REplace speakers on Model A1398 MacBook Pro

Where to get speakers replaced in Model A1398 MacBook Pro


Posted on Dec 29, 2022 4:32 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 30, 2022 12:43 PM

That designation covers laptops 15" MBPro models from 2012 to 2015. The designation provided is more of a model "family" than an exact model identifier. It is much better to provide the exact model which you can get by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".


The 2015 model only just recently became "Vintage", so there is a good chance you can still get an official repair from an Apple Authorized Service Provider who actually repairs Macs in their own store as opposed to mailing them out to an Apple repair depot (I believe most Apple Stores mail them out). I don't believe mail-in repairs are allowed for "Vintage" systems as we were denied a repair for this very reason a few years ago. The 2014 model has been "Vintage" for a while now, so it is less likely an official Apple repair will still be available. Once a Mac becomes "Vintage", official repairs are only possible as long as the necessary parts are still available from Apple and only for up to two years once a product becomes "Vintage".


As for replacing the speakers yourself or having an unauthorized repair, replacing the speakers in the 15" model is a major undertaking as all of the internal boards must first be removed in order to access both speakers. With the 2015 model especially, the added risk factor is not damaging the speaker connector on the Logic Board as the speaker cable tends to fit very tightly into the connector on the Logic Board...I have accidentally damaged this connector even when being extremely careful & mindful since this connector has very little holding it to the Logic Board. The other downside to an unauthorized repair, is that I've only been able to find used speakers online. Normally this would not be a big deal, but with these 2012-2015 Retina model laptops, I have discovered that their speakers tend to fail due to old age with the speaker cones weakening & rotting over time. I've never seen any other laptops (even other Macs) with such an issue or such a high rate of speaker failure than with the Retina MBPros from 2012 to 2015.


The speakers on the 13" 2012-2015 MBPro models are very easy to replace (only need to disconnect the battery and remove the speakers themselves) with the exception of disconnecting the speaker from the Logic Board connector without accidentally damaging the connector.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 30, 2022 12:43 PM in response to Spacejunk55

That designation covers laptops 15" MBPro models from 2012 to 2015. The designation provided is more of a model "family" than an exact model identifier. It is much better to provide the exact model which you can get by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".


The 2015 model only just recently became "Vintage", so there is a good chance you can still get an official repair from an Apple Authorized Service Provider who actually repairs Macs in their own store as opposed to mailing them out to an Apple repair depot (I believe most Apple Stores mail them out). I don't believe mail-in repairs are allowed for "Vintage" systems as we were denied a repair for this very reason a few years ago. The 2014 model has been "Vintage" for a while now, so it is less likely an official Apple repair will still be available. Once a Mac becomes "Vintage", official repairs are only possible as long as the necessary parts are still available from Apple and only for up to two years once a product becomes "Vintage".


As for replacing the speakers yourself or having an unauthorized repair, replacing the speakers in the 15" model is a major undertaking as all of the internal boards must first be removed in order to access both speakers. With the 2015 model especially, the added risk factor is not damaging the speaker connector on the Logic Board as the speaker cable tends to fit very tightly into the connector on the Logic Board...I have accidentally damaged this connector even when being extremely careful & mindful since this connector has very little holding it to the Logic Board. The other downside to an unauthorized repair, is that I've only been able to find used speakers online. Normally this would not be a big deal, but with these 2012-2015 Retina model laptops, I have discovered that their speakers tend to fail due to old age with the speaker cones weakening & rotting over time. I've never seen any other laptops (even other Macs) with such an issue or such a high rate of speaker failure than with the Retina MBPros from 2012 to 2015.


The speakers on the 13" 2012-2015 MBPro models are very easy to replace (only need to disconnect the battery and remove the speakers themselves) with the exception of disconnecting the speaker from the Logic Board connector without accidentally damaging the connector.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

REplace speakers on Model A1398 MacBook Pro

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.