macbook pro lcd display quotation
The MacBook Pro was first released in 2006, replacing the very popular PowerBook lineup. I remember being a little upset with Apple for making the switch to the intel processors, until I used one! After 16 years of the MacBook Pro, there are quite a few models that might need to get their screens replaced. The cost of the repair will depend on the year and model of the MacBook Pro, as well as the problem it is having with its screen. Below I will cover the most common models I see for repair and the cost of repairing each model. If you have an older model or something I do not cover below, please fill out my quote form and I will get back to you on the cost to get your screen fixed!
How much does it cost to replace a 13″ MacBook Pro screen? The cost to replace a 13″ MacBook Pro screen is $329-$549 for most modern models. The A1706, A1708, and A1989 models are $329 for the screen repair. The A2159, A2251, and A2289 models are $429. The A2338 model is $429 for the LCD or $549 for the entire display.
How much does it cost to replace a 15″ MacBook Pro screen? The cost to replace a 15″ MacBook Pro screen is $429-$799 for most modern models. The A1707 model is $429 for the screen repair. The A1990 model is $499. The A2485 model requires a full display replacement and is $799 for the entire display.
How much does it cost to replace a 16″ MacBook Pro screen? The cost to replace a 16″ MacBook Pro screen model A2485 is $799 for the full display replacement.
Below I cover the most common MacBook Pro models with examples of damage that will need screen repair. You can view the pricing for all my MacBook Pro Screen Repair Services.
Full Display Replacement. The cost to replace the entire display assembly on a 2020 MacBook Pro model A2338 with a genuine Apple display assembly is $549.
I am able to order the screen directly from Apple utilizing their self-repair program, complete the repair, and contact Apple to have them complete the configuration in order to have a fully Apple Genuine display replacement.
The 13” MacBook Pro is the model number A1989. This is one of the models that I am able to source just the LCD panel for the screen repair. By replacing just the cracked LCD I am able to save you money on the repair. Note this is an intel version of the laptop, so replacing just the LCD is all that is necessary for most situations. The cost to repair the screen of a 13″ 2019 MacBook Pro is $329.
The 2020 M1 MacBook Pro is model number A2485. I am able to source this full display assembly directly from Apple thanks to their self-repair program. The .
I offer screen repairs for most MacBook Pro models. Please contact me for a custom quote, or visit my MacBook Pro Screen Repair page to view the pricing of other models.
Although there are multiple parts in a display assembly, you may not need to replace all of them to get your computer fully working again. Knowing the basic parts that are required to complete your MacBook screen repair will help you select the correct repair for your needs.
When the computer is open, the image is displayed on the LCD panel which is the part of the screen you can touch. The LCD panel is the most commonly broken part on a MacBook Pro screen. If you have a cracked screen, you will most likely need an LCD replacement.
You will likely need to replace the entire display assembly if there are any bends or dents on the corners of your display. The full display assembly includes the LCD panel, the back housing where the Apple logo is, the clutch cover along the bottom of the screen where it says “MacBook Pro”, and the hinges.
The clutch cover is the part of the MacBook that runs along the bottom of the screen and says “MacBook Pro” on it. Sometimes, I see clutch covers that are cracked or broken, but the LCD panel itself is working fine. This means that if the computer works perfectly and the entire screen is visible and working, but there is a crack along the bottom of the screen in the part that says “MacBook Pro”, you just need a clutch cover replacement rather than an LCD replacement.
The MacBook Pro camera is not known for having issues. If the camera does stop responding, the issue is most likely with the cables that connect to the camera, or the logic board inside your computer. Sometimes though, the cameras will fail and require replacement. Unfortunately with the way these MacBook Pros are assembled, you usually have to replace the LCD panel when you replace the camera.
The back housing, which is sometimes referred to as the “lid,” is the part that has the Apple logo on it. Usually, the housing does not need to be replaced, but if there is a dent on the corner of the housing, a dent on the housing itself, or if liquid damage is present in the housing, then you will need the housing replaced. Again, because of the way these are assembled, you normally can’t replace just the housing by itself and have to replace the entire display assembly.
On older model Macs from the 2006-2012 era, the hinges connecting the display to the computer sometimes cracked or broke, causing the display to not stay up properly. This was much rarer on the newer MacBook Pros, but it can happen. Some models required an entire display replacement in order to replace the hinges, while others allowed the hinges to be replaced separately. Because Apple has started routing cables through the hinges, usually the entire display assembly had to be replaced if there are issues with the hinges.
Some things to consider when looking for a shop to complete a screen repair on a MacBook Pro include the number of years the shop has been in business, the quality of its work, and the price they charge for the service. With so many repair shops to choose from, doing your research can help you find the best possible option for your needs.
What is the shop’s policy on data privacy? Make sure you’re comfortable with how your personal information will be treated before you give them your business. Some repairs require the technician to log in to your computer during the repair process, while other repairs do not.
