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MacBooks represent Apple’s take on the notebook computer. As of 2022, the MacBook Air and Pro models make up the current line. They have various features that make working on the go more convenient. The Pro version tends to have more RAM and storage space, but each model has different versions.
Like many other laptops on the market, the MacBooks have relatively robust frames for their weight categories. However, some prospective Macbook users wonder about the fragility of its screen.
How easy could it be to crack or break the screen accidentally?
If you’re using your MacBook correctly, the chances of this kind of screen damage are low. However, it makes sense to review the durability of the MacBook display in our article today.
Table of Contents
Are MacBook Screens Fragile?
Generally, it’s fair to say that MacBook screens tend to be quite fragile. While the display on any laptop may be one of the easiest parts for a user to damage accidentally, it seems like some versions of the MacBook are more prone to such screen issues than some of the other laptop brands or models in the market today.
Therefore, it might be prudent to take extra care of how you open, close, or use the display on a MacBook, mainly if you have used laptops that are not Macs in the past.
It is also worth noting that some delicate screens may result from a defect. In any manufacturing process, defects during the production and assembly steps might happen. So there might be some defective products that a company releases. In such cases, these would not be the fault of the user.
While Apple takes great care to ensure that only the best of its computers reach the market, it may not be able to account for all issues with every piece of tech it puts into stores. If you feel your MacBook screen cracked very early into your period of ownership, you may have some recourse with the company itself.
We will discuss Apple’s warranty policy in greater detail in another section. For now, it is enough to understand that not all MacBook screens should crack easily under normal use conditions. If this happens, this may be the result of some defect in the display panel itself.
Do MacBook Screens Scratch Easily?
The proper answer here depends on a couple of factors. First, there might be slight differences in build specifications between various MacBook generations. Some generations might have displays that could get more easily scratched than others.
If you are unsure about this, use online resources to research the model you’re interested in. You can also check the Apple community and see what MacBook users say about that model. It’s safe to go with one the community feels is less prone to scratches or similar damage.
Second, it depends on how you use your MacBook computer. A top coating over the MacBook display acts as a safeguard. This unique layer can offer some protection to the panel.
Everything the laptop does on the screen happens underneath this protective layer. That includes images, text, videos, and more. But the effect won’t be noticeable to you. This layer makes it harder to scratch the screen accidentally.
Aside from protecting the screen, this layer has other benefits. It helps you wipe dust and debris off the screen. Dust particles might be large or abrasive enough to cause some damage to the delicate screen of a laptop. The protective coating allows you to wipe off the dust without scratching the screen.
Although the protection is not some guaranteed failsafe, it provides some risk mitigation. Still, it is advisable to clean your MacBook screen with care. If you’re in doubt, check your computer’s manual on how to care for its screen and other parts.
Does the Apple Warranty for a Mac Cover Screen Damage?
Apple has two types of warranties it offers for its products — Standard Limited Warranty and AppleCare.
The Standard Limited Warranty offers some protection for your laptop. It includes any problem related to materials or quality. That means it only covers defects that happened in the manufacturing process.
So if the damage to the screen is not the result of this process, it’s not part of the limited warranty. In other words, it does not cover accidental damage to the screen.
This warranty also allows you to get your screen replaced by a qualified technician at an Apple Store. Depending on the exact circumstances, you might need to pay a fee for the parts and labor here.
AppleCare gives you more options and features. It offers more accident protection for your MacBook. You can use these to repair parts of your MacBook, including the screen. Its coverage is limited, but you can renew it once it expires.
Do I Need a MacBook Screen Protector?
Getting a screen protector for your Mac is more of a personal decision. If your Mac has no defects and you’re using it as regular users would, you don’t need a screen protector.
The protective coating is enough to keep your screen safe. Adding another protective layer is unnecessary. But if scratches and other damage worry you, get a screen protector for your peace of mind.
Does Removing a Laptop’s Screen Protector Damage the Screen?
Generally, removing a laptop’s screen protector should not harm it. But this is only true if you are careful in how you remove it. If you want to minimize any possible damage to your screen, you also need a specific type of screen protector for your Mac display.
One method of preventing any damage to your screen is by removing it slowly and carefully at one corner. Many screen protectors use adhesives to connect to the display panels. You will need to pull and peel this adhesive layer to remove it. Doing so lessens the risk of damaging the screen.
If you carefully remove the screen protector, it won’t damage your laptop display. One of the best removal methods is by starting at one corner. Gently lift the screen protector and peel the adhesive off.
Many screen protectors use adhesives to connect to the display panels. You will need to pull up and peel this adhesive layer to remove it. If you follow the correct method, there should be minimal risk of damage to the screen. The types of adhesive you use could also increase or decrease the risk.
However, some adhesive screen protectors do not mix well with laptop screens. The reason for this has to do with the properties of the computer’s built-in protective layer. They are plastic protectors, which do not go well with the usual sticky bases.
If you use a glass adhesive, it might bond too much with the layer of coating. So when you try to take the screen protector off, you might rip the MacBook’s protective display layer.
Conversely, there are water-based adhesive protectors that you might be able to use. If you’re using this, spray on a fine water mist, so the protector adheres to the screen. For better results, you may wish to use a frame protector.
These would attach to the frame of your laptop instead of just the display. Therefore, it is easier to detach them from the frame without harming the screen of your MacBook.
Conclusion
MacBook screens can be fragile, but most of the ones you come across should be fine for general use. As long as there is no apparent defect in how the manufacturer makes the screen and provided you don’t abuse the laptop, your screen should be fine.
If you have concerns, there are a few varieties of screen protectors you can try to add yet another layer of safety to your MacBook.