They're taking the lessons they've learned making iPhones, iPads, and other small devices that generally can't be upgraded, and using that to make a ridiculously thin notebook computer by squeezing out every last bit of space that isn't needed.

There are a ton of design decisions made to increase general reliability for the expected useful life, to lower costs, and make a more compact device - but where ultimate longevity may be sacrificed. A lot of the functions that used come from a separate CPU are merged into a single chip these days. However, as an engineer in the electronics industry and as someone who has been using electronics and looked 'under the hood' many times, what we're seeing now generally makes sense. Furthermore, it appears the company is actively opposed to affordable means for their customers to repair and extend the life of their products, and I'm not referring to the iPhone controversy. Sadly, this is increasingly less possible since Apple has made design choices that compromise repairability. It had been my strategy to sell my older high functioning machines while their value was still high to fund the next machine. refinishing heat sinks or replacing fans) myself.

I have also always upgraded hardware and repaired my laptops (i.e. I have consistently had excellent experience with all 5 laptops, a Mac Pro, and iPhones during the last 10 years to the extent I never saw the need to pay for Apple Care.

Late 2015 macbook pro 13 logic board