How long does it usually take for the repair? Some shops take longer than others to repair your computer. As an example waiting for a display assembly from Apple usually takes 3-5 days.
Choose a computer repair shop that you feel good about after researching your options. A little effort upfront can save you a lot of hassle later on when you need your MacBook screen repaired.
Rossmanngroup – I have known the owner (Louise) since we were both newbies in the repair space. His shop provides great work. They are currently based in New York but moving to Texas soon.
If you have a MacBook Pro that is not covered under AppleCare+, you will spend between $575 and $900 repairing your screen through Apple. There are a couple of different ways that the display repair is billed, so the price you are quoted will vary, but these are the standard quotes. Note that each damage tier is added to by a labor charge, which is usually $100. So a display repair for a 13″ MacBook Pro is usually about $480 + a $100 labor charge. If you were to take your MacBook Pro to a different repair shop, the price could be significantly lower or higher depending on the shop you go to.
Tier 1 Accidental Damage does not usually cover the display. It is for other parts that might have been accidentally damaged like the touchpad getting cracked or the fingerprint sensor on the keyboard being damaged. Tier one is usually quoted at $280 + a labor charge at the Apple store, although I have heard it quoted as low as $230 +labor.
Tier 2 Accidental Damage does cover the display, as long as everything else on the computer is not damaged. So if there is a dent or any kind of damage on a component other than the display, it can not be repaired under tier 2. Tier 2 repair is usually about $480-700 +labor at the Apple store.
Tier 3 Accidental Damage covers the display as well as other components that are damaged, as long as the logic board is still working properly. This tier is usually $825-1000 +labor at the Apple Store.
When you buy your computer, you are given the option to purchase AppleCare+. AppleCare+ does partially cover the cost of repairing a cracked screen on a MacBook Pro. If you decide to purchase AppleCare+ and crack your screen, the total for the repair will be $99.
I don’t recommend that beginners or intermediate-level technicians attempt to replace the LCD on a MacBook Pro. It’s best to start practicing with bad screens before moving on to repairs like this. LCDs are delicate, and you can cause all kinds of problems during the repair, like scratching backlight sheets or ripping cables under the LCD panel.
The display assembly replacement is a lot easier and can be completed by somebody with some technical repair experience. Apple has a self-repair program that covers the A2338 and A2485 models of MacBook Pro. You can read about the program and get links in my 2020 M1 MacBook Pro screen replacement guide. The self-repair program is a great way to save money on the A2338 and A2485 models of MacBook Pro.
I will say that I have seen a lot of damaged screens when people attempt to repair the LCD panel on a MacBook Pro themselves. Normally, the damage is not fixable and you have to then replace the entire display assembly.
If you are experienced enough to complete the repair, you can find the panels on public sites like iFixit, eBay, Amazon, etc. As a shop, you will probably want to work with your vendor to get panels that have a guarantee so you can hold them in stock. The price for panels usually ranges from around $250 to about $550 for the newest model. Generally, the panels decrease in price with time, but sometimes if an LCD panel is not used frequently by apple, they will become rare and cost more over time for new ones.
he cost to replace a 13″ MacBook Pro screen is $329-$549 for most modern models. The A1706, A1708, and A1989 models are $329 for the screen repair. The A2159, A2251, and A2289 models are $429. The A2338 model is $429 for the LCD or $549 for the entire display.
The cost to replace a 15″ MacBook Pro screen is $429-$799 for most modern models. The A1707 model is $429 for the screen repair. The A1990 model is $499. The A2485 model requires a full display replacement and is $799 for the entire display.
You can repair a MacBook Air Screen yourself with the right tools, but it’s a moderately difficult repair. Unless you have some experience in repairing electronics, I don’t recommend trying to do it yourself.
Apple will replace the MacBook screen for free if there are no cracks or physical damage present, but the laptop must be under warranty or AppleCare+. Sometimes screens will stop working on their own, and these types of problems will be covered under your warranty.
Apple charges between $575 and $900 to replace most MacBook Pro screens if it is not under warranty. If you have AppleCare+, the cost to replace the screen through Apple is $99.
This is a great question to discuss with the shop you are thinking of doing the repair. Most of the time the answer is yes, it is worth repairing a MacBook Pro screen if the MacBook Pro is useful to you. The cost of the repair usually decreases with time, so older MacBook Pros will cost less to repair than newer MacBook Pros.
MacBook laptops from Apple are some of the most beautiful and well designed – not to mention powerful, but just like everything else man-made they aren’t impervious to accidental drops, dings, and damage.
Thanks to the fact that they are made using high-quality construction materials (especially milled aluminum) they feel indestructible in the hand, but those gorgeous retina displays have the potential to pop and spiderweb just like any other screen out there.
