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

[jnest]

Just got off the phone with AppleCare and they had no record of this repair extension and told me this article is false. Also entered my serial number at https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ and it says my Macbook Pro (15-inch, Late 2013) is no longer covered by this repair order.

Does anybody have any official documentation from Apple on this extension?

I would love to get my macbook pro fixed but right now they are telling me I am out of luck.

Thanks everybody,

 

[useless.misc]

In the end the screen was replaced at no cost then 6 months later it started again, and then I politely demanded my whole computer be replaced with the latest model at no additional cost to me - they agreed.

Wow. What was your script? Store/senior phone advisors are now demanding I go through another repair, even though it'll probably repeat again after the repair's warranty period.

 

[deanzel]

Took my Mid-2014 15" MBP in yesterday, and got approved for the screen replacement pretty easily. Genius bar was real nice about it, and I basically just opened my browser to the MacRumors article and pointed it out. I had some anti-reflective coating blemishes but nothing that serious like in the photos, but this was a good chance to get my screen replaced free-of-charge especially since I have a dead pixel problem as well. Now, I just got to find a good 3-5 day window where I won't need my MBP...

The tech also mentioned that using alcohol-based cleaners are one of the things that will really get the anti-reflective coating to really start coming off as well...

 

[ghanwani]

It looks like even if they replace it the problem can still recur. Basically, it does not appear Apple has been able to solve the problem and they are continuing to produce machines that could have the this problem.

 

[cubedweller]

Just got off the phone with AppleCare and they had no record of this repair extension and told me this article is false. Also entered my serial number at https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ and it says my Macbook Pro (15-inch, Late 2013) is no longer covered by this repair order.

Does anybody have any official documentation from Apple on this extension?

I would love to get my macbook pro fixed but right now they are telling me I am out of luck.

Thanks everybody,

I just got back from the Apple store and they issued a free "out of warranty" repair for my Late 2013 13" MacBook Pro. They acknowledged the extension and the issue. YMMV I guess.

 

[MacMac4]

Hi All -

Here is the scoop on CALLING IN as I just got off a 42 minute call! Mine is a MacBook 12" 2015.

First, the regular advisor won't know anything about this. They can even contact a senior advisor and come back not knowing anything about this and will only offer to set up a Genius Bar appointment.

SO, GET IT ESCALATED TO A SENIOR ADVISOR and save yourself some time.

Second, the Senior Advisor won't know about it either. He or she might even get a bit surely like mine was...seriously I was the calm, cool one and this guy was almost argumentative dissing MacRumers. I had to be firm and insist as he was trying to blow me off. He kept telling me there was no such extended program and read me a list of extended programs while smacking his gum or eating or something. Really professional (not). Finally, after my firm insistence (I wanted to mail it in versus going to an Apple Store) and after he kept calling it by various names (not very professional for a Senior Advisor) he located the program listed under ENCLOSURES (possibly enclosures -> cosmetic). He had denied any such program and then later stated it expire in October and I was out of luck. Then he said 3 years from date of purchase or October 2017 whichever was longer and said I was out of luck. But mine is less than 18 months old. Finally he realized his error and said my MacBook (12") qualified and set up the repair via mail. Wow, a bit of a hassle.

SO, BE FIRM AND HAVE THEM SEARCH FOR VARIOUS THINGS - DISPLAY ISSUES, ENCLOSURE ISSUES, COSMETIC ISSUES until they find the article. The program exists.


Here is what my repair email states: "Problem Description: Enclosure - REP Display coating (MBPr)"


Hope that helps!

 

[mralexrest]

Quick question, will Apple repair the screen if there are no current issues and you want to do this as a proactive measure? Also, have these repairs been able to be made in-store and if so how long does it take?

 

[JDW]

Quick question, will Apple repair the screen if there are no current issues and you want to do this as a proactive measure? Also, have these repairs been able to be made in-store and if so how long does it take?

Absolutely not, especially because even if you replace your screen, the problem will appear over time. That's because Apple has never fixed the root problem and simply replaces your screen with the same kind of screen you already have.

How long it takes for replacement depends on the store and country. In our FB group, I've seen reports ranging from "while you wait" to a week.

 

[jimmyco2008]

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.

