MacBook screen replacement costs between $300 and $800 depending on your model and whether you go through Apple or a third-party repair shop

Apple's official repair pricing varies by MacBook model and year. A 13-inch MacBook Air screen replacement runs roughly $300 to $400 at an Apple Store, while a 16-inch MacBook Pro can cost $500 to $800. These prices cover the part and labour. Third-party repair shops typically charge $200 to $500 for the same work, though quality and warranty coverage vary widely.

The actual cost depends on three things: which MacBook you own, whether the damage is under warranty, and where you choose to repair it. Newer models with thinner bezels and integrated components tend to cost more because the screen assembly includes other parts that older designs kept separate.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Store repairs cost $300 to $800 depending on your MacBook size and year, and include a one-year warranty on the repair.
  • Third-party shops charge $200 to $500 but vary in quality, and you should check their warranty terms before handing over your machine.
  • If your MacBook is under AppleCare+, accidental damage coverage costs a $99 service fee instead of the full replacement price.
  • Mail-in repair services from Apple take one to two weeks but may be cheaper than in-store visits if you do not have a nearby location.
  • Liquid damage or physical damage to the logic board can push costs to $1,000 or more, so get a diagnosis before committing to repair.

Apple Store pricing by MacBook model

Apple charges different amounts based on the screen size and generation of your machine. A 13-inch MacBook Air from 2018 or later costs around $300 to $350 for a screen replacement. A 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro runs $600 to $800. If you have an older unibody MacBook Air or Pro from 2012 to 2017, the cost is often lower — typically $250 to $400 — because the screen assembly is simpler.

These prices are for the screen only. If the damage extends to the logic board, keyboard, or trackpad, Apple will diagnose the machine first and give you a separate quote. A cracked screen that also damaged the keyboard can easily exceed $1,000 in total repair cost.

Apple includes a one-year warranty on any repair performed at an Apple Store. If the same screen fails again within that year, they will replace it at no charge. This warranty does not cover new damage from drops or liquid.

Third-party repair shops and what to check before you go

Independent repair shops and chains like iFixit, Puls, or local computer repair stores typically charge $200 to $500 for a MacBook screen replacement. The lower price comes from lower overhead and sometimes from using refurbished or aftermarket screen panels instead of genuine Apple parts.

Before you book a repair, ask three questions: Do they use genuine Apple screens or third-party panels? What warranty do they offer on the repair? How long does the repair take? A shop that uses genuine parts and offers a six-month to one-year warranty is safer than one that quotes a price with no warranty mentioned. Some shops will have your screen replaced in two hours; others take a few days.

Third-party shops do not have access to Apple's diagnostic tools, so they may miss damage to other components. If your screen cracked from a drop, a reputable shop will inspect the logic board and keyboard before starting work. If they do not mention this, ask them to do it.

AppleCare+ coverage and accidental damage

If you bought AppleCare+ when you purchased your MacBook, accidental damage to the screen is covered for a $99 service fee per incident. This is significantly cheaper than paying the full replacement cost. AppleCare+ also covers two incidents of accidental damage over the three-year coverage period, so you can use it twice.

AppleCare+ does not cover damage from liquid spills or drops that also damage other parts of the machine. If the screen broke because you spilled coffee on the keyboard, Apple will diagnose the full extent of the damage and may charge you for repairs beyond the screen. The $99 fee applies only to the screen itself.

If you do not have AppleCare+ and your MacBook is still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with purchase, screen damage is not covered unless it is a manufacturing defect. Manufacturing defects are rare — most cracked screens come from physical damage, which the standard warranty excludes.

Mail-in repair versus in-store repair

Apple offers mail-in repair for MacBook screens if you do not have an Apple Store nearby. You ship your machine to Apple, they repair it, and they ship it back. The repair cost is the same as in-store, but you pay for shipping both ways — usually $20 to $40 total depending on your location. The entire process takes one to two weeks.

Mail-in repair is worth considering if the nearest Apple Store is more than an hour away. You avoid the drive and the wait time at the store. The downside is that you are without your machine for longer, and if something goes wrong during shipping, Apple covers it under their shipping insurance.

Some third-party shops also offer mail-in service. They typically charge a flat shipping fee of $15 to $30 and turn around repairs in three to five business days. This can be faster than Apple's mail-in service, though the warranty terms are usually shorter.

What affects the final price

The year and model of your MacBook is the biggest factor. Newer models with edge-to-edge displays and thinner bezels have more expensive screen assemblies. A 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch screen costs more to replace than a 2015 MacBook Air because the newer design integrates the display more tightly with the chassis.

Whether the damage is isolated to the screen also matters. If the crack is only in the glass and the LCD panel underneath is intact, the repair is straightforward. If the LCD is damaged, you are replacing the entire assembly, which costs more. If liquid got inside, the logic board may need cleaning or replacement, which can double or triple the total cost.

Your location affects price too. Apple Stores in major cities sometimes charge slightly more than those in smaller towns, though the difference is usually small. Third-party shops vary much more — a shop in San Francisco may charge $400 for the same repair that costs $250 in a smaller city.

Getting a diagnosis before you commit

Before you pay for any repair, get a diagnosis. Apple Stores offer free diagnostics — they will examine your machine and tell you exactly what is damaged and what it will cost to fix. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. You are not obligated to repair there; you can take that information to a third-party shop if you want.

Third-party shops should also offer a free or low-cost diagnosis. If a shop quotes you a price without looking at the machine, that is a red flag. Damage from a drop can affect multiple components, and a good technician will check for that before giving you a final number.

If your MacBook was damaged by liquid, do not turn it on. Liquid damage can spread when power is applied. Take it to a repair shop with the power off and let them diagnose it. Liquid damage repairs are often more expensive than screen-only repairs because the logic board may need cleaning or component replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a MacBook screen myself?

It is technically possible for some older MacBook models, but it is not recommended for newer ones. MacBook Air and Pro screens from 2016 onward are glued to the chassis, and removing them without damaging the surrounding components requires specialized tools and experience. If you try and fail, you may end up paying for both the screen and damage to the case or logic board.

Does AppleCare+ cover screen damage from normal wear?

No. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage — drops, spills, impacts — but not gradual wear like dead pixels or fading. If your screen is simply getting dimmer over time, that would be a manufacturing defect covered under the standard one-year warranty, not AppleCare+.

How long does a screen replacement usually take?

At an Apple Store, most screen replacements take one to three hours if you drop it off. Some stores can do it while you wait if they have the part in stock. Third-party shops typically take two to four hours. Mail-in repair takes one to two weeks total, including shipping time.

What if my MacBook screen is cracked but still works?

A cracked screen that still displays an image will not get worse on its own, but the crack can spread if the machine is jostled or dropped again. The longer you wait, the more likely the LCD panel underneath will fail, which increases the repair cost. If you plan to keep the machine, it is worth repairing sooner rather than later.

Is it worth repairing an old MacBook or should I buy a new one?

If your MacBook is more than five years old and the screen is the only problem, repair usually makes sense — a $300 to $400 screen replacement is much cheaper than a new machine. If the machine has other issues like a failing battery or keyboard problems, add those costs up first. If the total repair cost exceeds 50 percent of what a used replacement would cost, buying used might be the better choice.