Apple’s MacBook lineup is anticipated to face notable shortages due to a supply chain hiccup. The root cause of this problem lies in the delayed construction and operation of TSMC’s new chip manufacturing facility in Arizona. The factory, critical for producing the next-generation 3-nanometer chips intended for future MacBooks, is struggling with a scarcity of skilled workers necessary for its construction and operation. This bottleneck is poised to limit the production of Apple’s cutting-edge M3 chips, thereby impacting the availability of MacBooks in the coming years.
The Emergence of ‘Flexgate’ in MacBook Pros
Another significant concern for MacBook. Users is the emergence of an issue dubbed ‘Flexgate.’ This problem pertains to the wearing down of flexible display cables in MacBook Pros equipped with Touch Bars, models released in 2016 and later. The degradation of these cables leads to an inconsistent backlighting effect on the screen, often referred to as ‘Stage Lighting.’ This issue tends to manifest after repeated opening and closing of the laptop’s lid, often beyond the warranty period, making repairs costly. The problematic design, which integrates the cable into the screen assembly, transforms what could be a simple $6 cable replacement into a $600 repair job. Notably, similar cable setups have been discovered in the newer MacBook Air models, indicating that this issue might extend beyond just the Pro series in the future.
Recommendations for Prospective MacBook Buyers
Given these challenges, potential MacBook buyers in the next year or so should be prepared for possible delays and limited availability. Those planning to upgrade should consider securing their new devices promptly to avoid the impacts of these supply and manufacturing setbacks.
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