The 13 inch MacBook Pro has been through more changes than any other Mac: the Retina display, the Touch Bar, three keyboards, Intel chips and then Apple's own. That is why it has a longer list of known faults than any other, and why it matters which year yours is.
Blue Apple repairs the 13 inch MacBook Pro from 2013 to 2022, with and without the Touch Bar, at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam. Each model has its own page with the repairs we offer for it: start at the MacBook repair page.
What is different about the MacBook Pro 13 inch
- The butterfly keyboard years. The 2016 to 2019 models have the butterfly keyboard, which is known for stuck or double-typing keys. The 2020 models returned to a more reliable design.
- A backlight cable on the 2016 and 2017 models. The 2016 and 2017 13 inch models are known for a backlight flex cable that wears out and leaves a lit strip at the bottom of the screen and a screen that dims when opened wide.
- Touch Bar on some, not all. Some of these models have the Touch Bar and Touch ID, and some do not. The model page shows which yours has.
- Intel and Apple chips. Models up to 2020 use Intel chips, the 2020 to 2022 model uses the M1 or M2, and the parts differ between them.
What usually goes wrong with the 13 inch MacBook Pro
- Keyboard keys that stick or repeat. The most famous fault of the 2016 to 2019 models. A keyboard replacement is a repair we do.
- Backlight that fails or is uneven. A lit band along the bottom of the display on the 2016 and 2017 models points to the flex cable.
- Swollen battery. On older models, a battery that has swollen lifts the trackpad and the case. Do not charge it.
- Does not charge or turn on. A charger, a port or a failure on the board. We measure where the power stops.
- Liquid damage. A spill on a laptop of this age often damages the board. Switch it off and bring it in.
The 13 inch MacBook Pro models we repair
Every model below has its own page, with the repairs we offer for it and what each one costs.
MacBook Pro 13" M1/M2 Touch Bar A2338 (2020-2022), MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar A2251 (2020), MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar A2289 (2020), MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar A1989 (2018-2019), MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar A2159 (2019), MacBook Pro 13" A1708 (2016-2017), MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar A1706 (2016-2017), MacBook Pro 13" A1502 (2013-2015).
Repair or replace?
A 13 inch Pro from 2013 to 2022 is worth repairing if the repair is in proportion to its age. A battery, a keyboard or a screen is usually worth it on a 2018 or newer. On a 2013 or 2015 model with several faults, we say after the diagnosis whether the money is better spent elsewhere. Check which macOS your model can still run.
Looking after your MacBook Pro
- Clean the keyboard with compressed air. It is the best prevention on a butterfly keyboard.
- Replace a battery that has swollen at once. It is a safety matter as well as a repair.
- Back up before it fails. Older Pros fail without warning.
How a repair works at Blue Apple
Open your model on the MacBook repair page, choose the repair and you see the price straight away. You can bring it to our workshop at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam, have it collected (pickup and delivery) or send it by post. If your fault is not in the list, the custom repair form lets you describe it, and we come back with a price before any work starts.
Questions about 13 inch MacBook Pro repair
Can the keyboard of a 2017 MacBook Pro be replaced?
Yes. It is a repair we offer, and the model page shows the price for your model.
My screen has a light strip at the bottom. What is it?
On a 2016 or 2017 13 inch it is usually the backlight cable. Bring it in and we confirm it.
More reading
- MacBook Pro battery replacement in Amsterdam: complete guide
- MacBook will not turn on? Here is what to try first
In short
On a 13 inch MacBook Pro the keyboard, the backlight and the battery are the known faults, and which one matters depends on the year of your model. See the MacBook repair page for the models and repairs, or send us a request. You will find us at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam, and you can call 020 239 11 93 with a question first.