Unlike most laptop computer repairs, the retina display on the MacBook is very unique, and as a result much more expensive to service. Lenovo, HP, Dell and all major OEM for PCs will utilize the same display across hundreds of models, and even that display is used across multiple years of laptops.
If you are unlucky enough to have a damaged screen, chances are pretty good you started to look into how much does it cost to replace a MacBook screen at the Apple Store – and the odds are pretty good you had a tough time hammering down concrete figures without bringing your computer into a store and having someone from the Genius Bar have a look. If you wanted to make an appointment with a Genius Bar, you can find that additional information here.
In this quick guide we hope to show you about how much you can expect to have to spend on MacBook repair going forward, the total “all in” cost for getting your screen replaced, and your computer back up and running.
Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your product"s battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
Use our “Get an Estimate” tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. If you go to another service provider, they can set their own fees, so ask them for an estimate. For service covered by AppleCare+, your fee per incident will be the same regardless of which service provider you choose. We"ll inspect your product when we receive it. If additional damage is found, you could pay an additional fee.
Your country or region offers AppleCare+ for this product. AppleCare+ includes battery service coverage, which means your battery can be replaced at no charge if we test your product and its battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity.
The Apple Limited Warranty covers your Mac and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box with your product against manufacturing issues for one year from the date you bought them. Apple-branded accessories purchased separately are covered by the Apple Limited Warranty for Accessories. This includes adapters, spare cables, or cases.
We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare plan, whichever is longer. This is in addition to your rights provided by consumer law.
Replacement equipment that Apple provides as part of the repair or replacement service may contain new or previously used genuine Apple parts that have been tested and pass Apple functional requirements.
Was on vacation and came back to my room to find my LCD/display cracked on my MacBook Pro 16". I cannot see anything on the screen. The crack is straight (thin line) down the middle on the LCD/display (not the outside screen actually).
Replace your own Macbook display screen or contact our repair center for our Macbook Pro and Macbook Air screen repair options! Either option will save you hundreds of dollars compared to other companies.
I"m just wondering, would it be cheaper to go a 3rd party to fix it? How much will it cost approximately? Will Apple be cheaper given the limited availability of the screen assembly? Can the LCD be replaced alone? The main answer I"m looking for is how much this is gonna cost me. I doubt they"re going to cover it under warranty, even though I have no idea what caused it.
Edit: For anyone thinking of helping, firstly thanks. Secondly, one of my friends had their screen replaced by apple, a late 2015 15 inch Pro model. This cost them £332, just as a guide for when deciding how much it will cost for my model. Thanks again.
The supply of these older Unibody MacBook Pro models is pretty constrained. Because the cost of a new screen is so expensive, it actually is not worth repairing with a new display. Therefore, we are currently recommending going with a used display replacement. If you request a quote, we will check to see the current pricing for different grades of used displays, and let you know what the total would be for the repair.
At EliteMacTechs, we specialize in mac screen replacement. We have been repairing Unibody MacBook Pros since they first came out in 2006. We are able to disassemble the computer and offer component-level screen repair. This means you save money and time by going through us instead of the Apple store! We only replace the component that is damaged, so if your glass is cracked but your LCD is not, replacing just the glass is all that is necessary.
Unibody MacBook Pro Screen Repair ExpertsIf you need a screen repair for your MacBook Air, you have come to the right place! We specialize in Mac screen replacement.
Component Level RepairWe offer both LCD panel and Glass panel replacement on these models within our regular 24-hour turnaround time. Save a lot going through us instead of the Apple store, and have it completed faster!
If you have one of the models below, your computer has a glass panel that goes over the top of the LCD. We offer 3 services for each model. One is to replace just the glass, another to replace just the LCD, and a third to replace both the glass and the LCD. The first step is to figure out if you have just cracked glass or just a cracked LCD, or if both your glass and LCD are damaged.
If the image is distorted (lines, splotches of black, etc), but the damage is not visible when you turn the computer off, you have a damaged LCD panel.
We offer a turnaround time unparalleled in the industry. Your Unibody MacBook Pro will have the LCD or Glass replaced within 24 hours of us receiving your computer. Most shops that offer this repair take at least a few days to complete it. Get your MacBook Pro back as quickly as possible by having the screen repaired with us.
At EliteMacTechs, we are dedicated to providing every customer with the best service, every time. All LCD and Glass Panel replacements include a 60-day warranty.
We understand how important it is for you to be kept in the loop about your Unibody MacBook Pro computer. We will email you when your Unibody MacBook Pro screen repair has begun, when the display has been successfully repaired, and finally when it is ready to go.
Are you looking to get your MacBook Pro screen Repaired? Do you experience any of the following symptoms with your laptop: display has no picture after you turn it on, don’t hear any fan or hard disk activity sounds after turning the laptop on, doesn’t seem to have any power when you try to turn it on or the laptop shuts down randomly during use? Or maybe accidentally spilled liquid on MacBook Air? Then you’ve come to the right place for affordable, fast and reliable repair.
