Apple Extends Free Repairs of Anti-Reflective Coating on Select MacBook and MacBook Pro Models

[Joe Rossignol]

Yet. Took about 2 years for the issue to manifest itself on my 2015 rMBP. Apple replaced the display no questions asked of course.

edit:


Well, there you go.

Are you sure this issue doesn't affect new MBPs? Because some users on the forum said they had minor keyboard marks on the antireflective coating of their 2016 MBP.

I just contacted two different people on apple chat and they said this is not true and there was no document to support the claim. My 2013 MBP has the issue and they both stated its 3 years from the purchase date.

On with Apple Chat and got the same response as uznuts...program expired and has not been extended.

I was also just told the same thing on apple support chat.

So a couple of people in this thread have already stated that the Apple reps they've talked to stated that the information in this story is untrue. So where did MacRumors get this info? I have this problem on my 2013 MBP and thought that I had missed my opportunity to get it fixed. I'm hoping this story is true but I don't want to waste my time going to an Apple Store only to have them tell me that I have to pay full price to get a display replacement.

• This information is sourced directly from an internal document shared by Apple with Apple Authorized Service Providers through its internal "GSX" system. I can't provide screenshots or any additional information, as this would potentially put my source at risk of losing his or her job, but I can ensure that the document is real, comes from Apple, and isn't fake news.
  
  
• Unfortunately there seems to be a typical discrepancy between what Apple shares in GSX and what they choose to publicly acknowledge. What I can say is that when I spoke with Apple's online chat about this recently, I was told that online support advisors are no longer authorized to discuss this particular repair program on the web and that I must visit an Apple Store.
  
  
• I've received a related document that also lists all 12-inch MacBook models (2015/2016/2017) and all 2016/2017 MacBook Pro models under an "affected products" list as well. It says each notebook with anti-reflective coating issues can get up to two free display replacements per serial number. This is supposed to be at the Genius Bar or by visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

I've updated my article with the new info I've learned. Unfortunately that is all I have to share right now.

 

[fairuz]

I can understand that flaws come up in designs. Why don't manufacturers fix the flaw for subsequent units produced? Rather than continuing to manufacture the same inherent flaw.

And it's been a problem from 2012-2015 at least. I'm confused about this too.

 

[DogHouseDub]

It says each notebook with anti-reflective coating issues can get up to two free display replacements per serial number.

In other words, the issue isn't solved. We'll kick the can down the road a bit and hope your warranty runs out before you have a problem. Awesome.

 

[mporcheron]

I have the issue to a small extent, but it never seemed worth taking the laptop in to be fixed. How long do the repairs usually take and do you have to send it away?

Mine was meant to be 2-3 days, received a call 30 minutes after leaving the Apple Store to say it was done.

 

[hipnetic]

• Unfortunately there seems to be a typical discrepancy between what Apple shares in GSX and what they choose to publicly acknowledge. What I can say is that when I spoke with Apple's online chat about this recently, I was told that online support advisors are no longer authorized to discuss this particular repair program on the web and that I must visit an Apple Store.

Thanks for the follow-up. I'll try to get a Genius appointment within the next couple of weeks and see how it goes.

 

[riverfreak]

My displays are far too coated in dust and grime to notice if they may be suffering from this issue.

 

[Joe Rossignol]

Thanks for the follow-up. I'll try to get a Genius appointment within the next couple of weeks and see how it goes.

I hope it works out. I hate wasting our readers' time. I don't want people to show up for a Genius Bar appointment and be turned away. This document is real. It's recent. It's from Apple. I don't understand why they so often don't seem to acknowledge these internal policies that *they* set.

 

[mikecorp]

called Apple Netherlands, they told me they do not know about it. Hopefully the memo will come soon.

 

[Mascots]

Mine is BAD, like REALLY BAD but I just haven't had the chance to be without my primary working tool for 2-3 days

 

[Nebulance]

Mine is BAD, like REALLY BAD but I just haven't had the chance to be without my primary working tool for 2-3 days

I have a mid-2014 MacBook Pro, and it was subtle at first, but now it's starting to spiral out of control. I thought it was my cleaning of the screen, but I always use the cloth it came with. It started near the camera, now it's all along the bezel (the entire perimeter), and now areas are showing up in the main area of the display. Just might need to do this soon -- I bought it in December 2014, but of course I can't locate the receipt. I also have AppleCare that is due to expire in December. Similarly, I too can't really go 2--3 days without my primary computing device.

 

[Mascots]

I have a mid-2014 MacBook Pro, and it was subtle at first, but now it's starting to spiral out of control. I thought it was my cleaning of the screen, but I always use the cloth it came with. It started near the camera, now it's all along the bezel (the entire perimeter), and now areas are showing up in the main area of the display. Just might need to do this soon -- I bought it in December 2014, but of course I can't locate the receipt. I also have AppleCare that is due to expire in December. Similarly, I too can't really go 2--3 days without my primary computing device.

