MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody (2009–2012) Screen Replacement

Apple MacBook Pro

Need a screen replacement for your MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody? We carry out this work in-house at our London workshop, with a fixed quote before we start.

The 13-inch unibody has a separate glass front panel over the LCD. If only the glass is cracked and the picture is fine, we replace the glass alone, which is much cheaper. If the image is damaged, has lines or the backlight has gone, we replace the LCD panel. We diagnose which it is at no cost before starting.

About this model: The 13-inch unibody MacBook Pro (A1278) is one of the most repairable and long-lived Macs Apple ever made. It has a user-accessible hard drive and two RAM slots, a removable optical drive and a screwed-in battery.

Signs it needs a screen replacement

  • Cracked glass with a working picture
  • Lines or ink-blot damage on the LCD
  • Dark backlight
  • Display cable fault in the hinge

How we do it

Before quoting for a new screen, we connect an external display and inspect the display cable, so we know whether the fault is in the screen itself, the cable or the logic board.

Every new display is tested for dead pixels, backlight bleed, brightness range and camera function before the Mac goes back to you.

At a glance

Years 2009–2012
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7
Storage Standard SATA drive
Memory Socketed, upgradeable
Battery Screwed in (no glue)
Power / charging MagSafe 1

Before you bring it in

Don’t press on a cracked screen to ‘test’ it, as this spreads the damage. If you have AppleCare+, check your cover first; we’ll help you compare.

Which model do you have?

This page covers the MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody (2009–2012) (MacBookPro5,5 / 7,1 / 8,1 / 9,2; A1278). Look under Apple menu > About This Mac, or check the small print on the bottom case for the A-number. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.

Price

Display replacement: From £165 + VAT (part) + £75 + VAT labour. Glass panel only: From £125 + VAT supply and fit. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.

Questions we’re often asked

What parts do you use?

We tell you before fitting whether a part is an Apple original, a tested part recovered from a donor machine, or a high-quality compatible part, and the price reflects which you choose.

Can you fit an SSD while it’s here?

Yes. This model uses a standard sata drive, and swapping to an SSD at the same time is often the best-value upgrade you can make.

Do I pay if you can’t fix it?

No. If the repair isn’t possible, you don’t pay for it, and the free initial assessment costs nothing.

Book a repair

For a free, no-obligation quote, call 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london.