Which MacBook screen repairs require Apple System Configuration tool?

Thank you Xuan, that is very helpful.

Dan, let me make sure I understand you correctly as I know based on my past interactions with you, you are knowledgeable in this area.

M1's - are you saying you will lose true tone if you use a new screen, and there is no way around that? Is this a 100% fact. I am not doubting you. I just need to be certain.

M2 & M3 systems - are you saying all M2's and M3's require calibration. As an example, will the A2681 which is the Air M2, require calibration? I used a new screen on A2681 some time ago, and didn't require calibration. I understand the A2681 will lose it's truetone. Unless this was an anomoly - I don't know what to make of this. I respect your knowledge but I just got to know if its a fact. I know it's a fact on the 14" but others have also reported no issues on the A2681. But I am happy to be corrected and learn. Thank you.

@ryanuk - The issue is the programming of the TrueTone camera’s ID within the systems firmware. The FaceTime camera is a different system.

To be clear a virgin display straight from the factory won’t have the FaceTime cameras firmware downloaded to it as such it won’t work. Which is why you need a used display and this is only the M1 14 & 16” MacBook Pro’s.

The M2 14 & 16” use a zone based backlight which is where the odd shadows are seen. Basically, the backlight zone which needs to be darker is where the brighter area is called out for. No means to overcome this. Given what Apple showed off earlier this month with a dual layer OLED display I’m sure the next Gen will do away with the zone backlight, instead going to OLED!

The 13” and the airs are different again! As you where asking about the MacBook Pro’s I didn’t want to inject still more confusion into the works.

As for Fact only Apple can tell you that, sadly they aren’t talking!

Our collective knowledge here is what I use and my own experience. I mostly work on M1 & M2 MacBook Pro systems, the current M3 is the same as the M2 with some minor alterations.

@sommerregen - you really need to post your own Q as there are quite a few versions of MacBook Pro systems not all need the SCT, in fact there is a different tool Apple uses which is behind a paywall their Calibration tool. I'm suspecting that's what you need but I can't be sure with out knowing which model you have and what the older system is as well that you took the display from.

Its a Macbook Pro 13 A2338 M1. I posted it here because it seem a place with reliable sources and somehow similar topic. My original Q was does the Macbook A2338 has a Lid angle sensor. I found out It has not, after reading the repair manual. But you need to use the system configuration tool to implement the ambient sensor(True Tone) from the camera. I used the system configuration tool as described in the manual but it didnt work for me even with an original display. The support couldn't help me either although they really tried to connect to the system configuration tool when it was in use. But they couldn't connect. They said because i didn't bought it directly from them they can't do anything about it. So yeah maybe there is a different tool I don't have access to behind a paywall. I don't know.

I just wanted to share my experience after all, because i was looking for an anwser before.

@sommerregen - To answer your original Q - The angle sensor is mated to the display but not electronically! It's the magnetic interaction between the magnet and the ring of Hall sensors within the angle sensor.

So, if you are swapping displays between systems then you do need to transfer the sensor which was matched up with the mated display. It was also discovered you could also rotate the magnet which is not ideal. And there is a tool available that can help in the alignment process without needed Apple's tool.

As far as why the Apple Support couldn't help you to re-enable TrueTone has to do with parts serialization across the given system. Here the original display ID is expected not the replacement. The only way to regain TrueTone is to buy a new display directly from Apple so you can access via the purchase the paywalled calibration tool.

Stand up and Yell! Thank You Apple! For making a simple repair so difficult and loose features. There is no reason for any of this nonsense!

Nerdtool makes an angle sensor programmer. Just received mine today from MobileSentrix.

Thank you Dan, the hall sensor works fine with the replacement Display. It is just the True Tone which is connected with the camera. I have read if you just replace the lcd pannel true tone still works because the original camera is still in place. Yeah, you are right Apple is a pain in the arse. It is frustrating for everyone. There is nothing gained with that kind of behavior.