MacBook Air M1 A2337 Screen Replacement - keeping TrueTone

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  • MagJ_
    New Member
    • Oct 2024
    • 5
    • Germany

    #1

    MacBook Air M1 A2337 Screen Replacement - keeping TrueTone

    Hello Everybody,

    I have a cracked screen and want to fix it. Usually, TrueTone will be gone as long as one does not prune open the screen and exchange only the LCD. However, I have seen the following Youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBNqhp6p_ZM, Solve MacBook M1 Pro screen true tone issue from the channel Master Liu, where only two chips called "display control chip" and "code chip" are swapped over to the new screen. I know, it is for the MacBookPro version. Though, I had the hope that it could work similarly for the MacBook Air as well.

    Has someone experience with exchanging these two chips? What do you think about it? Are there any plans available from the board?

    Thanks in advance and best regards,
    MagJ_
  • cheebster
    Badcaps Veteran
    • May 2008
    • 360

    #2
    Hello, i have done this on the M1 2021 macbook pro and it worked fine, should be the same for this one.. You have located the 2 chips?

    Comment

    • 1centchips
      Member
      • Feb 2016
      • 41
      • USA

      #3
      Originally posted by MagJ_
      Hello Everybody,

      I have a cracked screen and want to fix it. Usually, TrueTone will be gone as long as one does not prune open the screen and exchange only the LCD. However, I have seen the following Youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBNqhp6p_ZM, Solve MacBook M1 Pro screen true tone issue from the channel Master Liu, where only two chips called "display control chip" and "code chip" are swapped over to the new screen. I know, it is for the MacBookPro version. Though, I had the hope that it could work similarly for the MacBook Air as well.

      Has someone experience with exchanging these two chips? What do you think about it? Are there any plans available from the board?

      Thanks in advance and best regards,
      MagJ_
      The serialized part is on the board next to the camera. I usually do the lcd only repair. WARNING! It's an extensively involved repair

      Comment

      • MagJ_
        New Member
        • Oct 2024
        • 5
        • Germany

        #4
        Originally posted by cheebster
        Hello, i have done this on the M1 2021 macbook pro and it worked fine, should be the same for this one.. You have located the 2 chips?
        So TrueTone is working? I have to admit, that I have difficulties localizing the chips in the video as well. They seem to be below the LCD. But at position 0:29 of the video, I cannot see the chips anymore. I've found this video on youtube. At position 18:25 or 19:51 you can see the lower part of the LCD. Though, here as well, I cannot really see the position of the chips.

        Overall, I am just sceptical. For me, it seems easier to just exchange both chips, then exchanging the whole LCD and having to fear that dust particles get between diffuser and LCD panel. Though, everyone is exchanging the complete LCD - why?

        Additionally to that, I could not find the guide to do that for the MBA A2337. So I have no idea where these chips lay and whether it is enough the exchange them. Do you have a guide or hints for me?

        Comment

        • MagJ_
          New Member
          • Oct 2024
          • 5
          • Germany

          #5
          Originally posted by 1centchips

          The serialized part is on the board next to the camera. I usually do the lcd only repair. WARNING! It's an extensively involved repair
          I've heard, that it is difficult. Why don't you exchange the chips?

          I could sell the computer in its current state to a shop for about 300€. But my overall idea was to learn something, fix it, exchange the battery and sell it refurbished for approximately 1100€.

          Comment

          • 1centchips
            Member
            • Feb 2016
            • 41
            • USA

            #6
            Originally posted by MagJ_

            I've heard, that it is difficult. Why don't you exchange the chips?

            I could sell the computer in its current state to a shop for about 300€. But my overall idea was to learn something, fix it, exchange the battery and sell it refurbished for approximately 1100€.
            A2337 has thicker, wider and stickier glue. It is time consuming to cut the double sided tape. One can easily damage the the backlight sheets or even worse damage the camera flex in the process. I didn't know you still can get 1100 for a2337. Complete lcd shell replacement is easiest and quickest for sure but you lose true tone. If one were to run the built in diagnostic after the full lcd assembly replacement, one will be greeted with issue with display and ALS for sure vs. only issue with display (for lcd only). You will need to separate the lcd on few before actually trying on the one you are trying to resell. Good luck on your journey.

            Comment

            • piernov
              Super Moderator
              • Jan 2016
              • 4435
              • France

              #7
              You can also check Apple's Self Service Repair program.
              OpenBoardView — https://github.com/OpenBoardView/OpenBoardView

              Comment

              • MagJ_
                New Member
                • Oct 2024
                • 5
                • Germany

                #8
                Originally posted by 1centchips

                A2337 has thicker, wider and stickier glue. It is time consuming to cut the double sided tape. One can easily damage the the backlight sheets or even worse damage the camera flex in the process. I didn't know you still can get 1100 for a2337. Complete lcd shell replacement is easiest and quickest for sure but you lose true tone. If one were to run the built in diagnostic after the full lcd assembly replacement, one will be greeted with issue with display and ALS for sure vs. only issue with display (for lcd only). You will need to separate the lcd on few before actually trying on the one you are trying to resell. Good luck on your journey.
                The shops that sell refurbished products offer it for even 1500€ in my configuration. When I deduct the price because I would not offer any warranty, I guess I can ask for 1100€. That is why I wanted to make my life easier by just swapping both chips. I did have a look at the official apple repair guide. However, they completely change the display and not just the LCD or both chips. If I would do it, I would lose TrueTone. So that is no solution for me.

                Comment

                • piernov
                  Super Moderator
                  • Jan 2016
                  • 4435
                  • France

                  #9
                  Apple's Self Service Repair will allow you to run their calibration software at the end of the repair.
                  But without getting the replacement display assembly from the Self Service Repair program I don't think it's possible.
                  OpenBoardView — https://github.com/OpenBoardView/OpenBoardView

                  Comment

                  • perryalice
                    New Member
                    • Jun 2025
                    • 2
                    • Australia

                    #10
                    When it comes to MacBook Air screen replacement, especially for the M1 A2337 model, one of the biggest concerns is retaining TrueTone functionality after the repair. TrueTone adjusts your display's color temperature based on ambient lighting, and losing it can impact your viewing experience significantly.

                    TrueTone data is stored on a chip within the original display assembly. During a screen replacement, this calibration data needs to be transferred to the new screen in order to keep TrueTone working. Unfortunately, most third-party repair shops don’t have access to Apple’s proprietary calibration tools, which means TrueTone is often lost after non-authorized repairs.

                    If you're replacing the screen yourself or through a third-party technician, it's likely the new display will work perfectly—but without TrueTone. You’ll still get full resolution, brightness, and performance, but TrueTone and auto-brightness may be disabled unless the original screen’s EEPROM data is cloned.

                    Your best option to preserve full functionality—including TrueTone—is to have the repair done by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They have the tools to calibrate the new display and pair it with your Mac’s system firmware.
                    In summary, if keeping TrueTone is important to you, it's worth considering an official repair route. If you're okay with losing that feature, third-party replacements can still provide excellent results visually and functionally.

                    Comment

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