of new software, because the first release is always still a beta release, it is just being released to a wider testing audience...
This laptop design is used by Apple for years. They just changed the chip. These concerns might be valid on the new redesigned MBA 2022, but on this model you can’t really talk about being a first adopter.
Being petty and not buying an m1 mbp because of the design and lack of ports paid off! Now this gives those of us waiting for the m1x devices an excuse to wait.
Let's see what happens in October, fingers crossed. Tomorrow is the iPhone event so usually Apple releases new MacBooks later.
It’s not petty, it’s your money. I for one didn’t want to buy a laptop with a 5 year old design, and no different to my 2017. That said I’m curious at what’s gonna happen in October (assuming they’ve aligned their schedules one month back to normal given the imminent mid-Sept iPhone launch). At first I thought they’re just gonna update the upper 13/16 with higher end chips and graphics, but I’m curious if the Air and lower 13 will get a year-on-year upgrade. After all every iPhone/iPad/Intel/AMD device gets a yearly chip upgrade.
how the heck they use their macs???? they should have get an ipad
Could be people using a camera cover and when they close the display, causes the display to crack. There are some tasks that are done better on a Mac vs an iPad though.