Apple Extended its MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program

[JDW]

Chipped off anti-glare coating on my shoulder, yes.

Your points are understood and appreciated, but the fact remains that Apple's replacement program ends this October. Most people who have advised me in other forums have simply said, "just swap the screen and sell the Mac." But I happen to like the SD card slot, legacy USB-A connector, bigger battery, glowing Apple logo, etc. I just wish there was a true fix for the issue such that replacing the screen once would assure the owner it would not happen again. That is not the case though.

Some people had the screen replaced twice and their Apple store said there wouldn't be a third freebie. Others have had theirs replaced more than 3 times. So it's not so much a chip on my shoulder as it is a dark cloud above my head.

Best wishes.

 

[Rocko99991]

Are the early 2015 rMBP models affected? I just bought a refurbished unit from Apple, do you think that screen may suffer the same issue over time?

 

[kevinof]

well I just noticed a couple of spots on my screen - early 2015 Pro. About 4/5 spots in different parts of the screen.

Not good.

Are the early 2015 rMBP models affected? I just bought a refurbished unit from Apple, do you think that screen may suffer the same issue over time?

 

[Rocko99991]

well I just noticed a couple of spots on my screen - early 2015 Pro. About 4/5 spots in different parts of the screen.

Not good.

Oh man. How long have you had it?

 

[kevinof]

Since new. Screen was perfect and unmarked up to about a month ago, now this. I'm going to see about a replacement screen before this program ends.

Not a happy camper.

Oh man. How long have you had it?

 

[Rocko99991]

Since new. Screen was perfect and unmarked up to about a month ago, now this. I'm going to see about a replacement screen before this program ends.

Not a happy camper.

When was that model originally released?

 

[JDW]

Are the early 2015 rMBP models affected? I just bought a refurbished unit from Apple, do you think that screen may suffer the same issue over time?

My 2015 edition 15" MBP (top end model) was made in July 2016. As shown in my video here, the antiglare coating starts coming off in June 2017 (11 months later):

The 2015 MBP 15" knocks the socks off the late 2016 and 2017 models in terms of PRO features like a built-in SD card slot, good keyboard, MagSafe, large enough battery, and at least 1 legacy USBA port (not to mention other perks like the glowing Apple logo on back of the display). But what ruins the experience is the antiglare coating coming off. I've not read reports of that on the 2016 or 2017 edition, but who knows; maybe that is just due to the fact it hasn't been a year yet. It takes time to show the problem.

Because you are not a happy camper just like me, I would advise everyone here affected to join me in offering Apple courteous yet pointed feedback about the matter at these two places:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

tcook@apple.com

Just because Apple replaces the screens for free within the first 3 years after purchase doesn't make it right. The reason is because Apple never used even a penny of its cash hoard or a single person among its countless thousands of employees to actually FIX the problem, such that Apple need only replace a given screen ONCE AND FOREVERMORE. They could do this if they tried. The problem is they never tried, and that is precisely why we the users of these expensive machines are morally obligated to voice concerns directly to Apple about it.

Best wishes.

 

[Rocko99991]

My 2015 edition 15" MBP (top end model) was made in July 2016. As shown in my video here, the antiglare coating starts coming off in June 2017 (11 months later):

The 2015 MBP 15" knocks the socks off the late 2016 and 2017 models in terms of PRO features like a built-in SD card slot, good keyboard, MagSafe, large enough battery, and at least 1 legacy USBA port (not to mention other perks like the glowing Apple logo on back of the display). But what ruins the experience is the antiglare coating coming off. I've not read reports of that on the 2016 or 2017 edition, but who knows; maybe that is just due to the fact it hasn't been a year yet. It takes time to show the problem.

Because you are not a happy camper just like me, I would advise everyone here affected to join me in offering Apple courteous yet pointed feedback about the matter at these two places:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

tcook@apple.com

Just because Apple replaces the screens for free within the first 3 years after purchase doesn't make it right. The reason is because Apple never used even a penny of its cash hoard or a single person among its countless thousands of employees to actually FIX the problem, such that Apple need only replace a given screen ONCE AND FOREVERMORE. They could do this if they tried. The problem is they never tried, and that is precisely why we the users of these expensive machines are morally obligated to voice concerns directly to Apple about it.