At Fix Apple Now our technicians can fully facilitate a MacBook Pro screen replacement. MacBook Pro screen replacements are one of the most popular repairs. The repair usually takes 1 day depending on which model of MacBook Pro you have. Screen repair requires an experienced hand and a specific set of tools. If you need to get your MacBook Pro up and running as good as new, then it’s highly recommended you have the screen serviced by a trained professional. We are able to repair all models of MacBook Pro"s. If you need a low-cost screen repairing service then contact us.
If you have a problem with the MacBook Pro screen, vertical lines, flickering LCD screen or no backlight (very dark screen), all those can be fixed if you use our MacBook Pro screen repair service.
Are you searching for ”MacBook Pro screen repair near me” all over the Internet? Visit our Hallandale or Weston stores in the or use our secure mail-in option for fast and effective service.
Not sure if your MacBook Pro Screen is broken? We’ll run a series of tests to find out exactly what the issue is. After diagnostic we will move towards how to fix, how much it will cost and how long would it take.
At Fix Apple Now we can troubleshoot & repair any issue with your Mac laptop screen or display. Our certified technicians repair broken LCD screen, replace LVD"s cable, connector and more!
Not sure if your MacBook Pro screen is broken? Or maybe you think there’s something wrong and you cannot figure out. Well, we offer inspection services where we diagnose what the problem is. After diagnostic we will move towards how to fix, how much it will cost and how long would it take. It is quite common for consumers who are not so apt with technology to get stuck in common errors and glitches. Well, we are here to help you figure it out!
About a year or two ago, I dropped my 2015 MacBook Pro Retina about 1ft from the floor and cracked the screen. I had AppleCare so I brought it in to Apple and was quoted around $400 to repair it. I decided against it and dealt with the screen.
The MacBook Pro is part of a line of laptop computers from Apple, initially released in 2006. The MacBook Pro replaced the PowerBook G4, and is at the higher end of the line of MacBook computers. The MacBook Pro differed from the PowerBook G4 because it used Intel Core CPUs instead of the PowerPC G4 chips.Production began in 2006
With the introduction of the second design in 2008, the MacBook Pro got an upgrade to an aluminum unibody enclosure with a design that was similar to the MacBook Air. The high gloss screen had a reflective glass finish. There was another option for an anti-glare matte option on the 15 and 17 inch models.In production from 2008 to 2009
In mid- 2012, the next design generation was released. The Retina included the Core i7 processors and an improved resolution in an aluminum enclosure. There was also an added Thunderbolt port and an HDMI port.Produced in 2012
On October 27, 2016 Apple announced the fourth generation of MacBook Pro. It is to have 13 and 15 inch screen options. The enclosure will continue to be all metal and unibody, but the size and weight has been reduced. All ports are being replaced with the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports, and the touchpads are to be 46% larger than previous models.Production starts in 2016
"I messaged BYOD through Yelp to get a quote for my MacBook screen repair. They quickly responded to my message with a great quote for the price. He gave the breakdown of the pricing so I knew what was costing me what.
You can sell your Mac for cash on a number of trade in websites. Be sure the website offers cash in the form of check or PayPal for example, and not just a gift card that only can be used at a later date. You should also check to ensure the site is reputable by looking on Google reviews and Reseller Ratings. One top-rated trusted place to sell your Mac is at SellYourMac.com. Their trade-in program is fast and easy and trusted by more than 100,000 customers. SellYourMac.com’s reviews are also the highest rated in the Apple trade-in industry.
The value of your MacBook Pro or other MacBook is based on many factors including age, functionality, and overall condition. The best way to find out how to get a price on your Mac is using a trusted trade in website like SellYourMac.com. You can easily input your serial number and answer a few questions about the condition to get an instant quote. The whole process to find out how much it is worth takes about 1 minute, and then you can get payment via PayPal or check.
Yes, most likely you can get money for your MacBook as long as it is functioning fine and less than 10 years old. That tends to be the cutoff for the useful life of a Mac and when the value starts to approach $0. You can quickly and easily find out what it could be worth using a site like SellYourMac.com. By using the trade in tool on a trusted site like SellYourMac.com, you can find out how much your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or other Apple device is worth in about 1 minute, and then get paid via PayPal or check.
The best place to sell your MacBook Pro or other Apple device is online using a trusted trade in platform. On SellYourMac.com you can trade in a MacBook Pro up to 10 years old. Use the serial number quote tool or manually configure your Apple computer to find out how much it is worth in about 1 minute.
Most Macs work for around 7-10 years on average, and hold some value for 10+ years if kept in functional condition. The first things that tend to go bad are the batteries. Fortunately, older MacBooks you can easily replace the battery, but then starting with the Retina MacBook Pro the batteries are glued down and hard to replace. If you are buying an older used MacBook, be sure to check a reputable site like MacSales.com that guarantees their MacBooks and other devices with a 12 month warranty. If you are wondering if you’d older MacBook still has any value, you can quickly and easily find out what it could be worth using a trusted site like SellYourMac.com. By using the trade in tool, you can find out how much your older Macbook or other Apple device is worth in about 1 minute.
MacBooks and other Apple devices tend to be expensive as they hold their value for many years. Also, the Apple ecosystem included free upgrades to new operating systems and many free Apps that are not included compared to Windows computers. The total cost of ownership over a long period is actually cheaper for a MacBook or MacBook Pro because they are less to maintain and have fewer issues than a comparable PC.
The best way to find out how to much your MacBook or MacBook Pro is worth is a trusted trade in website like SellYourMac.com. You can easiest input your serial number and answer a few choices about the condition to get an instant quote. The whole process to find out how much it is worth takes about 1 minute, and then you can get paid via PayPal or check.
Old Macs hold value and are worth something as long as they are functioning fine and less than 10 years old. That tends to be the cutoff for the useful life of a Mac and when the value starts to approach $0. You can quickly and easily find out what it could be worth using a site like SellYourMac.com. By using the trade in tool, you can find out how much your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or other Apple device is worth in about 1 minute.
Yes you can sell your Mac at Best Buy, but it is probably worth more money to go to a site that specializes in MacBook and MacBook Pro like SellYourMac.com. When checking SellYourMac.com, they are accredited at the BBB with an A+ rating, and on Google reviews, Facebook, Yelp, and Reseller Ratings, they have above a 4.5 rating on all sites. On SellYourMac.com you can trade in a MacBook up to 10 years old, which is more than may other websites will offer money for your MacBook. Use the serial number quote tool or manually configure your Apple computer to find out how much it is worth in about 1 minute.
You can sell your laptop or MacBook at GameStop, but it is probably worth more money to go to a site that specializes in MacBook and MacBook Pro like SellYourMac.com. When checking SellYourMac.com, they are accredited at the BBB with an A+ rating, and on Google reviews, Facebook, Yelp, and Reseller Ratings, they have above a 4.5 rating on all sites. On SellYourMac.com you can trade in a MacBook up to 10 years old, which is more than may other websites will offer money for your MacBook. Use the serial number quote tool or manually configure your Apple computer to find out how much it is worth in about 1 minute.
Apple pays out different amounts via gift cards depending on the age and functionality of your MacBook or other Apple device. It can be tedious to get through the process and find the value on Apple’s site. If you want to find out the value of your Mac faster, and also get cash back, use a site like SellYourMac.com. By using the trade in tool on a trusted site like SellYourMac.com, you can more quickly ind out how much your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or other Apple device is worth. The process takes about 1 minute and if you use your serial number it is the fastest method.
Check your MacBook Pro model from the lists below simply, go to "About my Mac" or turn your computer upside-down and check the ‘A’ number detailed on the top edge (e.g: A13981 or A17081), then send us the rest of the details that match your model and screen size.
We repair all models of Apple Macbook Air and Macbook Pro laptop LCD screens fast at an affordable price. Email or call now for a free quote on any Mac Air or Pro screen repair. You can take advantage of our free pick up and delivery service and have your laptop LCD/LED screen repaired and back on your lap ASAP!13″ Macbook Pro Laptop Screen Repair or Replacement
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When Daniel McGloin decided to trade in his mid-2017 Apple MacBook in February of this year, he thought he was getting a pretty good deal. The software engineer and San Diego native initiated the trade-in with Apple through the Apple Store mobile app, where he was quoted $350 for his used laptop. He felt it was in pretty good condition, with no apparent damage to the case and a fully functioning display and keyboard. So McGloin packed up the device and shipped it in, expecting to receive his money in the coming weeks, which would help offset his purchase of a MacBook Air carrying Apple’s new M1 chip.
The situation soon changed after his laptop arrived for inspection. Suddenly, McGloin was told his MacBook was worth just $140, less than half what Apple originally quoted. The mysterious culprit: “display has 3 or more white spots,” the Apple Store app told him. It’s a defect McGloin doesn’t remember ever seeing, and one that he should have noticed: typically, white spots on an LCD display are evidence of serious damage or burn-in and are clearly visible. In McGloin’s estimation, however, the laptop was in “excellent” condition, he tells The Verge, and he didn’t see any white spots when he packed it up.
So McGloin decided to search around online, where he discovered a lesser-known fact about Apple’s trade-in program. The company he had been dealing with was not actually Apple, but an Atlanta-based contractor named Phobio. Founded in 2010, Phobio is an enterprise service provider that specializes in offering white label trade-in services other companies can pass off as their own.
