MacBook Air M1 screen defect and Apple exchange policy

[cmags84]

I purchased a new MacBook Air in mid-April and yesterday I noticed a few defects on the screen. I only noticed them because I was using viewing the screen outside and the bright sun made them visible.

It appears to be some type of adhesive or residue that does not come off when wiping the screen with a damp microfiber cloth. One looks like a pit in the glass but it can’t be felt. It’s almost as if the defect is under the screen.

I have a Genius Bar appointment this evening. I’m about 2-3 weeks past the exchange date. Obviously I would have exchanged for a new one if I noticed the defects earlier.

Has anyone had an experience where Apple has exchanged a defective product past the return date for a new one? I really don’t want a refurbished replacement confiding this laptop is so new.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Typically they’ll send your laptop out and have the screen replaced. Additionally, they’ll wipe all your data and reload a current copy of MacOS so save your files or make a backup before you hit the “genius” bar.

 

[SirKeldon]

Did you use just tap water/distilled water? I'm telling you this cause if it feels like adhesive/residue maybe you could try out with Isopropyl 70% wipes as recommended as well by Apple, rub them lightly with the tissue and then buff it with little pressure using a clean microfiber towel. I did this method on some residue leftovers at screen edges that came straight outta factory with a couple of new MBP 2021 models and it worked well. I really hope is the same kind of issue for you so maybe you want to give it a shot. Used "Belkin ScreenForce" wipes and "Amazon Basics" microfiber towels. In the other hand, and watching the position the imperfections are, could the residue be transferred from the keyboard once it's closed due to the little tolerance?

I managed to get 2 more weeks outta the exchange official period due to some imperfections the laptop had, besides the screen marks, so I could make my mind 100%, but I asked for it within the first two ones. Maybe you can get lucky, and they'll accept it.

Whatever it is, I hope you get it fixed with not much trouble, best of lucks!

edit: extract from Apple - To clean the screen on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down the computer and unplug the power adapter. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water only, then use it to clean the computer's screen. To clean hard-to-remove smudges, you can moisten the cloth with a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution. - source

 

[cmags84]

Did you use just tap water/distilled water? I'm telling you this cause if it feels like adhesive/residue maybe you could try out with Isopropyl 70% wipes as recommended as well by Apple, rub them lightly with the tissue and then buff it with little pressure using a clean microfiber towel.

I did. I first tried distilled, and then 70% wipes, but it didn’t help. Recognizing that this was a factory defect, the Apple Store manger was kind enough to replace it with a brand new MacBook Air. The new one is perfect!

 

[SirKeldon]

I did. I first tried distilled, and then 70% wipes, but it didn’t help. Recognizing that this was a factory defect, the Apple Store manger was kind enough to replace it with a brand new MacBook Air. The new one is perfect!

Sad for the first part but really glad on the second. I'm very happy they sorted it all out, and furthermore, with a brand new replacement instead of repairing since you were out the return period, a true kind manager and a win/win for you, enjoy it!

 

[jav6454]

I did. I first tried distilled, and then 70% wipes, but it didn’t help. Recognizing that this was a factory defect, the Apple Store manger was kind enough to replace it with a brand new MacBook Air. The new one is perfect!

Wow, nice one.