Best wishes.

So based on your experience, what would you do in my position. 1) return the rMBP and purchase a 2016/2017 hoping the issue does not happen in these models and deal with lack of ports 2) Keep it and take the chance on the screen.

 

[JDW]

Rocko, if I were you and IF (and only IF) I didn't mind the rather gutted 2017 edition MBP, I would first and foremost write an intelligently crafted email to Tim Cook and say politely suggest that it would be a blessing if he would kindly swap out your 2015 edition machine for either a late 2016 or 2017 machine -- newer machines that, to our knowledge anyway, don't have the antiglare coating problem.

I actually wrote to Cook in the past and while he himself did not reply, he got an Apple exec to give me a call and, long story short, he got my 27" iMac's video card fixed for me free of charge even though the AppleCare had just expired.

You could just sell your machine and put the proceeds toward a new model, but you would take a financial loss and you wouldn't make any impact on Apple either. A lot of people think it's a waste of time to write Cook or send Apple feedback, but in my experience that is simply untrue. But again, before you ask for a 2017 model, make sure you can live with all the DONGLES you will need, and visit an Apple store to ensure you can stomach the keyboard on the new models, which has virtually no tactile feedback. No MagSafe, and the battery is a bit smaller too. Keep all these things in mind, whatever you decide.

 

[Rocko99991]

Rocko, if I were you and IF (and only IF) I didn't mind the rather gutted 2017 edition MBP, I would first and foremost write an intelligently crafted email to Tim Cook and say politely suggest that it would be a blessing if he would kindly swap out your 2015 edition machine for either a late 2016 or 2017 machine -- newer machines that, to our knowledge anyway, don't have the antiglare coating problem.

I actually wrote to Cook in the past and while he himself did not reply, he got an Apple exec to give me a call and, long story short, he got my 27" iMac's video card fixed for me free of charge even though the AppleCare had just expired.

You could just sell your machine and put the proceeds toward a new model, but you would take a financial loss and you wouldn't make any impact on Apple either. A lot of people think it's a waste of time to write Cook or send Apple feedback, but in my experience that is simply untrue. But again, before you ask for a 2017 model, make sure you can live with all the DONGLES you will need, and visit an Apple store to ensure you can stomach the keyboard on the new models, which has virtually no tactile feedback. No MagSafe, and the battery is a bit smaller too. Keep all these things in mind, whatever you decide.

Thanks for the info. I will write a letter. I have done it before for the Nano. I am now not even sure I would want the new models for a couple of reasons. 1) we are not 100% sure this issue won't present itself in these years. 2) ports, dongles and MagSafe and keyboard.

I may just keep the 2015 and if a problem arises get it fixed as late as possible and sell it.

In your opinion would you even bother with the cloth in between screen and keyboard?

 

[JDW]

Rocko, if you watched my YouTube video, you saw the microfiber cloth I use between the screen and keyboard. Even though I took the utmost care, then coating still started to come off. Even so, I have no doubt whatsoever that had I never used that cloth, much more of the coating would have come off and probably sooner too. So long as your cloth is clean, I would saw it is better to use that than nothing at all.

 

[JDW]

I just called them and said it is not on our website so we cannot support you what do you recommend to do next?

The response varies from Apple store to store, and varies by authorized Apple reseller. You may have luck trying a different store, although it probably would be out of the way for you.

Next, even if you try a different store and have success, the problem will come back. Apple is foolishly replacing screens with the same kind of screen that has a weak antiglare coating. Rather then spend a teensy tiny amount of their cash hoard and rather than use a couple of their thousands of engineers to go back to the bench and actually FIX the root problem so that 1 replacement is all anyone will ever need, Apple continues to replace screens over and over, until a particular Apple store says, "enough is enough... we won't replace it anymore."

