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Apple Launches Quality Program for MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Issues

FangRock said:
Just spoke to apple chat support and sent them this pic, they said they will repair it for free no problem but they don't have the parts. I need to 'check back' in a few days.
Screen_Shot_2017_02_27_at_22_33_15.png
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Did you use a screen cover/protector/film?

That looks really bad!
 
MacBook Pro Retina 15" - Original 2014 model. This was purchased new for AU$2,999 and within a year I noticed two spots at the top right of the black bezel. Using a lint free cloth and tap water I tried to clean this as recommended by Apple - no solvents, no sprays, no chemicals, no acids. I discovered via a month's research that this issue was related to the AR coating applied on the glass during manufacturing - a process referred to as Phase Deposition. In effect once the coating breaks it will keep degrading of its own like a virus spreading until it disappears. I followed procedure and got an AASP to inspect the damage with all my proof via my research - hint: This was before Apple acknowledged this issue internally.

The AASP replaced the whole display / clamshell which is all one piece and usually costs AU$1,400 - at no cost to me. 6 months later the same issue started again so I contacted Apple's Executive Relations directly and advise the issue. The term for this issue was "de-lamination" and was asked by Executive Relations to get this verified by the AASP for the second screen. Once this was verified I advised Executive Relations I was concerned a third screen would have the same issue so I requested the whole system be replaced at no additional financial expenditure to me (price had increased $800 since purchase). Apple Executive Relations agreed, so received a whole new replacement system with the force touch trackpad, faster SSD, and ATI GPU within a couple of days. Guess what, not a single screen issue with the replacement and it's been over a year which proves beyond a doubt it was a batch of screens and Apple has so far refused to release the cause of the issue and still uses an internal reference.
 
I discovered just today that my 2015 edition 15" rMBP, purchased new in July 2016 (meaning, it's 11 months old today), now has it's anti-glare coating coming off on places. I made a 1080p video and placed it on YouTube today:


Still have 2 years of AppleCare left, but from what I understand the Apple program to repair these problems for free expires October 2017? Meaning, even with AppleCare on my 2015 MBP, I would be charged for the repair after that date?

What really worries me is, how do they fix this? And after the fix, will the same thing happen to that fixed screen a year later?
 
JDW said:
I discovered just today that my 2015 edition 15" rMBP, purchased new in July 2016 (meaning, it's 11 months old today), now has it's anti-glare coating coming off on places. I made a 1080p video and placed it on YouTube today:


Still have 2 years of AppleCare left, but from what I understand the Apple program to repair these problems for free expires October 2017? Meaning, even with AppleCare on my 2015 MBP, I would be charged for the repair after that date?

What really worries me is, how do they fix this? And after the fix, will the same thing happen to that fixed screen a year later?
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I have a 2012 MacBook Pro that has these same issues. They're small but I know they're gonna end up being bigger the longer I own this laptop. I made an appointment with Apple for this Saturday and hopefully it doesn't cost me anything since it's a defect.
 
AppleFanatic10 said:
I have a 2012 MacBook Pro that has these same issues. They're small but I know they're gonna end up being bigger the longer I own this laptop. I made an appointment with Apple for this Saturday and hopefully it doesn't cost me anything since it's a defect.
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It won't cost you anything "now" but the free replacement program ends October 2017, only a few short months from now. Sadly, everything I have read indicates that Apple has been replacing screens with new screens that potentially have the same problem with the anti-glare coating coming off. In other words, rather than truly fix the problem and offer a guaranteed fixed screen as a replacement, they replace your screen with the same kind of screen that will no doubt have the same problem down the line, long after their free replacement program ends. In that case, you would need to pay for a replacement. And let's be honest. You'd have to be pretty sadomasochistic to PAY for a screen that you know will have the same problem down the line. It's total insanity that Apple doesn't just spend a little of their cash hoard to FIX their screen replacements. It saves them time and money and makes customers happier too in that ONE REPLACEMENT would be all they'd ever need!

Anyway, best wishes to you. I myself haven't decided to repair my rMBP yet, for reasons already stated. I'm depressed.
 
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Just wanted to update this thread myself as well. I just had my 2014 13" MB Pro Retina in for the quality program screen repair. I didn't ask on the quality of the new unit, if it would develop the same problem down the line, but hopefully what was said about Apple replacing with the same effected screens is not true. If so, that really could lead to a class action lawsuit. The Apple store replaced the entire screen assembly in my notebook and immediately it was night and day vs my old two and a half year old screen.

I guess time will tell how long this one will hold up. If they are simply utilizing new old stock parts prone to the same issue I guess they're banking on people upgrading before it causes them headaches down the line. Who knows. If newer units are developing the issue maybe it's something they haven't been able to fix in manufacturing yet. I'll have to read up on the issue more. Good luck to everyone!
 
ACreative said:
...hopefully what was said about Apple replacing with the same effected screens is not true.
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Hope and faith help us get through life, but there are factual realities that cannot be ignored. There's no need to take my word for it that many people have had their screens replaced 3 times but are still experiencing the same antiglare coating problem.