Another decent approach is waiting until the warranty is about to expire, and then getting it serviced one last time. I did this with a defective Dell monitor recently- if you wait until they either a) deplete their stock of replacement parts or b) wait until they have corrected an incorrect "repair" process, you're more likely to end up with a repair/replacement that actually fixes the issue. In this case, Apple may say in 2019 anyone with the issue who's eligible gets a new, upgraded model.

 

[MacMac4]

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?

They aren't going to replace the display unless there is a problem.

My MacBook is very gently used and stays at home. Don't know why the anti-reflective coating started to wear off - I don't use chemicals on the screen, my hands are clean without any sort of lotion. I doubt Apple knows why or it would be fixed. They can make iPhones and iPads that don't do this (glass) but the notebooks (plastic) are hit or miss on this. I've had lots of MacBooks and only two have had this issue (the last one was a long time ago so thought they fixed it).
[doublepost=1511147630][/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?

1 day shipping, maybe 1 day repair (or maybe overnight repair), and 1 day shipping back. USUALLY quick turnaround.

 

[timMustBeFired]

This is absolutely unacceptable, why this is not in a repair global program here: https://www.apple.com/support/exchange_repair/??? I mean, WTF!!! almost 6 years and still the same problem with the screen on these devices? Glad I got a MBA instead.

What most surprised me is some people saying: "Yay! Apple repaired my laptop for free". Well, NOT FREE, you wasted your time, gas, and effort going to and Apple Store to address a problem that was NOT YOUR FAULT, that if you are lucky, because other people spent at least $1299+ and are still screwed up because this crappy company does not fix anything yet.

Steve Jobs would never let this happen, but anyways, since he is gone this company is dead for me. Nowadays, Tim greedy bastard and Apple are only focused on rip people off, besides, the new computers now have everything soldered on the board, so you can't upgrade anything!!!. This sucks.

 

[ledzeppelin]

I have permanent marks from the keyboard pressing against the screen, no lifting of the film, just don't know if if will be enough to qualify?

.
I have this too.

Marks from the keys hitting the screen when close.

Late 2016 MBP

So far Ive just ignored it but I cant believe they did not function test it better than that.

 

[iwan073]

Anyone here own these MacBook models listed above and have NOT had any issues with their display? My MacBook Pro 2015 shows none of those display issues, guess I got a lucky one.

Mine seems to be fine. MacBook Pro Mid 2015

 

[spacerocket]

Thanks for this article. I thought that it was me. Contacted Apple via Chat, told me I'm eligible. I'm going to the service centre asap...!

 

[unsharptooth]

Created an account just to post this...

I bought a used MacBook Pro 15" late 2013 like 2 weeks ago. At first I thought the previous owner used some kind of wrong cleaning solution until I saw this article. Took it to an authorized service provider on Saturday and I'll get a new screen in 10 days!

They asked if I bought it new or used (I said used), ran the test patterns on the screen, did a hardware test and checked if the machine has been opened by someone other than Apple. Went through fine and I can use it for now, they'll call me when they have the replacement screen. Well, more like the entire top lid. No receipt needed.

 

[Polimo]

I have one of those MacBookPro 13inch (Mid2014) with the anti-reflective problem allright. Apple(Belgium, Netherlands) tells me that because it is more than 3 years old; obviously as it is from Mid 2014; it does not qualify for a replacement. What a strange; to be polite; rule is that? It is hard to get a Mid2014 that is not 3 years old today, right!? It seems to me that some customers are handled better than others by Apple. Although I am a great Apple customer I don't seem to be in the "handle better" list, I am afraid.

 

[randomgeeza]

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.

No questions asked, I get a free replacement screen. Although, they dismissed the 'staingate' diagnosis. Advising that they thought it was dust that had somehow managed to get behind the glass. Anywho, it is free and will be replaced on Wednesday.
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I have one of those MacBookPro 13inch (Mid2014) with the anti-reflective problem allright. Apple(Belgium, Netherlands) tells me that because it is more than 3 years old; obviously as it is from Mid 2014; it does not qualify for a replacement. What a strange; to be polite; rule is that? It is hard to get a Mid2014 that is not 3 years old today, right!? It seems to me that some customers are handled better than others by Apple. Although I am a great Apple customer I don't seem to be in the "handle better" list, I am afraid.

It has actually just been extended to four years. You need to re-approach the store and ask to speak to Management re: anti-reflective coating repair extension... Here: https://www.macrumors.com/2017/11/17/apple-extends-free-staingate-repairs/ ..... Good luck.