This is not just me guessing what happens. You can read first hand reports of it in the MacBook Retina Stain on Display FaceBook group. You will also see a lot of people celebrating in that group when they get their screens replaced. But most of them are unaware the problem will come back.

It's truly a sad situation that could easily be resolved completely if Apple would take the initiative to actually fix the defect and give us a sold replacement screen.

 

[irishweather]

I would just like to say a big thank you to macrumors for bringing to my attention this anti glare coating problem.

I have had a minor issue for the last 3 years to the side of the screen and thought it was me causing the issue by rubbing too hard when i was cleaning the screen. About 2 weeks ago a large patch appeared in the centre of my display.
I decided to google how much it might cost to have the screen recoated and stumbled upon this article in Macrumors.

I immediately phoned Apple support who directed me to the official reseller in Ireland. To cut a long story short, I went to the store on Monday and now am the proud owner of a new display today, Wednesday, all of 2 days, all free of charge.

I am now a very happy MacBook Pro user thanks to Macrumors.

Can anyone suggest a good screen protector that i could purchase as I see from comments here that I probably have a screen that will develop the same issue down the line?

 

[JDW]

Can anyone suggest a good screen protector that i could purchase as I see from comments here that I probably have a screen that will develop the same issue down the line?

Without a screen protector, the problem will come back over time. With a screen protector, the problem will happen when either you remove the screen protector or in places where the screen protector pulls away a little bit from the screen. The reason is because Apple is replacing screens the same kind of screen that has a weak antiglare coating. It's a crying shame they do not offer us improved screens as replacements since they clearly have the technology to prevent the problem, as evidenced by the fact that iOS devices do not have the same problem!

I would advise you and everyone else who has had their screen replaced for free to not allow your present joy and exhubiration keep you from sending your experience to Apple at the following two channels:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

tcook@apple.com

Yes, it really is worth your time. Sending your feedback to Apple helps not only yourself but others too.

Best wishes.

 

[irishweather]

Without a screen protector, the problem will come back over time. With a screen protector, the problem will happen when either you remove the screen protector or in places where the screen protector pulls away a little bit from the screen. The reason is because Apple is replacing screens the same kind of screen that has a weak antiglare coating. It's a crying shame they do not offer us improved screens as replacements since they clearly have the technology to prevent the problem, as evidenced by the fact that iOS devices do not have the same problem!

I would advise you and everyone else who has had their screen replaced for free to not allow your present joy and exhubiration keep you from sending your experience to Apple at the following two channels:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

tcook@apple.com

Yes, it really is worth your time. Sending your feedback to Apple helps not only yourself but others too.

Best wishes.

Thanks for the advice.

I just a few minutes ago ordered a "tempered glass" protector for my MacBook. They are dearer, but thought they would be a better option than the "plastic" protectors.

I have time to cancel the order.
Would you advise this a a better "worst case" option.

I will as advised send my findings to Apple and if, as you say, this helps others with this problem then that will be a positive
[doublepost=1504735734][/doublepost]

Without a screen protector, the problem will come back over time. With a screen protector, the problem will happen when either you remove the screen protector or in places where the screen protector pulls away a little bit from the screen. The reason is because Apple is replacing screens the same kind of screen that has a weak antiglare coating. It's a crying shame they do not offer us improved screens as replacements since they clearly have the technology to prevent the problem, as evidenced by the fact that iOS devices do not have the same problem!

I would advise you and everyone else who has had their screen replaced for free to not allow your present joy and exhubiration keep you from sending your experience to Apple at the following two channels:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

tcook@apple.com

Yes, it really is worth your time. Sending your feedback to Apple helps not only yourself but others too.

Best wishes.

Thanks for the advice.

I just a few minutes ago ordered a "tempered glass" protector for my MacBook. They are dearer, but thought they would be a better option than the "plastic" protectors.

I have time to cancel the order.
Would you advise this a a better "worst case" option.

