MacBook Pro with OLED and touchscreen: what to expect from a repair

Apple presented the new MacBook Pro on 28 October. It ships from 6 November. The device comes in two sizes, each with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip.

Above all, the screen is new. Apple calls it “PROLED XDR”; it is an OLED screen that, for the first time on a Mac, also responds to touch. At the top edge there is now a Dynamic Island like on the iPhone.

The housing is a little thinner and lighter than on the Mini-LED models, which Apple continues to sell. In Germany, the 14-inch model starts at 3,299 euros. The 16-inch model costs from 3,899 euros.

On a MacBook, the screen is almost never replaced on its own. The whole lid with the screen, hinges and cables is replaced, because the parts are firmly connected to each other. Even on previous models, this is the most expensive repair.

With the new MacBook Pro, two things are added. An OLED screen is harder to manufacture than a Mini-LED one, and the touch layer is bonded to the screen. A crack in the glass therefore affects both the picture and the controls at the same time.

For comparison: in our price list, a screen replacement for the 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 and an original part costs 779 euros. For the 15-inch MacBook Air with M5, it is 839 euros. A Pro with OLED and touch will be well above that, but we will only give a price for the new model once spare parts are available.

A touchscreen gets touched, and that is the point. Wipe off fingerprints with a dry microfibre cloth, without alcohol-based cleaners or glass cleaner.

More dangerous than fingers is something left on the keyboard when you close the lid. Earphones or a pen between the keyboard and the screen are enough to damage a screen. That applies to every MacBook, but especially to the most expensive screen.

In your bag, the device belongs in a padded sleeve. Pressure from outside on the closed lid can leave keyboard marks on the screen, and only padding protects against that kind of damage.

For a device in this price range, it is worth considering AppleCare+. In the event of accidental damage, you then pay an excess instead of the full price of the screen, and the more expensive the spare part, the more likely it is to pay off.

Without AppleCare+ and without a warranty case, it is best to compare Apple's price with that of an independent repair shop. With us, the diagnosis is free, even if you decide against the repair afterwards. After the diagnosis you get a quote, and we only repair once you agree.

For all other damage, such as a weak battery, a faulty keyboard or liquid in the device, the same applies to the new model as to every MacBook: come in early, and don't keep switching it on if liquid was involved.