What you'll pay to replace a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina screen

A screen replacement for a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina costs between $300 and $500 at Apple, depending on whether you have AppleCare+ and which generation of MacBook you own. Out-of-warranty replacements run closer to $500; with AppleCare+, you pay a $99 service fee. Third-party repair shops typically charge $250 to $400, but quality and warranty coverage vary widely.

The price difference matters because Apple charges per model year, and older 13-inch Retina models (2012 to 2015) sometimes cost less to repair than newer ones. If your MacBook is still under the original one-year limited warranty and the screen failure is a manufacturing defect rather than accidental damage, Apple covers it at no cost.

The screen itself is not sold separately by Apple for consumer purchase. You cannot buy just the display panel and install it yourself on most MacBook Pro Retina models — the screen is fused to the top case assembly, which means the entire upper housing must be replaced. This is why the repair cost is high and why DIY replacement is not practical for most users.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $300 to $500 for out-of-warranty screen replacement, or $99 with AppleCare+, depending on your model year.
  • Third-party repair shops cost $50 to $200 less but may offer shorter warranties or use non-original parts.
  • The screen is fused to the top case on most Retina models, so the entire upper housing is replaced, not just the display.
  • Manufacturing defects are covered free under the original one-year warranty; accidental damage is not.
  • Repair time at Apple is typically three to five business days; third-party shops may be faster but vary by location.

Apple's official repair pricing by model

Apple's screen replacement cost depends on which 13-inch Retina model you own. The 2012 to 2015 models (non-Touch Bar) generally cost less than the 2016 and newer models with Touch Bar. A 2015 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina screen replacement runs around $300 to $350 out of warranty. A 2016 or 2017 model costs $400 to $450. The 2018 and newer models (including the M1 and M2 versions) cost $450 to $500.

These prices are for the screen and labor combined. Apple does not itemize the parts separately. If your MacBook is still under AppleCare+, you pay only the $99 service fee regardless of model year, making AppleCare+ a significant savings if you have accidental damage coverage.

To find the exact price for your model, visit apple.com/support, enter your serial number, and request a repair estimate. You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE or visit an Apple Store in person for a quote. Prices vary slightly by region and may change.

Third-party repair shops and what to watch for

Independent repair shops and chains like iFixit, uBreakiFix, and local computer repair businesses typically charge $250 to $400 for a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina screen replacement. The lower price reflects lower overhead and sometimes the use of aftermarket or refurbished display panels rather than genuine Apple parts.

The trade-off is warranty coverage and part quality. Apple guarantees its repairs for 90 days on parts and labor. Most third-party shops offer 30 to 90 days on the repair itself, but warranties on the screen panel vary — some shops use panels with only a 30-day may provide. Ask before you commit whether the shop uses original Apple displays, refurbished Apple displays, or third-party panels, and what the warranty period is.

Check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp for the specific shop you are considering. Look for comments about whether the screen color and brightness match the original, whether the repair was completed on time, and whether the shop honored its warranty. Some shops advertise fast turnaround (same-day or next-day) but may rush the job, so faster is not always better.

When your warranty covers the cost

Apple's one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in the screen at no cost. If your display stopped working, shows dead pixels, has a discolored area, or has a crack that appeared without physical impact, contact Apple Support and describe the issue. They will likely ask you to run diagnostics or visit an Apple Store for inspection.

The warranty does not cover accidental damage — drops, liquid spills, pressure on the lid, or anything caused by physical impact. If you have AppleCare+, accidental damage is covered, but you pay the $99 service fee per incident. AppleCare+ also extends your coverage to three years from the original purchase date, so a screen failure in year two or three is covered if you have the plan active.

If your MacBook is out of warranty and the damage is accidental, you pay the full repair cost. There is no middle ground or discount for "almost covered" damage. This is why many users consider AppleCare+ worth the upfront cost, especially if they use the laptop in environments where drops or spills are more likely.

Repair time and what to expect during the process

At an Apple Store, screen replacement typically takes three to five business days. Apple will keep your MacBook during that time. You can drop it off and pick it up later, or arrange mail-in repair if no Apple Store is nearby. Mail-in repair adds shipping time on both ends, usually extending the total to seven to ten business days.

