What Makes MacBook Retina Display Replacement Different
Replacing a MacBook screen is not the same as replacing a screen on a Dell or HP laptop.
On most Windows laptops, the display panel is a standard component that slots into a bezel and connects via a standard LVDS or eDP cable. The panel can usually be sourced from multiple suppliers for a reasonable price, and the swap takes an experienced technician 20–45 minutes.
MacBook Retina displays are different in several ways:
Proprietary panels: Apple uses display panels manufactured to their specification, often sourced from a small number of suppliers (LG, Samsung, BOE in recent years). These are not interchangeable with standard laptop panels. Quality third-party Retina replacement panels exist but need to be sourced carefully — cheap panels have noticeably worse colour accuracy, brightness, and uniformity than genuine or quality OEM replacements.
Display assembly vs panel-only replacement: Depending on the model, a MacBook screen replacement may involve replacing the entire lid assembly (display + glass + housing + hinges), or just the display panel within the existing lid. Panel-only replacement is cheaper when it’s possible, but requires more precise handling and introduces a higher risk of damaging the glass if the panel is cracked right through.
True Tone calibration (2018 onwards): MacBooks from 2018 onwards use True Tone display technology, which adjusts colour temperature based on ambient light. This calibration data is stored in the display’s T-CON board. When replacing the screen, using a replacement that’s correctly calibrated for True Tone matters — poorly calibrated replacements show visible colour shifts or fail to correctly adjust in different lighting conditions.
Display Assembly Types by Model
Understanding what’s being replaced helps clarify the cost.
2012–2015 MacBook Pro Retina
These models use panel-only replacement — the display panel can be carefully separated from the lid assembly and replaced with a new panel. The lid housing remains intact. This is the most cost-effective approach for these generations.
Display connector type: eDP (DisplayPort over embedded display connector)
2016–2019 MacBook Pro
These use a thin lid assembly where panel replacement is more difficult. The glass and panel are tightly bonded to a thin lid structure. Depending on the specific damage, some repairs can be done as panel-only, but many require a full lid assembly replacement.
2019–2021 MacBook Pro 16-inch
The larger 16-inch lid assembly is a full replacement — panel-only replacement is not generally practical on this generation. This increases parts cost.
MacBook Air (2012–2017)
Panel-only replacement is typically possible. The lid structure on these models is accessible, though the panels are lower resolution than the Retina Pro range (pre-2018 MacBook Air used a 1440×900 panel). The 2017 and earlier Air is not a Retina display at all.
MacBook Air (Retina — 2018 onwards)
The 2018+ MacBook Air uses a Retina panel. Display replacement on these models is more involved — the lid assembly design is slimmer and panel-only replacement requires care.
MacBook Air and Pro M-series (2020 onwards)
Apple Silicon MacBook display replacement typically involves a full lid assembly. Panel-only replacement is technically possible in some cases but is rarely the standard approach. Parts cost is higher on M-series models.
What Retina Display Replacement Costs
Prices vary by model and whether a panel-only or full assembly replacement is done:
| Model | Typical replacement cost |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 13" Retina (2012–2015) | £180–£280 |
| MacBook Pro 15" Retina (2012–2015) | £220–£350 |
| MacBook Pro 13" (2016–2019) | £220–£350 |
| MacBook Pro 15" (2016–2019) | £280–£420 |
| MacBook Pro 16" (2019–2020, Intel) | £320–£500 |
| MacBook Pro 14" M-series | £300–£450 |
| MacBook Pro 16" M-series | £380–£560 |
| MacBook Air Retina (2018–2020, Intel) | £200–£320 |
| MacBook Air M1 | £220–£340 |
| MacBook Air M2/M3 | £250–£380 |
These are ranges for quality replacement parts with professional fitting. Apple’s own out-of-warranty display service is priced higher.
What to Watch Out for With Cheap Replacements
Low-cost MacBook screen replacements are available from some repair shops and online marketplaces. It’s worth knowing what compromises these often involve:
Colour accuracy: Quality Retina replacements are factory calibrated to match Apple’s display specifications. Budget panels often show noticeably different colour temperature, reduced gamut coverage, or uneven backlight distribution. If you use your MacBook for photography, video, or design work, this matters considerably.
Brightness: Apple’s Retina panels are high-nit displays (400–1000 nits on current models). Cheap replacement panels can be noticeably dimmer.
True Tone failure: Budget replacements may not include correct True Tone calibration data, causing the adaptive colour temperature feature to fail or behave incorrectly.
Longevity: The backlight on cheaper panels may fail faster than quality replacements.
We use quality OEM-spec panels that match Apple’s original display specifications closely. We’ll always be upfront about what you’re getting.
How Long Does the Repair Take?
A MacBook Retina display replacement at our workshop takes:
- Panel-only replacement (2012–2015 models): Same day in most cases, 2–4 hours
- Lid assembly replacement (most other models): Same day if the part is in stock, next-day if the part needs to be ordered
- M-series models: Parts lead time can be 1–2 days depending on the specific model
We’ll confirm parts availability when you book and give you a realistic timeline.
Before the Repair: What We Check
Before fitting a replacement display, we check the logic board video output, the display cable, and the display connector on the logic board. A cracked screen sometimes masks other damage — if the Mac was dropped and the screen cracked, there may be chassis damage or a loose cable that needs addressing at the same time.
We’ll flag any additional issues before starting work, so there are no surprises.
For screen replacement or MacBook repair at our Putney workshop, call 020 7610 0500 or contact us with your MacBook model and we’ll confirm availability and pricing.