Daniel McGloin sent in his 2017 MacBook after receiving a quote of $350, only to have his quote marked down to $140. “Display has 3 or more white spots,” was the reason, thoughThe Verge found no such issue when it inspected the computer in person. Screenshot courtesy of David McGloin
“It’s here I realized that number one, the trade-in program is not run by Apple, number two, there are lots of people observing the same behavior, and number three, this seems to be a new development in the last few months,” McGloin says.
The Vergeinspected McGloin’s MacBook in person after he rejected the trade-in offer and Phobio returned the computer to him. We could detect no such white spots or any discernible damage whatsoever. The laptop booted up and operates like new, and it has since passed numerous online diagnostic tests.
It’s not clear why McGloin’s estimate was halved. But his experience is indicative of a common belief that’s emerged about Phobio online — that the company stiffs owners of Apple products out of hundreds of dollars in trade-in value — and the supposed “3 or more white spots” defect seems unlikely enough that it bears investigation.
Two other people who spoke with The Verge and provided documentation of their Phobio trade-in processes also experienced a similar situation, in which “white spots” or other supposed defects, only detected after the device was shipped to a Phobio facility, resulted in reduced trade-in quotes. And that’s just a tiny sample of an online torrent of complaints against Phobio and its practices across multiple types of gadgets and with an alarming uptick in the last few months.
Another Apple customer, Carlos Pero, had their laptop marked down from $640 to $210 over display white spots Phobio claims it detected. Screenshot courtesy of Carlos Pero
“Having used it for three years, I can tell you I never noticed a problem,” Carlos Pero, another Apple customer who had their laptop trade-in quote reduced by Phobio from $640 to $210, tells The Verge.Pero also asked for his laptop back, and Phobio returned it. Upon inspection, Pero could not detect any issues with his computer, and he showed us a video of his MacBook Pro booting up to verify there were no “white spots” present. “Maybe they have some diagnostic tool? But from a consumer perspective, no way I see a problem before I sent it or after receiving it back.”
Pero says he was never given any photographic proof of the white spots when his trade-in was adjusted. “They sent no such thing. Just the notification of the change in value and essentially the take-it-or-leave-it message which came by way of Apple,” he says. “I imagine it would be a tougher choice for someone who was counting on realizing the full value of the trade-in, who may not be able to afford a new computer otherwise.”
Scores of other instances of this exact situation happening to Apple product owners can be found online, too, with numerous customers citing Phobio’s “3 or more white spots” explanation as the reason for their adjusted trade-in, as well as stories of other types of apparent damage detected only after sending a device in for inspection. This isn’t just restricted to MacBooks, either. Customers often complain of reduced trade-in quotes for iPhones, iPads, and iMacs, too.
In some cases, like McGloin’s, Phobio’s name never comes up, so customers are left with the impression Apple inspected it and reduced their quote accordingly. “The only real ‘correspondence’ I had with Apple and Phobio were the interactions in the Apple Store app. I didn’t otherwise contact them through email or phone,” McGloin says. He tells us he was faced with the tough decision to either accept less than half the promised money or try to sell his computer elsewhere after going through the hassle of wiping it clean and shipping it. “I’m actually a pretty big Apple fan, but this feels off-brand and pretty shady,” he says.
A mid-2017 Apple MacBook Phobio says was worth $140, down from $350, due to “3 or more white spots” in the display.The Vergecould find no evidence of white spots. Photo by Nick Statt / The Verge
Apple often prides itself on customer service and in handling many of its sales operations in-house. So the use of a third-party vendor not advertised publicly on its trade-in website — even in receipts, Apple only refers to an unnamed “trade-in partner” — is a peculiar approach for the iPhone maker.
Yet for Apple, which stakes its reputation on quality control, the negative experiences customers report having with Phobio threaten to undermine the image Apple has cultivated as a customer-obsessed product company, which, in turn, helps justify the company’s high-priced consumer tech.
Apple tells us Phobio is not the only company that helps manage its US trade-in program, but it wouldn’t name any others — and we verified that every type of product you’d trade in at Apple.com (computers, phones, tablets, and watches) is currently handled by Phobio in the United States. Apple also has a trade-in partner named Brightstar servicing Canada and other parts of the globe, but two Brightstar employees told us it no longer accepts US trade-ins. One referred us to Phobio specifically.
A podcast interview with Phobio founder and CEO Stephen Wakeling in 2018 includes vague details on the partnership. At one point, Wakeling tells the podcast host he’s not sure Apple would permit him to talk further about the program. Some news posts and forum threads as far back as 2017 mention Phobio as Apple’s trade-in partner, but it’s not clear how long the two have been in business; Apple first began accepting used iPhones at its retail stores in 2013, and the Apple trade-in program has since expanded to include close to its full lineup of hardware products.
When some customers complained, they reported Phobio’s provided proof consisted of grainy images that didn’t show clear-cut evidence. Some customers have detailed how they took photos of their devices prior to shipping them in in the event of disputes, only for Phobio to return photographic evidence they say either doesn’t illustrate the alleged issue or is too low-quality or obfuscating to serve as proper proof.
