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

Apple charges between $400 and $500 to replace a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina display at an Apple Store or through Apple Mail-In Repair, depending on your model year and whether you have AppleCare+. If your MacBook is out of warranty and you don't have AppleCare+, expect to pay closer to $500. With an active AppleCare+ plan, the cost drops to $99 plus tax.

Third-party repair shops typically charge $250 to $400 for the same repair, though quality and warranty coverage vary widely. Independent technicians may charge less, but you lose any manufacturer backing on the repair itself. The screen part alone costs $150 to $300 when purchased separately, so labor makes up a significant portion of any repair bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's out-of-warranty screen replacement costs $400 to $500, but drops to $99 with an active AppleCare+ plan.
  • Third-party repair shops charge $250 to $400 and may be faster, but repairs carry no Apple warranty.
  • Mail-in repair through Apple takes one to two weeks; in-store service is usually same-day or next-day if parts are in stock.
  • The screen part itself costs $150 to $300, so most of the repair bill covers labor and diagnostics.
  • Accidental damage coverage through AppleCare+ costs extra and is not included in the standard plan.

Apple's official repair pricing and what's included

Apple's standard warranty covers manufacturing defects but not accidental damage. If your screen cracked from a drop or pressure, you pay full price. If the screen failed on its own — dead pixels, backlight failure, or delamination — Apple may cover it under the one-year limited warranty at no cost, or under AppleCare+ if you have it.

The $99 AppleCare+ screen replacement applies only if you have the plan active when the damage occurs. AppleCare+ itself costs $200 to $380 depending on your MacBook model, and you can purchase it up to 60 days after your MacBook purchase. Once you have it, each accidental damage claim costs $99 for screen replacement or $299 for other damage.

Apple's mail-in service ships you a box, you pack your MacBook, and Apple repairs it at a central facility. Turnaround is typically one to two weeks plus shipping time. Apple Stores in most cities offer same-day or next-day service if the part is in stock, though you may need to book an appointment online or call ahead.

Third-party repair shops and what to watch for

Independent repair shops and chains like iFixit, Micro Center, or local technicians charge $250 to $400 for a 13-inch Retina screen replacement. These shops often have parts in stock and can complete the repair in one to three hours. The trade-off is that the repair carries no Apple warranty — if something goes wrong after the repair, you deal with the repair shop, not Apple.

Before choosing a third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple parts or aftermarket screens. Genuine parts cost more but match the original display quality and color accuracy. Aftermarket screens are cheaper but may have lower brightness, color shift, or durability issues. Ask the shop for their warranty on the repair itself — reputable shops offer 30 to 90 days of coverage on their work.

Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or Apple's own support communities to see whether customers report issues after repair. Some shops have high complaint rates for screen quality or premature failure. A shop that's been in business for several years and has consistent positive reviews is usually safer than a brand-new operation.

DIY screen replacement and why it's risky

Replacement screens for 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina models cost $150 to $300 online through retailers like Amazon, eBay, or specialized electronics suppliers. If you're comfortable with small electronics repair, you can theoretically replace the screen yourself using a guide from iFixit or YouTube.

The catch is that MacBook Pro screens are glued to the display bezel and require careful heating, prying, and adhesive removal without damaging the surrounding frame or LCD panel. One slip with a screwdriver or pry tool can crack the new screen before you even finish installation. If you damage the MacBook's logic board, keyboard, or trackpad during disassembly, repair costs jump to $500 or more.

DIY repair also voids any remaining manufacturer warranty. If something unrelated to the screen fails after you open the MacBook, Apple will likely refuse to cover it. For most people, the $100 to $200 you might save is not worth the risk of turning a $400 repair into a $1,000 problem.

How to decide between Apple, third-party, and waiting

If you have AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage, use it. The $99 cost is hard to beat, and you get a genuine part with Apple's warranty. If your screen failed on its own and your MacBook is still under the one-year limited warranty, contact Apple to see if it's covered at no cost.

If you're out of warranty and don't have AppleCare+, compare the $400 to $500 Apple cost against a local third-party shop's quote. If a reputable shop charges $300 and offers a 90-day warranty on their work, that's a reasonable alternative. Get the quote in writing and ask specifically whether they use genuine or aftermarket parts.

If your MacBook is several years old and the screen is the only issue, consider whether the repair cost makes sense for the device's remaining lifespan. A 2015 or 2016 MacBook Pro with a cracked screen might not be worth $400 to repair if you're planning to replace it in the next year or two. A newer 2019 or later model is usually worth repairing.

Timing and what to expect during repair

Apple's in-store repair is fastest if you can get an appointment and the part is in stock. Call your local Apple Store or book online to check availability. Same-day service is common in major cities, but smaller locations may need to order the part, adding a few days. You'll typically leave your MacBook at the store and pick it up later the same day or the next morning.

Mail-in repair through Apple takes longer but works if you don't have a nearby store. You can start the process on Apple's support website, and Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Once Apple receives your MacBook, repair usually takes three to five business days, then they ship it back. Total time is typically one to two weeks.

Third-party shops vary widely. Some promise same-day or next-day service; others may take a week if they need to order the part. Call ahead and ask for an estimate of how long the repair will take. If you need your MacBook urgently, ask whether they have the part in stock before you bring it in.

What affects the final price you'll pay

Your MacBook's model year matters because older models use different display assemblies. A 2015 13-inch Retina screen costs less than a 2019 model, so repair prices vary. The 13-inch with Touch Bar (2016 and later) uses a different connector than the earlier 13-inch Retina, so make sure any shop you contact knows your exact model.

Damage extent also affects cost. A simple screen crack that doesn't affect the LCD panel underneath costs less to repair than a screen with internal damage or a cracked bezel. Some shops charge a diagnostic fee ($30 to $50) to assess the damage before giving you a final quote. Ask whether the diagnostic fee is waived if you proceed with the repair.

Location matters for third-party shops. Urban areas with more competition tend to have lower prices than rural areas. Shops in high-rent districts may charge more than those in suburbs or smaller towns. If you're willing to travel, you might find a better price, but factor in your time and gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my MacBook with a cracked screen while I wait for repair?

Yes, a cracked screen won't damage the rest of your MacBook. However, if the crack is large or the LCD is leaking, you may have difficulty seeing the display. If the screen is still functional, you can continue using your MacBook, but get it repaired soon — the crack may spread, and if liquid gets inside, it can damage the logic board.

Does AppleCare+ cover accidental screen damage?

Only if you purchase AppleCare+ with accidental damage coverage. The standard AppleCare+ plan covers hardware failures but not drops or cracks. Accidental damage coverage is an add-on option that costs extra. Check your plan details on Apple's website or in the Apple Support app to see what you're covered for.

Will a third-party screen look and perform the same as an Apple original?

A genuine Apple part will be identical. An aftermarket screen may have lower brightness, different color accuracy, or a narrower viewing angle. Some aftermarket screens work fine for years; others fail within months. Reputable shops use quality aftermarket parts and stand behind them with a warranty, so ask about the specific brand and their track record with that part.

What if my MacBook is still under warranty but the screen is cracked from an accident?

The one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects, not accidental damage. A cracked screen from a drop is not covered unless you have AppleCare+ with accidental damage. You'll pay the full out-of-warranty price. This is why many people purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying a MacBook — it covers accidents that the standard warranty does not.

How long does an Apple screen replacement typically last?

A genuine Apple replacement screen should last as long as the original — typically five to seven years or longer if treated carefully. Aftermarket screens vary; some last just as long, while others may develop issues within one to three years. This is another reason to choose a shop that stands behind their parts with a warranty.