Cracked my Retina display. How much will it cost to fix it?

[rezenclowd3]

I tried to close my macbook from the bottom corner and the retina display cracked. I don't have apple care, how much would it cost to have apple fix it? What other options do I have? http://imgur.com/ehUn0XC

Check out your Apple Authorized Service Providers or Premium Service Providers. They may have alternate methods that will not cost $600+ for the display. As long as the display housing is not bent, it might be fixable for ~$300-$400. The AASP/PSP may have used displays as well.

 

[BomexM3]

I thought apple has something called flat repair where you pay 300 something dollars and they fix everything on the computer.

 

[CaptainChunk]

That really sucks, but I owned a 15" rMBP for just over 3 years and never had a display crack on me. I had ghosting problems, flickering problems, etc but never cracked a display. Luck I suppose? I always thought those displays could possibly crack easier then the cMBPs. However, the Retinas are more durable when hit on the outside of the lid. A friend sat on his 13" rMBP and his screen didn't crack or anything. I thought for sure he was going to have a $700 repair bill. The older 13" cMBPs probably would have cracked (at least the LCD panel) since its mounted to the aluminum and not fused to the glass.

Yeah, I think it was just bad luck. But in any case, I've had it back for a few days and everything is fine now. The manager cut me a break (50% off) on the repair bill, so that was really cool of him.

 

[rezenclowd3]

I thought apple has something called flat repair where you pay 300 something dollars and they fix everything on the computer.

Apple, and your AASP do have flat rate repairs, but accidental damage would be the most expensive of the tiers.

 

[JoelTheSuperior]

I thought apple has something called flat repair where you pay 300 something dollars and they fix everything on the computer.

They offer a flat repair but I can assure you, it's a *lot* more than $300. From what I've heard more like $1500.

 

[rezenclowd3]

They offer a flat repair but I can assure you, it's a *lot* more than $300. From what I've heard more like $1500.

Again why it is best to ask your local Apple store or AASP. The information may or may not be correct... There are tiers, and it also depends on the model being serviced, along with what needs to be replaced....

A reputable shop will know what tier yours falls under, and give you your options whether it be the facilitation option or any number of other ways to fix it.

 

[mcarling]

The display on my brand new 2015 13" rMBP cracked in a very similar way yesterday, ONE DAY after I got it. Why they don't use overlay glass like they have in the past in previous models is beyond me. We're basically looking at a screen with the fragility of an iPhone's - except it's several times larger. I've owned 4 or 5 previous Apple laptops and NONE of them have been this prone to damage.

Anyway, I spent about an hour at the Genius Bar and was told that I'd be looking at a $450 display replacement repair. That wasn't exactly the kind of news I wanted to hear after I had just spent $1,700 on a new laptop I only got one usable day out of. But I did get a manager involved near the end and they agreed to cover half the repair cost. So for that, I'm grateful. But OP, YMMV. I'm not totally sure whether they're replacing just the display or the entire assembly on mine. I was so upset I didn't think to ask. So, it's best to make an appointment and see what they say.

I've also been reading how micro scratches caused by dust/particles on the keyboard can also damage a Retina display. I guess a screen protector is going on my rMBP the second I get it back from repair. I never thought I'd need one for a laptop...

I think you should have insisted on replacement under warranty. I suggest you consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/warranty-rights-faq-29103-4.html

 

[JoelTheSuperior]

I think you should have insisted on replacement under warranty. I suggest you consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/warranty-rights-faq-29103-4.html

Are you sure it'd be covered under warranty? Not saying it wouldn't be but if it's what appears to be accidental damage then it'd be difficult to justify a warranty replacement unfortunately.

Of course, it's certainly possible that the screen cracked due to a manufacturing defect.

Regarding the Better Business Bureau, my understanding is that they're fairly ineffective - the ratings they give businesses for example are reportedly based solely on the membership fees that companies pay, not due to any actual quality of service.

 

[mcarling]

Are you sure it'd be covered under warranty? Not saying it wouldn't be but if it's what appears to be accidental damage then it'd be difficult to justify a warranty replacement unfortunately.

Of course, it's certainly possible that the screen cracked due to a manufacturing defect.

If it cracked solely as a result of being opened and closed, as reported by the poster, then it's a manufacturing or design defect. Ultimately, it might require going to small claims court to get the warranty enforced.

 

[CaptainChunk]

In my case, it would have been a hard case to defend and the wasted time spent would have quickly eclipsed the ~$230 I was charged for the repair (they did it at 50% of the regularly quoted cost). I've had my machine back for two weeks now and so far, no problems. So, I'm happy.

Sometimes, you just have to pick your battles, even when you think you're right.