Curriculum
Before ordering parts or beginning the repair, you must confirm the exact MacBook Pro model you are working on. In this lesson, you will learn how to locate the model number, identify whether your MacBook Pro is an A1706 or A1708, and verify its year and hardware configuration. Completing these checks will help you avoid purchasing an incompatible replacement display.
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Apple released several 13-inch MacBook Pro models that look very similar from the outside. However, similar appearance does not guarantee that their displays, cables, hinges and other internal components are interchangeable.
Before ordering a replacement display, confirm the complete identity of your MacBook Pro. Selecting a replacement based only on the screen size, case design or approximate year could result in purchasing an incompatible part.
Close the MacBook Pro and place it upside down on a clean, soft surface. Look for the small regulatory text printed or engraved on the bottom case.
Within this text, locate the model number beginning with the letter “A.” For this course, the supported model numbers are:
The A1706 typically has four Thunderbolt 3 ports, while the A1708 typically has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. These physical characteristics can support your identification, but you should always verify the model number printed on the bottom case.
If the MacBook Pro still starts normally, open the Apple menu and select About This Mac. Depending on the installed version of macOS, you may need to select Apple menu > System Settings > General > About.
Record the following information:
You can also hold the Option key, open the Apple menu and select System Information. The Hardware Overview section provides additional information, including the model identifier, serial number and hardware configuration.
The A1706 and A1708 model numbers were used for more than one hardware release. Therefore, the model number alone may not identify the exact year or complete configuration of the computer.
Use the serial number and the information shown in macOS to confirm the exact model year. You should compare this information with the replacement-part supplier’s compatibility list before placing an order.
Do not share or publish the complete serial number in photographs, screenshots, product reviews, public forums or support discussions.
Use the following details together to confirm the computer:
No single detail should be used by itself when purchasing an expensive replacement display. Compare as many identifying details as possible.
The A1706 is a 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. It was offered in 2016 and 2017 configurations.
The A1708 is a 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar and has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. It was also offered in 2016 and 2017 configurations.
Although these computers belong to the same general MacBook Pro generation, do not assume that all replacement displays or related parts are interchangeable. Always follow the compatibility information supplied by the replacement-part manufacturer or seller.
Before continuing, record the following details for your computer:
Keep this information available while shopping for parts and throughout the repair.
Before moving to the next lesson, make sure you can:
Do not order or install a replacement display until you have confirmed the model number, model year and replacement-part compatibility.
Before beginning any repair, confirm the exact MacBook model.
Turn the MacBook over and look at the text printed on the bottom case. You are looking for the model number.
Two common related models are A1706 and A1708.
The A1706 is the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar from 2016 and 2017. The A1708 is the 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar from 2016 and 2017.
These models look very similar from the outside, but internally they are not identical. Battery connections, display cable routing, antenna cable layout, and connector locations can differ between the Touch Bar and non-Touch Bar versions.
That means you should never assume the repair is exactly the same just because the screen size looks the same.
For this course, we are focused primarily on the 13-inch MacBook Pro display assembly replacement process, especially the A1706 Touch Bar style layout. If you are working on an A1708 model, the overall idea is similar, but you must pay extra attention to internal differences.
Before continuing, confirm three things.
First, confirm the model number on the bottom case. Second, confirm that your replacement display assembly is advertised for your specific model. Third, compare the replacement part visually against the original display assembly before installation.
If the model number, connector layout, cable position, or hinge structure does not match, stop before forcing anything. A wrong display assembly can lead to poor fitment, damaged connectors, or a failed repair.
A1706 = 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
A1708 = 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar
Always verify compatibility before opening.
In the next lesson, we will check whether the display issue may qualify for Apple service before you begin a hands-on repair.
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