A large number of the complaints about Phobio have a common theme: a MacBook or iPhone that seems to be in perfect working order, only for the device to later have an unexplained deficiency. Phobio, which is at that point in possession of the device, then offers the customer the option to accept the reduced quote or ask for the product to be shipped back. (Phobio does offer to ship the product both ways for free.)
This presents a thorny set of choices for a device owner, primarily by seeding self-doubt as to the real value of the product they’re hoping to trade in and what their best option might be. What if the product did have the damage beforehand and they simply didn’t notice or perhaps something happened during transit? Maybe Phobio is using a proprietary diagnostic tool that reveals something no consumer could ever find on their own? What if, by some stroke of bad luck, the device was somehow damaged during transit, and you’d have a hard time using it or selling it somewhere else if you ask for it back?
Chris Dwan calls his experience with Phobio a “pretty straightforward bait and switch,” telling The Vergethat he mailed in his MacBook Air with an expected trade-in value of $370, only for it to be knocked down to $150 for damage to the outer shell he suspects happened during transit or inspection. “At that point it was take-it-or-leave-it. They did offer to ship the laptop back, but I caved and took my $150.”
At the end of the day, someone trading in their used Apple device is looking to get rid of it and hoping they’ll get a little cash for their trouble, instead of simply recycling it or leaving it to collect dust. That could make them easy to take advantage of: many are likely willing to take what they can get, rather than spend additional time and energy trying to get satisfaction from a company that’s holding all the cards, particularly when it’s not clear who’s to blame or whether their product is actually damaged.
“White spots” or no, it’s not surprising that a company like Phobio would be facing loads of complaints. Every company working in customer service is likely to have its fair share of disgruntled customers complaining online; people with positive experiences tend to have little reason to share those stories with the world. Trade-in programs can involve especially fraught negotiations because of the money involved and the fear customers harbor of being scammed. Even rightful adjustments to trade-in quotes might inspire someone to leave a negative review or feel as if they’ve been had.
In a tour of one of its so-called aggregation facilities posted to LinkedIn last month, a Phobio representative shed some light on how Apple products are evaluated. “We have very simple grading criteria. We only have two of course, which is working and damaged to make it easy for folks at home to grade their own devices,” the representative explains, before transitioning to a Phobio employee inspecting a MacBook. “He’s making sure the screen is intact and functional, he’s making sure the keys function, and then he’s checking to see if there’s any wear or tear to the computer or any major dents or damage.”
“A couple of other things to look out for: LCD damage, screen spotting and dead pixels, cracked screen, missing or malfunctioning buttons, and large dents,” the representative says. When asked by Wakeling, Phobio’s CEO who appears on-screen at the beginning and end of the video, what the top issues are with devices sent in for trade-in, the representative simply says “screen delamination” or “any major damage” to the device.
In a Phobio inspection guideline document posted online for business trade-ins (which may have different standards than consumer trade-ins), the company details its processes for inspecting products like iPhones and Macs. Under the display portion, the document says “a device is considered ‘Damaged’ if the display: is cracked, fractured and/or shows signs of delamination; does not function as designed (displaying single colors, lines, flickering); is scratched such that it affects readability.”
You could chalk up these bad customer experiences with Phobio to the sheer volume of products Apple’s trade-in program likely deals in or discrepancies in the level of diligence of its individual employees. But that doesn’t explain the mystery of the white spots, and why we’ve seen perfectly functional MacBook computers have their trade-in value cut in half — or more.
What we do know about the white spots scenario is that it typically involves an Apple laptop in seemingly good condition quoted at one price, only for the trade-in estimate to be knocked down by more than 50 percent upon inspection. The common response from Phobio is that the display suffers from “3 or more white spots.” In McGloin’s case, these apparent spots were not detectable by a human eye before or after Phobio inspected the device. It doesn’t add up.
So we felt it necessary to ask Phobio if they had a reasonable explanation for cases like these that went beyond the standard “screen spotting,” “dead pixels,” and other general LCD damage that would be perceptible by looking at the screen yourself.
Phobio would not comment directly on the white spots issue, and it would not offer an explanation as to what tools it uses to evaluate MacBook displays or why it seems some customers have had their trade-in quotes adjusted because of the alleged white spots.
When asked, Phobio would not say how long it’s been Apple’s trade-in partner or if it is Apple’s only US trade-in partner, and the company would not comment on the financial terms of its contract, including whether Phobio or Apple gets to keep and resell the devices customers send in. Phobio would also not say whether it receives any guidance from Apple on how to inspect products and make adjustments to trade-in quotes.
Phobio would also not tell us how frequently it negatively adjusted Apple trade-in quotes by up to or more than half. It would also not say how often customers accept these lowered adjustments versus rejecting them and asking for the product back.
