MacBook Pro 16″ has sensor that registers how far the screen is open open

The MacBook Pro 16″ has a sensor that accurately registers how many degrees the screen is open. The lid angle sensor is presumably intended for maintenance purposes, but could also be used in combination with software.

The sensor first appeared in an internal document addressed to Apple Authorized Service Providers. Intrigued by the sensor described, MacRumors asked the iFixit team to investigate the new component.

During a more thorough teardown, iFixit found a flexible cable near the left display hinge, to which a small sensor is attached. There is a magnet in the hinge, on which is an arrow that indicates the alignment and polarity. The sensor accurately measures the position of the hinge via the magnet.

Previous MacBook models already had a hall effect sensor to determine when the notebook was closed. However, the MacBook Pro 16″‘s new lid angle sensor seems a lot more advanced. According to iFixit, the part is most likely intended for maintenance purposes; if the screen or the flex cable to the display is repaired, Apple could find out exactly how often the MacBook Pro is used. was opened and closed, and in which positions the screen has been placed.

IFixit also does not rule out the possibility that the lid angle sensor is a harbinger of a new, yet unannounced feature of a next macOS version, although this is purely speculation. MacRumors discovered in the document to the Authorized Service Providers that repairers are instructed to recalibrate the lid angle sensor after a repair.

Photos: iFixit