Third-party shops vary widely. Some advertise same-day or next-day service, but this depends on whether they have the correct display panel in stock. If they need to order the part, expect five to seven business days. Always ask for a timeline before you leave your MacBook, and confirm whether the quoted time includes parts arrival or only labor.

Before you hand over your MacBook, back up your data. Repair shops do not typically erase your drive, but it is standard practice to protect yourself. Ask the shop whether they will run diagnostics after the repair to confirm the screen works properly, and whether they will test it in front of you before you leave.

Comparing the cost of repair versus replacement

A screen replacement costs $300 to $500. A used 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina in good condition sells for $400 to $800 depending on the model year and storage capacity. A new 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,299. For most users, repair is the sensible choice unless the MacBook has other damage or is very old.

If your MacBook is a 2012 or 2013 model and the screen is the only issue, repair still makes sense — those models are still capable for everyday tasks. If your MacBook is a 2015 or newer and the screen is broken but everything else works, repair is almost always cheaper than replacement. Only if the MacBook has multiple failing components (screen, battery, keyboard, logic board issues) should you consider whether buying a newer model makes financial sense.

Check the current resale value of your specific model on eBay or MacRumors to get a realistic sense of what your MacBook is worth. If the repair cost is more than 30 to 40 percent of the resale value, you are at the threshold where replacement might be worth considering, but this is rare for screen-only damage.

How to reduce the cost before it happens

AppleCare+ costs $379 for a 13-inch MacBook Pro at purchase (or sometimes less if bought within 60 days of purchase). It extends your coverage to three years and covers accidental damage at $99 per incident. If you plan to keep the MacBook for three years and there is any chance of a drop or spill, the math often works out: one accidental screen damage claim ($99 with AppleCare+ versus $400 to $500 without) pays for much of the plan cost.

If you did not buy AppleCare+ at purchase, you cannot add it after damage occurs. You can still add it within 60 days of purchase if you have not already. Check your receipt or Apple account to see whether AppleCare+ is active on your MacBook.

A protective case or sleeve does not prevent screen damage from drops — the screen is on the inside of the lid — but it does reduce the overall impact force. A hard case or padded sleeve costs $30 to $80 and is cheaper than a screen repair, so it is reasonable insurance if you travel with your MacBook or use it in less-controlled environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just the glass on a MacBook Pro Retina screen?

No. The glass and LCD panel are fused together on MacBook Pro Retina models, and the entire assembly is bonded to the top case. You cannot separate the glass from the LCD or replace one without the other. This is why the repair cost is high — you are replacing the entire upper housing, not just a replaceable panel.

Is it cheaper to buy a replacement screen online and install it myself?

Replacement screens for 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina models are sold online for $150 to $250, but installation is extremely difficult. You must remove dozens of tiny screws, disconnect the battery, disconnect the display cable, and carefully pry the fused screen assembly away from the case without damaging surrounding components. Most people who attempt this either damage the keyboard, trackpad, or logic board in the process, turning a $300 repair into a $1,000 problem. Unless you have experience with MacBook repairs, this is not worth the risk.

Will Apple repair my screen if I bought the MacBook used?

Yes, but only if the MacBook is still under the original one-year limited warranty (which transfers to the new owner) or if you purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of your purchase date. If the MacBook is out of warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, you pay the full out-of-warranty price. Apple does not ask for proof of original purchase, only the serial number and a description of the issue.

How do I know if my screen damage is covered by warranty?

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store and describe the issue. If the screen cracked or shattered from a drop or impact, it is accidental damage and not covered unless you have AppleCare+. If the screen stopped working, shows discoloration, or has dead pixels without any physical damage, it is likely a manufacturing defect and covered free under the one-year warranty. Apple will inspect it to confirm.

What is the difference between a refurbished and original Apple display panel?

An original Apple display panel is new and comes directly from Apple's supply chain. A refurbished Apple panel is used but has been tested, cleaned, and certified to meet Apple's standards. Both are genuine Apple parts and perform identically. Third-party panels are made by other manufacturers and may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness. If a shop offers a refurbished Apple panel at a discount, it is a legitimate option and typically carries the same warranty as a new panel.