Apple Identifies Limited Hardware Issue With 2017 13" MacBook Pro Models With Function Keys

[zed1291]

So Apple finds a defect but will charge people who's warranty has expired?

The fault doesn't seem to be an increased failure rate, but when one part goes so does the other. Without having exact knowledge as to why, my guess is they're somehow paired together the way Touch ID and MLB are.

The flat rate out of warranty cost does not change if just SSD/MLB or both SSD & MLB need to be replaced.

This internal memo doesn't effect the public that much, hence why it's internal. It's to help the Geniuses correctly allocate parts for a repair.
[doublepost=1528817581][/doublepost]

I can't imagine that would fly in any EU country. Sure, one or other could fail, outside warranty. But having to replace two expensive and (normally) relatively un-coupled components when only one fails, sounds like a flaw. Any customer would have very strong grounds for challenging this.

The charge for MLB & SSD is already the same cost as MLB or SSD separately. This will cost affected customers no extra money even if out of warranty.

 

[irjo]

I just called Apple (I have the MBP 13" 2017) and they said they don't have knowledge about this repair program. Do I bring my laptop to the apple store anyway? My warranty expires in 25 days :/

 

[MoreRumors?]

2017 model and for what it cost to purchase? It should be free whether it's out of warranty or you don't have the extended plan.

 

[justperry]

I can't imagine that would fly in any EU country. Sure, one or other could fail, outside warranty. But having to replace two expensive and (normally) relatively un-coupled components when only one fails, sounds like a flaw. Any customer would have very strong grounds for challenging this.

Exactly this, it's a manufacturers/design flaw, even if the MBP suffers this issue after warranty it has to be fixed for free in the EU.

 

[TheShadowKnows!]

If the SSD is not broken, will Apple move your data to the replacement SSD?

Very interesting question. Why?
Check the following paragraph:

"Namely, when either the MacBook Pro's solid state drive or main logic board experiences failure, both need to be replaced simultaneously. Apple's memo doesn't specify an underlying reason as to why both components may fail in tandem, or what percentage of units may be at risk of being affected."​

OPINION [Just a Guess]:
It is more likely than not that the solid-state drive is coupled to the main logic board with a crypto key pairing between components, mating them as one. (This is not the first rodeo with Apple relative to crypto pairing -- remember the pairing of the Home button and TouchID functionality?)

Once you lose one, you lose the other.
[And Apple moving data off the inaccessible SSD will be a challenge.]

 

[ocnitsa]

The fault doesn't seem to be an increased failure rate, but when one part goes so does the other. Without having exact knowledge as to why, my guess is they're somehow paired together the way Touch ID and MLB are.

Aren't each of the components inflating each other's failure rates? I mean whatever the individual failure rate is for either component is now increasing the failure rate of the other component, since they are inextricably linked.

 

[gnipgnop]

I just called Apple (I have the MBP 13" 2017) and they said they don't have knowledge about this repair program. Do I bring my laptop to the apple store anyway? My warranty expires in 25 days :/

It doesn't apply to every 2017 13" MBP. It's a limited range of units with the defect.

 

[irjo]

It doesn't apply to every 2017 13" MBP. It's a limited range of units with the defect.

They didn't say which specific model is affected. They only told me that they cannot see so far such replacement program, so I couldn't know if my laptop is eligible or not.

 

[parsonsmike]

Finally! Apple is acknowledging that there is a widespread, fatal flaw in the hardware of this machine! I can't wait for them to fix the........SSDs?

 

[Blackstick]

Was a Mac Genius from 07-2014... there's more of this "if X, then Y also." than you guys would think...

 

[A7ibaba]

I dont understand this explanation "A message will appear when either the solid state drive or the main logic board part number is added to the repair of an identified MacBook Pro system. The message will indicate both the SSD and MLB must be replaced when either component has a functional failure."
Where this message will appear ??!

I also have Macbook 13" 2017 with function keys bought 17.7.2017, so basically i have one more month of warranty.

 

[whooleytoo]

The charge for MLB & SSD is already the same cost as MLB or SSD separately. This will cost affected customers no extra money even if out of warranty.

Really? If so, the cost is no object.

(Obviously there's still a major problem with the user-experience - if you send one of these laptops in for repair with a faulty motherboard, you lose any data on the SSD as that's swapped out. And if the motherboard is borked, you probably won't be able to get any data back off the SSD before you send the laptop for repair).

 

[ManicanParty49]

If the SSD is not broken, will Apple move your data to the replacement SSD?

It's possible that they would for a fee. Truthfully, your data is your responsibility. If you don't have a back up, that is on you.

 

[dohspc]

2017 models have so many issues. I think they had to pull back on the 2018 model release dates as a result.

 

[hajime]

TC must be trying to be the CEO with the largest number of lawsuits in history.

 

[whooleytoo]

I dont understand this explanation "A message will appear when either the solid state drive or the main logic board part number is added to the repair of an identified MacBook Pro system. The message will indicate both the SSD and MLB must be replaced when either component has a functional failure."
Where this message will appear ??!

I also have Macbook 13" 2017 with function keys bought 17.7.2017, so basically i have one more month of warranty.

I assume they're referring to their internal repair tracking system. When an in-store employee is entering the details of a MacBook Pro, if they specify the SSD or MLB require repair, they'll be notified by the system that both have to be replaced. They'll then know they have to inform the owner/customer.

 

[hajime]

Aren't each of the components inflating each other's failure rates? I mean whatever the individual failure rate is for either component is now increasing the failure rate of the other component, since they are inextricably linked.

If I remember correctly, my MBP 2007 suffered from faulty Nvidia GPU. They replaced motherboard. Later problems with the battery, speakers, motherboard failed again and again.
[doublepost=1528819267][/doublepost]Repairing is Apple’s new profit making business.

 

[TheShadowKnows!]

Aren't each of the components inflating each other's failure rates? I mean whatever the individual failure rate is for either component is now increasing the failure rate of the other component, since they are inextricably linked.

Correct.

Instead of being the product of the individual failure rates of either component (as independent failure events), the failure rate morphs to the sum of the individual failure rates (as dependent failure events).

 

[carlos916]

Yet they still have not found the “10 hour” battery life issue

 

[nvmls]

Keyword Macrumors: Limited.

This doesn’t mean every 13 inch will fail. For the limited number that do, Apple will fix it.

Thank god now we can carry on with our day.

 

[dufto]

If the SSD is not broken, will Apple move your data to the replacement SSD?

lol it's the user's responsibility to keep an updated backup of Data at all time.

 

[Keebler]

2017 models have so many issues. I think they had to pull back on the 2018 model release dates as a result.

Exactly what I was thinking. Which, is maybe a good thing to ensure they don't have a repeat of the same issues (don't get me wrong...bad it happened in the 1st place).

 

[nvmls]

As if the entire 16/17 mbp/mb line had reliable keyboards lol. If people keep buying their crap to their eyes it's a success, "most pre-ordered in history" would say Phil or "a fantastic machine" (with toy keyboard) Craig.

 

[djdeepv]

A reminder again why you should wait on Rev C on a redesign.

I'm a big fan of your insights re: MBP. Is there a real pattern of the 3rd out of 4th MBP revision usually being the one that is "figured out"?

 

[hajime]

As if the entire 16/17 mbp/mb line had reliable keyboards lol. If people keep buying their crap to their eyes it's a success, "most pre-ordered in history" would say Phil or "a fantastic machine" (with toy keyboard) Craig.

It is very true. I wish people could boycott Apple but as it is now like Walmart for so many uniformed non professional users, this is not possible.