Quick spec recap
MacBook Pro 15" 2017 A1707: Intel 7th gen i7 (quad-core), Radeon Pro 555 or 560 (2GB/4GB GDDR5), 16GB RAM standard, 256GB-2TB SSD, Touch Bar + Touch ID, 4× Thunderbolt 3.
Last 15" before the i9 era. Solid performer for its time, now showing age.
Issue 1: Radeon GPU failure (the big one)
GDDR5 + Radeon Pro 555/560 develop solder-joint issues after 5-7 years. Symptoms: random reboots during graphics-heavy work, vertical lines on screen, kernel panics when waking from sleep.
Apple had a Repair Programme for affected serials (2016 model). 2017 was never officially recalled.
Fix: GPU reflow PKR 22k-35k (6-18 month lifespan). GPU replacement PKR 45k-75k (more permanent but expensive).
Issue 2: Butterfly keyboard (gen 2)
Same 2nd-gen butterfly issues as 13" siblings. Sticky keys, double-registering, dead keys. Affects 20-30% of units over 5+ years.
Fix: top-case replacement PKR 50k-62k.
Issue 3: Battery swelling (urgent safety)
i7 + Radeon = high power draw = stressed battery. By 2026, swelling is common. Visible signs: trackpad raised above the chassis, lid won't close flat.
STOP USING immediately if swelling visible · fire risk. Power off, store on a fireproof surface, bring to workshop ASAP.
Fix: battery replacement PKR 28k-38k. Same-day service when brought in early.
Issue 4: Touch Bar replacement quirks
Touch Bar membrane wears after constant use. Strips of dead area appear, gestures don't register.
Fix: Touch Bar replacement PKR 28k-45k. Genuine Apple Touch Bar only · aftermarket fails within months.
Issue 5: Speaker distortion + flexgate display
Both common on 2017 15" Pro by 2026. Speaker membrane cracks after sustained loud playback. Display cable wears at hinge causing backlight stage 1/2 issues.
Speaker fix: PKR 12k-22k. Flexgate cable: PKR 18k-28k.
2026 verdict: keep, fix, or trade?
Single issue, otherwise working: fix it. PKR 28k-55k investment buys 2-3 more useful years.
Two or more stacking issues: trade. PKR 75k-115k trade-in value toward used MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro.