Replacing a cracked MacBook Retina Display with third-party hardware?

Question

I need to replace a cracked Retina Display on a 15″ MacBook (2015), but I do not want to buy Apple's expensive replacement parts. Is there third-party hardware that I could use? "Retina Displays" are simply high-PPI IPS or OLED displays, which many other brands of laptops also use.

Answer 1

Apple doesn't sell replacement parts to users, only to their authorized resellers and service centers. However, some used Apple screens are available in the aftermarket, as, for instance from ifixit.com.

I think your choices are:

A) Have Apple or an authorized shop replace the cracked screen;

B) Buy a used screen and install it yourself;

C) Buy a used MacBook (perhaps you could find one with broken electronics, or a bad keyboard or inoperative logic board) and take your chances that its screen will be good;

D) Find a non-authorized repair shop that can replace the screen (thus offloading the "where to get the part" challenge onto the shop, along with the risk that the "new" screen won't work); or

E) recycle your MacBook and replace it.

Answer 2

The Chinese batteries are fairly terrible. On the other hand, I replaced my girlfriend's MBP 13" 2013 retina screen with a Chinese housing (top is plastic and not aluminum). Amazingly enough the screen colour-corrected (BasiCColor) better with the Chinese IPS screen than with the Apple original. She likes to keep a clear plastic cover on the top of her MBP. Under the plastic armour, it's impossible to tell that casing is not aluminum.

Better than new for less than $150. Don't give up on your vintage MBP 13 Retina. The ones with ports are the last good portable from Apple (unless you like carrying lots of dongles).