Apple's Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program Still in Effect for Some MacBooks With New Mail-In Policy

[velocityg4]

I have a 15 inch 2015 Macbook Pro that is starting to have the same problems. I contacted Apple yesterday and they said they had no repair program for this issue. In my opinion, having a laptop screen issue like this is a MAJOR flaw, and they need to address it and own it. I did try the baking soda yesterday on a little bit and did not see much of a difference. Someone also on youtube did a live demo with listerine and it got rid of it. Have not gotten that gutsy yet. Any info you all have, I would really appreciate it.

It takes a lot of work. I probably spent an hour and a half and my screen was already pretty rough. Maybe it would have gone faster if I pressed harder. Given the risk of damage. I decided to take it very light. I also made a much thicker paste. As the original formula released far too much water for my comfort.

Also I think paste is a misnomer. It's more of a slurry. As the water and baking soda easily separate under agitation.

 

[fotomatt]

In an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, Apple recently informed its network of Apple Authorized Service Providers that mail-in repair is now required for Mac notebooks with anti-reflective coating issues in the United States.

The new policy went into effect January 4, 2021 and means that customers who take an eligible 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro exhibiting this issue to an Apple Authorized Service Provider will have their notebook mailed to a centralized Apple depot for the repair to be completed, likely resulting in longer waiting times in most cases. It is unclear if the policy applies to any countries outside of the United States at this time.

Apple launched an internal "quality program" in October 2015 after some 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro users experienced issues with the anti-reflective coating wearing off or delaminating on Retina displays. Apple has never publicly announced the repair program on its website, opting instead to handle the matter internally.

Apple continues to authorize free display repairs for eligible Mac notebooks for up to four years after the original purchase date. At this point, it is likely that only select 2016 and 2017 models of the 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro still fall within that four-year window, depending on the purchase date. 2018 or newer models of the MacBook Pro and all MacBook Air models have never qualified for the program.

To initiate a Mac repair, visit the Get Support page on Apple's website. Apple has previously said that customers who already paid for a repair related to this issue may be eligible for a refund, which can be initiated by contacting Apple's support.

Article Link: Apple's Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program Still in Effect for Some MacBooks With New Mail-In Policy

Of note at the moment is that many repairs are being sent to Texas and will likely result in even longer shipping times. I took mine to Microcenter in Denver and when I found out it was going to get shipped to Texas (instead of California) I took the laptop back. Hoping I can still get in on this after things calm down in Texas.

 

[fotomatt]

I have a 15 inch 2015 Macbook Pro that is starting to have the same problems. I contacted Apple yesterday and they said they had no repair program for this issue. In my opinion, having a laptop screen issue like this is a MAJOR flaw, and they need to address it and own it. I did try the baking soda yesterday on a little bit and did not see much of a difference. Someone also on youtube did a live demo with listerine and it got rid of it. Have not gotten that gutsy yet. Any info you all have, I would really appreciate it.

Agreed...I'm trying to send back a 13" with the identical issue. So far I have a case number from Apple...which, of course, suddenly doesn't exist (when I took to Microcenter to begin this repair/replace process).

 

[Colpeas]

This issue is so widespread that it’s almost impossible to find a 2012-2015 MacBook Pro that isn’t affected by this to some extent, even though I gotta admit that the coating is much more durable on 2015+ devices and much tougher to polish off once it starts peeling. Still not enough tho.

But in fact, there is one thing about this program that not many people know of: Apple will replace the screen for free even if it has physical damage. So if you happened to p.e. crack your staingated display by accident just bring it to the service provider for a free replacement.

 

[SaguaroSeven]

Yikes, what a disappointment! Like @JS1221 said, I contacted Apple on Monday, talked with a Senior Advisor who said there wasn't a repair program (didn't say there had never been one), but eventually she volunteered that she'd do some checking and call me back in a few day. Today she called to say they couldn't replace it for free, but offered to set up an appointment at Apple Store. She also couldn't tell me the expected cost to replace the screen. The general replacement cost is about $500, she said, but that's if you can't do a "repair" to the computer.

