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inigou

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2016
379
398
Hi. Is this issue still present in the new 2021 models? Or last year M1 ones for example?
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
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,157
13,202
Disclaimer:
This is only a guess. I don't have proof.

But...
I believe the answer is YES.
The 2021 MacBook Pro's probably still utilize the same "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating as did MacBook Pro's before them.

As such, they may still be vulnerable to the StainGate issues that plagued MBP's in the past.

I'm thinking that Apple has taken steps to improve the durability of the anti-glare coating through the years, but the fact that it's just "sprayed on" STILL makes it vulnerable to flaking off when "cleaned" too much.

Your policy of "not touching the screen at all" is a good one.
I've tried to be careful about this with my 2015 MacBook Pro, and it still looks good.
If there's dust on the surface of the display, just "dust it off" (no pressure).
If something won't dust off, use a little moisture (water) to dislodge it (again, as little pressure as possible), then dust dry.

That has worked for me...
 
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inigou

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2016
379
398
Disclaimer:
This is only a guess. I don't have proof.

But...
I believe the answer is YES.
The 2021 MacBook Pro's probably still utilize the same "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating as did MacBook Pro's before them.

As such, they may still be vulnerable to the StainGate issues that plagued MBP's in the past.

I'm thinking that Apple has taken steps to improve the durability of the anti-glare coating through the years, but the fact that it's just "sprayed on" STILL makes it vulnerable to flaking off when "cleaned" too much.

Your policy of "not touching the screen at all" is a good one.
I've tried to be careful about this with my 2015 MacBook Pro, and it still looks good.
If there's dust on the surface of the display, just "dust it off" (no pressure).
If something won't dust off, use a little moisture (water) to dislodge it (again, as little pressure as possible), then dust dry.

That has worked for me...
Very helpful.
Thanks for your help and kindness
 

inigou

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2016
379
398
Disclaimer:
This is only a guess. I don't have proof.

But...
I believe the answer is YES.
The 2021 MacBook Pro's probably still utilize the same "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating as did MacBook Pro's before them.

As such, they may still be vulnerable to the StainGate issues that plagued MBP's in the past.

I'm thinking that Apple has taken steps to improve the durability of the anti-glare coating through the years, but the fact that it's just "sprayed on" STILL makes it vulnerable to flaking off when "cleaned" too much.

Your policy of "not touching the screen at all" is a good one.
I've tried to be careful about this with my 2015 MacBook Pro, and it still looks good.
If there's dust on the surface of the display, just "dust it off" (no pressure).
If something won't dust off, use a little moisture (water) to dislodge it (again, as little pressure as possible), then dust dry.

That has worked for me...
Just some more doubts.
It has been a really widespread issue irme not so much as I read? I mean, it always happened sooner or later or only in some computers?
Also closing lid with the microfiber cloth between keyboard and screen is safe? Or better not to close?
Also cleaning eventually, if needed in case of touching accidentally, with only my breath and a MF cloth is also safe?
And adding a screen protector would also be safe and convenient?
Sorry for the amount of quest but I’m a newbie and just discovered the issue.
Many thanks.
 

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Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,157
13,202
I've never used a cloth "between" the keyboard and screen.
It's been fine with my 2015 MBP.

I don't see where it would hurt anything, so long as the cloth isn't too "thick".
Perhaps others will comment...
 
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inigou

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2016
379
398
I've never used a cloth "between" the keyboard and screen.
It's been fine with my 2015 MBP.

I don't see where it would hurt anything, so long as the cloth isn't too "thick".
Perhaps others will comment...
So in your case, any stagnate at all in all these years. That's a good sign.
I would relay like to know what percentage are affected.
Just discovered this issue, after buying the computer, spent a lot of money on it and became worried about it since then 😀
Wouldn't want to get obsessed and use it with fear all the time, to be honest
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,157
13,202
"Just discovered this issue, after buying the computer, spent a lot of money on it and became worried about it since then"

Don't worry about it too much.
Just use "an extra measure of care" to look out for the display.
That's all you can do...
 
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ChedNasad

macrumors regular
Jun 5, 2020
149
373
I've had numerous Macbook Pros: 2017, 2019, three different 2020 models, and now a 14" 2021 and never had the "staingate" issue on any of them. Some of these were used prior to me for some time as they were issued from my workplace and a few were ones I have personally owned. I don't think it's an issue. If it is I have no idea what people are doing to cause it.

I will say this though... I wouldn't put a cloth or anything between my keyboard and screen. Apple explicitly calls this out as something to avoid: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203671

I recall people stating their screen breaking due to things being left in when closing the laptop.
 

inigou

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 5, 2016
379
398
I've had numerous Macbook Pros: 2017, 2019, three different 2020 models, and now a 14" 2021 and never had the "staingate" issue on any of them. Some of these were used prior to me for some time as they were issued from my workplace and a few were ones I have personally owned. I don't think it's an issue. If it is I have no idea what people are doing to cause it.

I will say this though... I wouldn't put a cloth or anything between my keyboard and screen. Apple explicitly calls this out as something to avoid: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203671

I recall people stating their screen breaking due to things being left in when closing the laptop.
The cloth I’m using is 0.1mm thick.
Don’t think it will add any pressure but can protect from keyboard imprints I’ve seen in my wife MacBooks. The MacBook gets shipped with a very thin sheet of paper to protect it. Hope I’m not wrong.
 

HeraFlight

macrumors member
Nov 24, 2021
46
13
I've had numerous Macbook Pros: 2017, 2019, three different 2020 models, and now a 14" 2021 and never had the "staingate" issue on any of them. Some of these were used prior to me for some time as they were issued from my workplace and a few were ones I have personally owned. I don't think it's an issue. If it is I have no idea what people are doing to cause it.

I will say this though... I wouldn't put a cloth or anything between my keyboard and screen. Apple explicitly calls this out as something to avoid: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203671

I recall people stating their screen breaking due to things being left in when closing the laptop.
So even a screen protector could ironically break the screen?
 

JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,465
26,058
So even a screen protector could ironically break the screen?

No, screen protectors, cloth, and silicone keyboard covers won't damage your display. (If you recall, your new MacBook came with a sheet of synthetic material in between the keyboard and display.) Your keyboard keys will also push down a mm.

When Apple talks about stuff that will damage your display, they're talking about ridiculous camera covers and keyboard caps like the one linked below.

 
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