You may be right Apple is hoping people will upgrade to the 2017 edition MacBook Pro. But the reality is that Apple redesigned that machine in late 2016 for people who are not pro users — people who are normally the target users of the MacBook or MacBook Air and who don't mind a stripped down machine. Apple is hoping pro users will happily give up MagSafe, the charging LED, a decent sized battery, a good keyboard with tactile feedback, an onboard SD card slot (which is used for supplementary storage as much as it is for video/photo transfers), at least one legacy USBA port, and the glowing in the Apple logo on back in exchange for a tiny speed boost, the Touchbar, and a thinner and lighter design.
 
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ugh. was blissfully unaware this was an issue until the past week when i tried to clean it because i thought it just had fingerprints on it then realized it had those blotches pictured. my screen is a mess. apple store appointment this saturday. if they give you a screen with the same problem for free it hardly seems like a solution. my next thought is to buy a new computer, but that kind of makes me ill when i don't need one. has anyone had one replaced a while back now and not had the problem reoccur?
 
zachlegomaniac said:
ugh. was blissfully unaware this was an issue until the past week when i tried to clean it because i thought it just had fingerprints on it then realized it had those blotches pictured. my screen is a mess. apple store appointment this saturday. if they give you a screen with the same problem for free it hardly seems like a solution. my next thought is to buy a new computer, but that kind of makes me ill when i don't need one. has anyone had one replaced a while back now and not had the problem reoccur?
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My replacement screen has fouled up already. I have the spacebar and the 4 corners of the keys imprinted on the screen. I might go get it replaced again before I sell the laptop
 
The Genius told me that they have replaced the original screen with one free of defects. We'll see how it holds up. I asked what they would do if it didn't perform beyond the October warranty period and he said he didn't know. Got a new screen no problem, though.
 
Just great, the coating on my MBP retina has been coming off for ages, even though Apple has all my contact details, they "forgot" to contact me and it's my MBP's is now 1 month over 3 years old when I find this thread purely by chance!

so I'm stuffed and Apple saves paying out - disgusting!

EDIT: just phoned my local Apple store and vented my anger, they have agreed to replace the screen FREE - will post back if that's not the case but feel much better now - still think they should/could email people instead of relying on a press release which I bet, many people like me totally missed - hope this helps others!

EDIT, EDIT : totally shocked, screen replaced without question, in the good old Rip-off UK where Apple profiteers by converting 1 Dollar to 1 Pound, this would have cost me £558 - hope this help others
 
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Hello guys, after one replacement (in 22/05/17) using this program, my Macbook Retina 2014 facing again the same problem, and now, I believe that Apple support will refuse. As I saw on the internet, they are telling about product with more than 4 years the program will not cover.
 
fabio.pdm said:
Hello guys, after one replacement (in 22/05/17) using this program, my Macbook Retina 2014 facing again the same problem, and now, I believe that Apple support will refuse. As I saw on the internet, they are telling about product with more than 4 years the program will not cover.
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Yep, same here. 2013 MBP, had the screen fixed as part of the program, now the issue is returning. I called Apple, and they said I could book a genius bar appointment to get it looked at, but that any repair would not be covered.
 
AppleFanatic10 said:
I think the program ended a few years ago but I could be wrong.
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I just had the screen replaced by Apple at no cost. My 2015 MBP was purchased refurbished in 2017. Apple considered it less than 4 years old. The machine was shipped to Apple in Houston (from Phila area) on Monday 6/24. Rec 6/25. The night of 6/25 I received an email telling me the repair had been made. Machine was back to me by 6/27. Rather remarkable turnaround. New screen is free of defects. I'm using a micro-fibre cloth to cover the keys prior to closing the lid. Hopefully the new Retina screen retains its unblemished appearance.
 
Hawaiian Starman said:
I just had the screen replaced by Apple at no cost. My 2015 MBP was purchased refurbished in 2017. Apple considered it less than 4 years old. The machine was shipped to Apple in Houston (from Phila area) on Monday 6/24. Rec 6/25. The night of 6/25 I received an email telling me the repair had been made. Machine was back to me by 6/27. Rather remarkable turnaround. New screen is free of defects. I'm using a micro-fibre cloth to cover the keys prior to closing the lid. Hopefully the new Retina screen retains its unblemished appearance.
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Good luck. I sent mine in 3 times for the same issue and the anti reflective costing came off again for the 3rd time. I just gave up.
 
That sucks. 3x is 2x too many.

If the new screen delaminates I'll ask for a new machine. Others have done so with success. Maybe time to wish for the screen genie to do its creative thing again. 😉
 
After going through the same frustration, I FIXED MINE with a good amount of Listerine and patience:

I then applied a anti-glare layer (what a pain!) and the screen is finally back as new.

Stay strong!
 
VoT said:
I then applied a anti-glare layer (what a pain!) and the screen is finally back as new.
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Your video shows removal of the factory anti-glare coating but it does not show you applying a new anti-glare coating. Having shown that part would have been welcomed. I've seen numerous videos on the removal of the stock coating. I've not seen a single video of someone applying a new coating.
 
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