Due to my growing disappointment and frustration, I declined, but now I wish I'd made the appointment. This is just absurd.

 

[Roberts69]

Apple service engineer chimes in...

Privately, I've helped clients of mine with MacBook as far back as 2012 with anti-reflective coating issues. I've always used thick bleach using micro-cloth wiping an inch square at a time. Finished off with rubbing alcohol. Looks immaculate and beautiful. Trust me, my method works and looks better than when bought new.

Enclosed a photo below showing the difference between the anti-reflective coating area (dark cloud like) and the mirror-like area that I've successfully serviced. Spare yourself an hour or so, you'll get the result.

Again, I only serve Apple clients with out of warranty or rejected by Apple.

Hope this helps

 

[inigou]

HI. Is this issue still present in the new 2021 models? Or last year M1 ones?
And it happens to every unit or is random?
Just got my new 2021 14" m1 pro and im a bit worried. IS my first Macbook ever.
Im always using a thin microfiber cloth betewwn the lid and top area that covers the whole keyboard and trackpad area, really the whole surface, and dont touch the screen at all.
I had an ipad pro with magic keyboard, which also have an AR coating, and ever experienced this issue.
Thanks

 

[fotomatt]

Apple service engineer chimes in...

Privately, I've helped clients of mine with MacBook as far back as 2012 with anti-reflective coating issues. I've always used thick bleach using micro-cloth wiping an inch square at a time. Finished off with rubbing alcohol. Looks immaculate and beautiful. Trust me, my method works and looks better than when bought new.

Enclosed a photo below showing the difference between the anti-reflective coating area (dark cloud like) and the mirror-like area that I've successfully serviced. Spare yourself an hour or so, you'll get the result.

Again, I only serve Apple clients with out of warranty or rejected by Apple.

Hope this helps

Just ran back across this. Since I'm (waiting and waiting and waiting) on the new M1max I ordered I'll give this a try. Right now my Macbook Pro isn't worth a dime to sell off. Thanks Roberts69.

 

[AppleComputer]

The anti glare coating is degrading really badly on my MacBook Pro 2015 15" I spoke to a nice guy at Apple Care support on the phone and he said the 15" is not covered by the repair program, only the 13" is.
I think this is ridiculous, as I had a MacBook Pro 2014 15" with the same issue and they replaced it for free.
Apple wants $659.81 out of pocket for the repair.. I had the nice guy on the phone issue a complaint as he would not escalate the call to an engineer. The reasoning he mentioned for Apple not covering the repair is that " The 2015 MacBook Pro 15" models had the same issue as the 2015 MacBook Pro 13" with the anti glare coating, but it was a bit less common for the 15" models." Here is hoping they surprise me and decide to cover it after the complaint is reviewed, I will not be holding my breath though..

 

[pentool]

The anti glare coating is degrading really badly on my MacBook Pro 2015 15" I spoke to a nice guy at Apple Care support on the phone and he said the 15" is not covered by the repair program, only the 13" is.
I think this is ridiculous, as I had a MacBook Pro 2014 15" with the same issue and they replaced it for free.
Apple wants $659.81 out of pocket for the repair.. I had the nice guy on the phone issue a complaint as he would not escalate the call to an engineer. The reasoning he mentioned for Apple not covering the repair is that " The 2015 MacBook Pro 15" models had the same issue as the 2015 MacBook Pro 13" with the anti glare coating, but it was a bit less common for the 15" models." Here is hoping they surprise me and decide to cover it after the complaint is reviewed, I will not be holding my breath though..

I have the same issue with my 2015 13" MBP. I'm going to give this a go:

How to Fix “Staingate” on Apple MacBook Displays

This guide will show you how to fix the “Staingate” issue on Apple MacBook displays. Staingate happens when the anti-reflective coating on certain...

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