As for McGloin, he’s not sure what’s he’s going to do now with his returned MacBook. “I actually have no idea. I’m not really aware of alternative trade-in options,” he says, adding that he has in the past opted to donate used products or gifted them to a friend.
Apple made it hard to replace screens / panels only on their laptops. Apple quote customers on replacing the complete display for a Macbook / Macbook pro which usually costs at…
Picture this.You’re at home and drinking coffee while doing some work on your MacBook Pro. All of a sudden your cat jumps up onto your lap. This causes you to drop both your coffee andyour laptop.
The result? You now own a physically damaged MacBook Pro with a broken screen and possibly even liquid damage! This means that your MacBook Pro is now possibly rendered completely useless, and you are without a laptop.
Regardless of the reason for your broken device, most people might assume that repairing their broken screen or water damaged MacBook might be cheaper than purchasing new. Oftentimes this is not the case, and it can actually be more cost-effective to purchase a new device.
If you have a broken MacBook and bring it in to Apple for repairs, you will be charged a ridiculous amount of money to repair an out of warranty MacBook.
Rather than pay for repairs, instead, you can sell your used damaged MacBook. Use the money you would have spent to repair your device, but spend it on a brand new device!
It is good to note that there is not really such a thing as a MacBook “repair”. Instead, it is typically parts replacement. For example, if your chassis is dented on the side, they will not pull out the dent to “repair” it. Rather, your MacBook would need an entire chassis replacement. If your logic board has a liquid spill, Apple will not repair your logic board, but simply replace it.
There is no easy response regarding how much it will cost to repair an Apple MacBook, due to there being so many variations (such as model and year). Typically you can expect the smallest repair/replacement to be as low as $29, all the way up to as expensive as $849+.
This tier encompasses minor boards and assemblies. This can include replacement of the power supply board, inverter assembly, or interconnect board. It might also include enclosure parts or an LCD polarizer.
Damaging your MacBook screen can feel devastating. Even if your MacBook is still usable, it can be completely inconvenient to use, and generally spreads over time. If you have a broken screen on your MacBook then you are not alone. Screen repairs actually represent almost one-fourth of all repairs done by Apple in-store.
Whether you dropped your MacBook Air at school, have sudden pixel issues on your 12" MacBook, or dropped something on your MacBook Pro, a broken MacBook screen is an expensive repair.
Going back to the idea of repair Tiers, the cost of screen replacement is directly correlated with the Tier, but also with the year and model of your MacBook. If you choose to have your MacBook repaired at the Apple store, expect to spend between $455 and $755 to completely replace the screen.
Apple quotes repairs based on a series of tiers regarding damage and cost. For example, if you have a 13-inch MacBook Air and your child accidentally spills a glass of water on it, this would require a Tier 4 repair.
Tier 4 repairs can cost upwards of $750 or more. This is astronomical and almost 60% of the cost of a new MacBook Air. Apple is aware of this, and they train their employees to suggest forgoing a repair. Instead, they suggest purchasing a new device, while they recycle your broken MacBook free of cost.
Not all broken MacBooks occur because of an accident. Sometimes technology simply gets old. Years of use put a strain on a technological device, and natural wear and tear occur.
Age can show up in a MacBook as random shutdowns, a broken keyboard or trackpad, shortened battery lifetime, port issues, or overheating problems. These problems are all costly to fix and can even be expensive even for older models.
With older MacBooks, such as a broken 2012 MacBook Pro, Apple will often offer to recycle the device for you. The catch is that Apple will still make money off of it by recycling it, and this leaves you without a device and nothing in return.
Instead of fixing technology that will soon become obsolete, or recycling your broken or partially working device for nothing in return, you can sell your device to GoRoostr in order to purchase a new MacBook!
Instead of potentially spending hundreds of dollars to repair a broken and used MacBook, sell your MacBookfor the highest price on the market, and use the proceeds to purchase the newest model. In this case, you will not only have brand new technology, but you will also have a full warranty, and the option to purchase AppleCare+ in case an unfortunate incident happens again.
For common Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro models, turn-around time is approx 1-2 business days (subject to stock availability).High-quality Apple spare parts:
It is known that Apple stores do not fix “vintage” Mac computers (4 or 5+ year-old Mac). Apple certainly makes more money from selling you their new products.
Or, you might be unsure if other parts in your Apple MacBook Air laptop is still working well, then it’s best to leave it to our experienced Mac technicians to diagnose and confirm with you.
It’s not because the MacBook Pro screen is bad. It’s simply because the laptop is very popular hence we receive many Apple MacBook Pro laptops that need screen repairs.
Replacing screens for Apple laptops is certainly not as cheap as other laptops. This is simply because Apple is a premium product and its part is more expensive compared to Acer, ASUS, and some HP or Dell laptops.
Apple has made hundreds of models for Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro laptops. The cost to replace the screen varies from $200 all the way up to $1,200+ depending on which model your Apple laptop is.