MacBook Pro Repair Guide: M1/M2/M3 & Intel Models

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • MacBook Pro generations have vastly different repairability—2012-2015 best, 2016-2019 worst
• • Butterfly keyboards (2016-2019) fail at much higher rates than other components
• • Apple Silicon models are reliable but have almost zero DIY repair options
• • Battery replacement is the most common repair across all generations
• • Independent repair typically saves 30-50% vs Apple Store pricing

Did You Know?

Our MacBook Pro Repair Expertise (2025)

• • 456 MacBook Pros repaired - across all generations
• • Most common repair: Battery replacement (38%)
• • Second most common: Screen repair (24%)
• • Butterfly keyboard issues: 67 repairs - still supporting 2016-2019 models
• • Board-level repairs: 89 successful logic board fixes
• • Average customer saving vs Apple: 42%

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

MacBook Pro Generations Explained

Understanding which generation you have helps predict issues and repair options:

Common Issues by Generation

Unibody (2008-2012)

• GPU failures - 2011 models notorious for graphics chip defects (requires board-level repair)
• Swelling batteries - Age-related, replacement straightforward
• HDD failures - Spinning drives wear out; SSD upgrade solves this

Retina (2012-2015)

• Staingate - Anti-reflective coating peeling (2013-2015 especially)
• Battery wear - Integrated battery requires top case replacement at Apple
• SSD failures - Rare but proprietary drives are expensive

Touch Bar (2016-2019)

• Butterfly keyboard failure - Apple's worst reliability period, keys stick or fail
• Flexgate - Display cable fails, causes flickering then failure
• Touch Bar issues - Unresponsive strips, burnt pixels
• Battery swelling - Causes trackpad malfunction

Apple Silicon (2020+)

• Cracked screens - Thinner display assembly is fragile
• Keyboard/trackpad issues - Less common but no DIY repair option
• No RAM/storage issues - Because no one can upgrade or replace them

Intel vs Apple Silicon Repairability

Apple Silicon changed the repair landscape significantly:

Screen Repairs

MacBook Pro screen repairs vary significantly by model:

• 13" non-Retina: LCD panel only replacement possible, £149-£249
• 13"/15" Retina: Full display assembly, £299-£399
• Touch Bar models: Display assembly, £349-£499
• 14"/16" M-series: Display assembly with possible pairing, £449-£649

Keyboard & Touch Bar Issues

Butterfly keyboards (2016-2019) are the most failure-prone component Apple has ever made. Even dust can cause keys to fail. Apple extended warranty coverage, but that programme has now ended for most models.

Repair options:

• Apple: £349-£449 for top case replacement (keyboard, battery, trackpad)
• Independent: £199-£299, can often repair specific keys rather than full replacement

Magic Keyboards (2019+) returned to scissor switches and have normal reliability.

Battery Replacement

All modern MacBook Pro batteries are glued to the top case, making replacement labour-intensive:

Logic Board Repairs

Logic board issues can range from simple fixes to terminal damage:

• Power circuit damage: Often repairable, £199-£299
• Liquid damage: Depends on extent, £199-£449 if recoverable
• GPU failure: Reballing possible but temporary on affected Intel models
• CPU/chip failure: Board replacement usually required

Apple doesn't offer board-level repair—they replace entire logic boards at £399-£699. Independent shops with component-level skills can often repair for less.

UK Repair Costs by Model

Frequently Asked Questions

Which MacBook Pro generation is most reliable?

Apple Silicon models (M1/M2/M3) have excellent reliability—fewer moving parts, better thermal management, and no butterfly keyboard. Among Intel models, 2012-2015 Retinas were solid. Avoid 2016-2017 if possible.

Is it worth repairing a 2016 MacBook Pro?

Depends on the repair. Battery replacement? Yes. Butterfly keyboard? Probably. Logic board? Likely not—the machine is showing its age and has fundamental design issues. See our guide on whether MacBook repair is worth it for a decision framework.

Can you upgrade an M-series MacBook Pro?

No. RAM and storage are part of the chip package. What you buy is what you get forever. Always spec more than you think you need when purchasing.

Why is Apple repair so expensive?

Apple replaces entire assemblies rather than individual components. A failed keyboard means a new top case with keyboard, battery, and trackpad. An independent shop might replace just the faulty keyboard. Compare your options in our Apple vs independent repair guide.