Apple’s MacBook went under the knife last year and received a major makeover. This year, the laptop received much milder internal changes, most notably a better graphics processor and more battery life.

We delved inside the MacBook to find exactly how that additional battery juice was achieved, as well as to see if there were any magical unicorns that Apple chose to keep hidden from public view.

We also made a YouTube video slideshow for those who like moving pictures!

Teardown highlights:

• The battery is identical in size and shape to the old one, but is rated for 63.5 Wh (compared to 60Wh) and weighs 355 g (compared to 347.5 g).

• The battery also works in the previous MacBook! You can get an extra 350 mAh of electric charge if you’re willing to add 7.5 grams to your older machine.

• Of course, Apple continues to use tri-wing screws for the battery, as well as the “Do not remove the battery” warning sticker. We ask: why is it such a big deal to have users replace it themselves?

• The layout is so similar to the earlier version of the MacBook that users can use them to repair the new machine.

• We confirmed the updated NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics, much to the thrill of lite gamers everywhere.

• No MacBooks were hurt, in any way, shape, or form, during the teardown process.

Final layout

Removing the heat sink