Why You Shouldn't Put A Case On Your MacBook

Most people buying an iPhone want to protect it with a case as soon as possible. Something Apple has recommended for over a decade. Recently, this behavior has carried over to MacBooks. With users attaching plastic covers to protect their investment. But this may be doing more harm than good. Since a MacBook’s low-tolerance clamshell design can be damaged by a case that’s poorly designed or fitted improperly.

Unlike iPhones, MacBooks have a hinge that allow the lid to open and close. And cases can apply unnecessary stress to the hinge in a variety of ways. First, being excess weight.

[commentwar]

I find it *really* odd that the reason not to put a case on the lid of the MacBook is because of excess weight on the hinges. Meanwhile, Apple advertises continuity camera with a mount that attaches to the lid of the MacBook with an iPhone on it which is significantly heavier than a plastic case and puts more weight on the hinges.

[zoelamp]

Plot twist: This is an Apple MacBook Sleeve ad.

[乂]

An even bigger reason, Thermals! My Macbook air gets hot as-is, it would be much worse with a case.

[Mockeryjay]

"In extreme cases" is such a nice pun!

[mikeward]

Surprised this video didn’t discuss heat dissipation and airflow issues caused by even well designed cases.

The unibody enclosure of MacBooks is designed to act as a heatsink and radiate heat from components outward.

Much like the human body, if this process is impeded by a non permeable layer touching or close to the skin, overheating will occur.

[Ultimaso]

As a repair shop of 7+ years I wouldn’t say the cases weight significantly affects the hinge mechanism. The example you’ve used in your video sounds like she had a case and developed Flexgate.

I agree that the slight gap left between the bottom casing and lid is a problem (especially if weight is applied to machine while closed). This can crack the lcd internally.

In addition, cases that restrict the natural airflow of the machine can result in overheating and after extensive use, discolouration (especially on the coloured models).😮

A good sleeve and some discipline goes way further than a cheap case!

[LeeStewart]

From buying my very first MacBook in 2013, I've always bought plastic cases and I've never experienced any ramifications by doing do. By installing a case, your investment is not only protected but the resale value is much greater than a MacBook that's damaged or in a poor state by constant drops, which can't be prevented with a sleeve..

[DJSelphi]

I only put a cover on the top for looks, the bottom stays coverless so it doesn't overheat

[dennisbrannvallsfan]

I've used a cheap hardshell case for over 10 years with no issues.

[tiagomaqz]

Never thought about this. I’m checking my case right now. But I think this is a problem mostly for cheap cases bought from random providers trying to cash in without worrying about real world use.

[no_hacker]

I don‘t think the extra weight is a big problem, considering apple wants us to use our iPhones as MacBook Front cameras and many people sticking a SSD on the back of their screen for extra storage

[Deep_Blue]

Literally watching this video with cased macbook 💀
(Edit: Bruh Safari didn't even recognized Macbook lmfao, it autocorrected to Matchbook 😢)

[StrawbyteWorkshop]

Interesting, but I think your later point sums it up. Don't buy cheap. I've used INCASE cases for years and have never had any real issues. I have had issues with Apple's hinge clutches which they may specify carefully taking into account reasonable use and screen weights, but are in-fact not always manufactured to acceptable quality.

[MattyH]

I have my case on my MacBook Air for about 4 years and it’s the really cheap kind and still looks new and no bends or pink lines anywhere to be seen!

[NikolaiCherepanov]

This is why it is important to buy a case from a trusted brand such as Incase, another one of those instances where it's cheaper to do it right the first time.

[taehunkim]

This is why I use skins on MacBooks to retain their natural shape, but prevent any scratches. I also use a carry bag (or sleeve) so that MacBooks remain protected when on the move.

[redphone]

I had to get my M2 MacBook Air display replaced because the hard shell case I used loosen the hinges. Also what you did not mention is that cases can also cause damage to the laptops display. The case makes it more likely for the laptop to open and close in your bag which can allow dirt and debris to get in causing dents on the display.

[agentwildfire]

Ever since apple put out the article saying that a simple camera cover can cause your macbook's screen to crack, I've always been skeptical about putting a case on any macbook and probably will continue to use sleeves for the rest of time.

[zed]

I still have my 2015 MacBook Pro on mint condition because I’ve always kept it in a plastic case. Never had an issue.

[Memocracken]

it will be nice to have a case just for the corners of the MacBook, u don’t will have all of those problems and your Mac can be secure for corner damages