Chosen Solution
Hi, I want to replace the complete glossy hi-res display assembly with a hi-res matte one. The issue is that there aren’t really any matte 2012 units available. Is it possible to use the early/late 2011 display assembly on a mid 2012 MacBook Pro with the same resolution? I’ve found some answers that say it is possible some say it isn’t. Some thoughts:
- AirPort Exrreme card from 2012 can be used in 2011 model -> same antenna design- Same specs of the Facetime camera (same connector/cable length?)- Same resolution -> same logic board connector?Question: Are the magnets to sense the lid closing within the 2011 display assembly at the same location as they are in the 2012 part? Thank you very much for your help!
I want to conclude this thread: YES, it is possible. The LCD panels in A1286 MacBook Pros are the same from 2009-2012, the only light issue is the physical shape of the display connector - the critical electrical pin out is identical. To fit the 2011 display connector into a 2012 logic board connector socket you have to remove a little bit of metal from the two contralateral sides of the connector (nowhere near the conductors), then it fits properly. The shape of the 2011 display assembly is the same as the 2012 counterpart (meaning location of hinges etc.), it will fit on the 2012 lower case perfectly. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the FaceTime camera, brightness adjustment and closing the lid to go to sleep, all is working without any trouble. I hope this information helps people since dedicated 2012 spare parts are rather rare and the 2011 machines are beginning to die due to the AMD GPU issue, so they are going to pop up for parts.
Catalog says the ‘12’s only fit in ‘12 boxes, same, same for the ‘11’s. The Bluetooth bracket fits both model years. For the rest - again - check the catalog With some “mild modification” (see below) the screens will work they are not however a straight swap. If this answer is acceptable please remember to return and mark it.
While this is an old question it needs an update with the proper answer! The 2011 and 2012 models are really the same displays mechanically! The only issue is the 2012 LVDS connector & cable was sourced from a different supplier which uses a slightly smaller fiberglass tang on the cable end connector. So you need to carefully grind the 2011 displays LVDS cable as I’ve shown here with an emery board nail file.
I only recommend using the better Hi-Res displays on the 2012 systems. The GPU logic these systems have can offer the full fidelity. The lower end 2011 GPU options don’t benefit having the Hi-Res displays to installed. I’ve done quite a few of these mods and the system I’m banging on right now! It’s a 2011 system which had a Hi-Res matte display that I upgraded the logic board to the 2012 2.7GHz NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M logic board. Best system Apple didn’t make!
