Quick spec recap
MacBook Pro 13" 2017 A1708: Intel 7th gen i5/i7, Iris Plus 640 graphics, 8–16GB RAM, 128GB–1TB SSD, 2× USB-C, function-key row (no Touch Bar). Released June 2017, discontinued July 2018.
Differentiator from A1706: A1708 is the 'entry-level' Pro 13 — only 2 USB-C ports, no Touch Bar, no Touch ID. Considered more reliable than the Touch Bar variant.
Issue 1: Butterfly keyboard — sticky/dead keys
Generation 2 butterfly keyboard. Sticky and dead-key issues affect ~20% of units over 5 years. Apple's Keyboard Service Programme covered until 2023.
Fix in 2026: full top-case (keyboard + battery + trackpad) replacement. PKR 42k–55k at AppleForce.
Issue 2: Battery degradation
Original battery typically at 65–80% health by 2026 if used regularly. Symptoms: rapid drain, sudden shutdowns at 30%+ remaining, swelling in some cases.
Fix: battery replacement. PKR 18k–28k. Often bundled with keyboard service if both are failing.
Issue 3: SSD failure (less common but real)
Soldered SSD on A1708 logic board. Failure rates are low (~3% over 8 years) but recovery is expensive — board-level work required.
Symptoms: random kernel panics, files becoming unreadable, drive disappearing in Disk Utility.
Fix: SSD-chip board-level replacement. PKR 35k–55k including data recovery attempt. Sometimes uneconomical — trade-in is better.
Issue 4: USB-C port wear
Only 2 USB-C ports on A1708. Daily plug/unplug wears them after 5+ years. Port becomes loose, charging unreliable.
Fix: port replacement. PKR 12k–22k. AppleForce can replace individual port modules without changing entire I/O board.
Issue 5: Speaker grille corrosion (humidity-related)
Pakistani monsoon climate eats the speaker grille over years. Symptoms: hissing/buzzing, reduced volume, distortion at high volume.
Fix: speaker replacement PKR 12k–20k. Often bundled with monsoon damage cleanup.
Should you keep, fix, or trade A1708 in 2026?
Working unit, minor issues: keep until macOS support ends (Sonoma supported through ~2026–2027 patches).
Multiple issues stacking up (PKR 30k+ in repairs needed): trade-in PKR 55k–80k toward used M1/M2 Air.