Why do nonstandard MBP configurations take 3 weeks? They’re…
Using an out-of-date browser may impact your experience on certain websites, including this one. We recommend upgrading or using an alternative browser to ensure optimal performance. Today, we delve into the intriguing world of nonstandard MacBook Pro (MBP) configurations and uncover the reasons behind the three-week wait time. Contrary to popular belief, these configurations are not truly configure to order machines, as everything is intricately soldered to the motherboard. With a limited number of configurations available, the process of fulfilling these orders becomes an enthralling subject.
A closer look at the current production models of MacBook Pros reveals that there are only 83 possible combinations of screen size, CPU, RAM, and disk options, excluding older models. Additionally, each combination is offered in two colors, resulting in a total of 166 unique models. This means that even the most peculiar configurations, such as a 14-inch MacBook Pro with a 30 M3 Max processor, 36 GB of RAM, and an 8 TB drive in Silver, are likely to be ordered in the hundreds or even thousands annually. More common configurations enjoy even higher demand, reaching tens of thousands.
These nonstandard MBP configurations are not custom-built configure to order machines, but rather production models. The highly integrated nature of the components makes it practically impossible to customize them during the manufacturing process. Even if one desired to build them to order, the complex nature of their assembly hinders customization. Pausing a highly automated production line to solder an 8 TB drive onto a MacBook Pro would be logistically unfeasible. At most, Apple may batch-produce the 83 motherboard variations and only add them to the case when an order is received. However, even this may not be necessary for the more popular Silver configurations.
This raises the question of why custom-to-order (CTO) machines take longer than a few days to fulfill. After all, these machines are typically stored in a warehouse, and the warehouse serving the United States is likely located within the country for faster delivery. If the machines are already present in a US warehouse, why does any change to the original configuration trigger a three-week waiting period? While some models may be temporarily out of stock, it remains unclear why any alteration, regardless of complexity, results in the same lengthy estimate. Perhaps Apple is providing a worst-case scenario estimation, and in reality, many of these orders are shipped sooner.
The situation outlined here extends beyond the nonstandard MacBook Pro configurations. It holds true for all current production Macs, where there are a limited number of models, and the key differentiating factor lies in the highly integrated motherboard. To provide a broader overview, there are a total of 502 possible Mac configurations available. This includes 166 MacBook Pros, 168 MacBook Airs, 120 iMacs, 64 Mac minis, 44 Mac Studios, and 48 Mac Pros. Undeniably, this vast number of configurations, far too many to be available in an Apple Store for immediate purchase, is well within the capacity of a warehouse to store and quickly fulfill online orders.
Notably, each machine manufactured shares a common design: a motherboard within a particular color case. There are no additional parts involved, not even laptops with options for different battery sizes. The exception to this rule lies with the storage in Mac Studios and Mac Pros. While not soldered onto the motherboard, the storage can be added at the last minute. It is likely a software pairing process ensures seamless integration when the storage is added during assembly.
It is important to acknowledge that in the past, there were true Configure to Order Macs available from Apple. These earlier models allowed for greater customization, as not everything was soldered onto the motherboard. For example, the final Intel Mac Pro offered an astonishing 13,320 possible permutations, with numerous configuration possibilities. These CTO machines were assembled upon receiving an order, as it was both effortless and possible to customize components such as RAM, video cards, CPUs, and storage. It is even conceivable that there were certain configurations never sold.
The Intel iMac lineup also deserved mention for presenting multiple customizable options. With various modular parts such as CPUs, RAM, storage, and GPUs, there were potentially up to 1,600 distinct models for the last 27-inch Intel iMac (2020). The staggering number of configurations made it impractical to keep each one in stock at a warehouse, with some models rarely being sold.
As we unravel the truth behind nonstandard MBP configurations and the complexities of production models, it becomes evident that a three-week wait time is not entirely inconceivable. With a limited range of combinations and highly integrated components, Apple strives to fulfill orders as efficiently as possible. While it may seem puzzling to some, this process ensures that Apple can deliver the highest quality and most reliable products to its customers, while maintaining efficient production and storage practices.