I have a mid-2014 model as well and it started out the same; originally I thought it may have been from cleaning or grabbing that part of the screen when I open it, but has spread on its own since it first appeared. Now it just streaks out and then eventually the streaks expand... annoying. I have it bad along the top and along the sides as well.

 

[maceric]

This happened to my Mid-2012 Retina MacBook Pro 15in, and Apple replaced the screen coating at no charge, even after my Apple Care expired… AND they replaced two worn out keys on my keyboard (shift and command of course)

 

[TokMok3]

Apple has extended free repairs of anti-reflective coating issues for all 12-inch MacBook models and 2013 or newer MacBook Pro models.

I bought if from eBay, will they fix the screen?

 

[randomgeeza]

If you get nothing wrong with your MBP but it falls in the date range. Will you be able to swap for a new display?

Nope
[doublepost=1510948590][/doublepost]

I have the issue to a small extent, but it never seemed worth taking the laptop in to be fixed. How long do the repairs usually take and do you have to send it away?

My first one took an hour. It helped living next to the store.

 

[efi123]

I bought if from eBay, will they fix the screen?

Yes, I got mine fixed 1 week ago, no questions asked.

 

[TokMok3]

Yes, I got mine fixed 1 week ago, no questions asked.

Thank you!

 

[smacrumon]

I’ll take a dissenting opion on this. I feel like warranting an issue for five years is plenty, especially considering the standard warranty is one year. What should the limit be? 8 years? 12? 25?

It's a manufacturing defect. Apple got it wrong to begin with. 10 years is reasonable for a recall to repair it. Apple already has the ability to contact all affected users and proactively get the issue sorted much sooner.
[doublepost=1510950903][/doublepost]

This seems extremely unreasonable. I mean, they can't just keep making this part forever. It's not feasible. Should they still have a factory cranking out these ancient panels in 20 years? I don't understand this comment at all. If the problem doesn't present itself within the first four years, chances are it won't ever happen.

--

Has anyone ever figured out what caused this? My mid-2012 retina MBP never had this problem.

Apple has the ability to proactively contact all owners and get this sorted. Manufacturing/design fault. It is not the owner's issue to resolve but instead Apple's.
[doublepost=1510951021][/doublepost]

I agree where the issues are not the customers' fault in any way. There are lemon laws in some places for cars etc, should work the same for computers, everywhere, especially at Apple's prices. But as you say, it's also just smart business to have happy repeat customers who spread positive experiences through word of mouth.

Exactly. And absolutely.
[doublepost=1510951149][/doublepost]

If repairs are open indefinitely, then Apple will need production lines open for a particular parts. Not really worth it past 5 years or so.

Maybe not worth it to Apple, but very much worth it to the customer. Customer is not at fault here but it is Apple's design and Apple's manufacturing process that has failed. 10 years is fair for these premium and expensive priced devices.

 

[dazz87]

I have a 2014 13" Pro and had turned in my notebook 3 times for this repair. The last time was last yr and the screen so far has held up. Happy i have till 2019 just in case it comes back.

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

Hmmm ... two 13" 2012 models and a 2014 Retina and none of them showing this issue. But my family babies the machines, don't (need to) clean the screens that often, usually just with Apple Microfiber when I do.

 

[James.K.Polk]

My 2015 was replaced twice: If you look closely with the laptop off, in the center, I had lines from the keyboard etched into the screen (mostly the spacebar.) I'm on my third screen (counting the one that came with it.) My laptop is my tool to write code and as long as it doesn't get in the way, I don't care anymore partly because I had to leave the laptop with Apple each time. Three screens later and it's still happening. Save your time and just use the laptop, that's what I learned.

I had that on my 2017 12", so when I upgraded to the 15", I decided to keep a cloth between screen and keyboard. So far, so good.

 

[octatonic]

I've been living with this issue on my rMBP 13" for the last 2 years.
Spoke to Apple about 10 mins ago and it is being fixed tomorrow at 11am.
Thanks Macrumors.

 

[Nebulance]

I have a mid-2014 model as well and it started out the same; originally I thought it may have been from cleaning or grabbing that part of the screen when I open it, but has spread on its own since it first appeared. Now it just streaks out and then eventually the streaks expand... annoying. I have it bad along the top and along the sides as well.

Oh wow, that's really bad! My issue is attached (just one corner)

 

[ogremoustro]

I've got a Genius Bar appointment on Monday for this very thing... This will be my second display... A tiny yet visible blister has appeared on the screen which is noticeable when the display is on or off.

I went in for a second repair as it occurred again. They told me they only do the repair once and that I had to pay ~600. Let me know what they tell you.

 

[Cuesca]

The only issues my 2012 had is now somewhat shiny keys from all of the typing...

 

[WinterWolf90]

So how exactly does one cause this? my early 2015 13 inch still looks great. I do keep it nice and clean