 

[iPhone_X]

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.

It's not a safety recall. I haven't seen any other company doing this. They would be losing money if they sent it out to everyone and told them they'd get a replacement. For instance me, whose mid-2012 rMBP is absolutely fine.

 

[domineus]

This issue has happened on two replacement screens.

Honestly I'll not be purchasing a Macbook pro seeing how this issue impacts almost every old and new model. Absolutely terrible

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Apple has extended free repairs of anti-reflective coating issues for select MacBook and MacBook Pro models.

Apple has authorized coverage within four years from the original purchase date of affected models, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers and later obtained by MacRumors.

Eligible models, listed below, qualify for a free display replacement within the four-year coverage period. Check your receipt to determine the exact purchase date of your MacBook or MacBook Pro.
o MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2013)
o MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2013)
o MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2013)
o MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2013)
o MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2014)
o MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2014)
o MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2015)
o MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2015)
o MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016)
o MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
o MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
o MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
o MacBook (12-inch, Early 2015)
o MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)
o MacBook (12-inch, Early 2017)Apple's document states that all 2012 MacBook Pro models are no longer eligible since they were discontinued over four years ago.

Apple previously confirmed to us that this repair program continues to be handled internally rather than being publicly announced.

Affected customers can schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store using the Apple Support app. Or, on the Get Support page, click Mac -> Mac Notebooks -> Hardware Issues -> Display Issue and options should be presented to initiate a repair or contact Apple via phone, email, or online chat.

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.

We've learned that Apple has supposedly prohibited support advisors from mentioning details about the anti-reflective coating repair program in online chat sessions, so visiting an Apple Store may be required. If you contact Apple by phone, asking for your call to be escalated to a senior advisor may help.

Affected customers can also visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to determine if their notebook is eligible for coverage. Apple's document states that these third-party repair shops can even replace displays with other damage free of charge so long as the anti-reflective coating issues are present.

Apple's internal document also states that customers who already incurred out-of-warranty costs related to this issue continue to be eligible for a refund, which can be initiated by contacting Apple support directly.

Apple first began this repair program in October 2015, and already extended it once, after some MacBook and MacBook Pro users experienced issues with the anti-reflective coating wearing off or delaminating on Retina displays.

The damage appears to be caused by a variety of factors, including the pressure of the keyboard and trackpad on the display when closed, and the use of incorrect third-party cleaning solutions with microfiber cloths.

Over 12,000 customers joined a Facebook group dedicated to the issue, and hundreds of others have claimed to be affected across the Apple Support Communities, MacRumors forums, Twitter, Reddit, and other discussion platforms. The website Staingate.org contains a gallery of damaged displays.

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

[doublepost=1511206486][/doublepost]My early 2011 17" MBP matte display still is solid as can be, but newer displays are much better - - except not from a glare standpoint. My wish is that when Apple finally offers a 32 GB RAM MBP they also offer a good matte display option (17" would be cool too...). I will not be holding my breath, however.

 

[Sensamic]

So this can happen to the MacBook Pros of 2016 and 2017 also?

They haven't fixed it yet to avoid it from happening?

 

[gusto5]

I took my Mid-2014 13" rMBP in and indicated to them that I believed that I was outside of my 3-year period and beyond the October 17, 2017 date. The gentlemen at the store merely said that "I was covered" and I didn't press the issue beyond that. YMMV.

 

[unsharptooth]

I have one of those MacBookPro 13inch (Mid2014) with the anti-reflective problem allright. Apple(Belgium, Netherlands) tells me that because it is more than 3 years old; obviously as it is from Mid 2014; it does not qualify for a replacement. What a strange; to be polite; rule is that? It is hard to get a Mid2014 that is not 3 years old today, right!? It seems to me that some customers are handled better than others by Apple. Although I am a great Apple customer I don't seem to be in the "handle better" list, I am afraid.

When I was at the service provider, the tech showed me their GSX internal site listing this problem. Ask them again to verify.

 

[nervosA]

damn........I just bought a 2017 15 inch MacBook Pro.......Hope this doesnt happen. of course it will probably be awhile before it starts happening

 

[pishi3g]

Any chance of getting my late 2013 MacBook Pro traded out for a 2017 MacBook? Wishful thinking?