I will as advised send my findings to Apple and if, as you say, this helps others with this problem then that will be a positive

 

[Modernape]

Just took my 2012 13" in to the Leicester Apple store today, and they replaced the screen in 15 minutes!

 

[choobe]

I bought a used 2013 MB Pro 15.4" Retina that I believe will need this service as well since the seller says that there are unremovable smudges. I'm hoping it can be something quickly replaced as well like Modernape's since the closest Apple store to me is almost 2 hours away!

 

[jon8214]

well you can add my MacBook pro retina late 13 to the list noticed the delimitation this morning along the bottom and top left side of the display spoke to applecare and they have set up a genius bar appointment on weds for them to confirm the issue. The applecare rep did say on the call that my display is within the terms of the problem and should get fixed for free. Here's hoping.

 

[choobe]

Just want to mention if your MacBook Pro has pre-existing hardware issues besides the screen's AR coating, they will not do the screen replacement until you pay the extra to get your laptop in full functional condition. On mine I have an issue with the power button, otherwise it works perfectly. I just have to not do a full shutdown. Now this could be a keyboard assembly issue or worse case, something in the logic board. So yesterday I got a call from the Apple repair that they cannot do the screen replacement because of that and that I'd have to send it to their Teir 2 support and pay $800. I was very disappointed to say the least. I mean what does that have to do with my screen AR coming off??

If you purchased a 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro with Retina display and have experienced issues with the anti-reflective coating wearing off or delaminating, Apple may repair the notebook free of charge.

Apple will replace Retina displays on eligible models purchased as far back as June 2012 until October 16, 2017, or within three years of the original date of purchase, whichever is longer. The program was extended to provide affected customers with a longer window of time to get their notebook serviced.

The program has not been publicly announced, but Apple confirmed to MacRumors that repairs continue to be handled internally through AppleCare. Apple does not plan to announce the program publicly at this time, unlike its iPhone 6s battery replacement program and over a dozen others listed on its website.

We recommend affected customers schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or contact Apple support by phone, online chat, or email. Click on "get help" on this page, and then select Mac > Mac notebooks > Hardware Issues > Display Issue and support options should be presented to you.

Apple's support website will ask for your Mac's serial number, which can be found by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and clicking on About This Mac in the dropdown menu.

Affected customers can also visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to determine if their notebook is eligible for coverage. If you have already incurred out-of-warranty costs related to this issue, you may be eligible for a refund, which can be initiated by contacting Apple support directly.

MacRumors revealed the repair program's existence in October 2015 following over two years of online complaints from thousands of customers within our discussion forums, on the Apple Support Communities, and elsewhere.

A website called Staingate contains a gallery of MacBook Pro models with seemingly damaged anti-reflective coating, revealing that the blemishes can extend across the entire screen in extreme cases. Meanwhile, a Facebook group related to the issue has nearly 9,000 members and continues to see regular activity.

Article Link: Apple Extended its MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program

 

[jon8214]

Well took my MacBook in today and they are replacing the display under the extended warranty, thank god I didn’t have to pay as it was just over £500

 

[Famousaudio]

Put in a request for 2 macbook 15.4 inch retina late 2013 friday night. i just received the boxes. hoping i get them back repaired within a week. i also hope my other 2 dont (mid 2014) dont experience staingate.

 

[Famousaudio]

apple received them both today and repaired both ; they are on the way back. i was worried about one since it fell years ago the clutch cover was cracked apple still repaired both units. once i receive both i will post before and after photos.

 

[jimpc]

Just called them today and got my Macbook collected even though the program is expired. Possibly they are planning on extending it...

 

[kaya93]

Nice i hope they extend it. I got my macbook pro 2 days ago but they didnt say anything.

 

[john123]

Put in a request for 2 macbook 15.4 inch retina late 2013 friday night. i just received the boxes. hoping i get them back repaired within a week. i also hope my other 2 dont (mid 2014) dont experience staingate.

FYI, I have a mid 2014 15" and just noticed the issue on mine. So.....