MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program Remains in Effect, But 2013-2014 Models No Longer Eligible

[MacRumors]

Apple continues to authorize free display repairs for eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro models with anti-reflective coating issues for up to four years after the affected notebook's original purchase date, the company said in an internal memo distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers this week.

Models that remain eligible for the repair program:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2015)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
• MacBook (12-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook (12-inch, Early 2016)
• MacBook (12-inch, Early 2017)

Apple has not added any MacBook Pro or MacBook Air models released in 2018 or later to the eligibility list at this time.

In its memo, obtained by MacRumors, Apple adds that MacBook Pro models released in 2014 and earlier are no longer eligible for the program. Most of those units should be well past the repair program's four-year coverage window, but perhaps some were sold by resellers at a later date and were still eligible until now.

Apple began this repair program in October 2015 after some MacBook and MacBook Pro users experienced issues with the anti-reflective coating wearing off or delaminating on Retina displays. Apple has never posted the repair program to its website, opting instead to handle the matter more quietly.

Over the years, the issues have led to an online petition with nearly 5,000 signatures, a Facebook group with over 17,000 members, and complaints across the Apple Support Communities, Reddit, and our own MacRumors forums. A so-called "Staingate" website was set up to share photos of affected MacBooks.

Apple's internal service guide for this issue continues to state that customers who already incurred out-of-warranty costs related to this issue are eligible for a refund, which can be initiated by contacting Apple support.

Affected customers can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider on Apple's support website by selecting Mac -> Mac Notebooks -> Hardware Issues -> Display Issue. Apple advises technicians to quote customers a 3-5 business day turnaround time.

Article Link: MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program Remains in Effect, But 2013-2014 Models No Longer Eligible

 

[jrlcopy]

I did this earlier this year for my 2014, super easy, was ready a few days early.

 

[boswald]

I truly empathize with those who have damage like this. Looks horrible!

 

[TMRJIJ]

Just replaced an Early 2013 display under this program at my job a few weeks ago. I feel sorry for those who would now be missing this opportunity

 

[steveoreno]

Thanks, I did not know about this. I had purchased a new Macbook because I thought I had destroyed the screen. Filing issue now!

 

[tharitm]

I noticed models after 2018 is not included, did they finally fix it?

 

[monroerr]

They have kept the issue quiet, but does that mean going forward on any new MacBooks this will no longer be a problem? I had my early 2015 MacBook Pro screen replaced about two years ago. I am waiting for the same to happen with my 2017 MacBook 12 inch. I am so careful cleaning now (use only distilled water and soft cloth), but it is very difficult to keep a shiny screen without being able to be slightly more aggressive in your cleaning.

 

[JosephAW]

Never had any problems with my mid-2012 MBP. Still looks new. I must be using it wrong.

 

[Glockworkorange]

Wow, I didn't realize the 2016 and 17 machines had problems.

 

[itsmilo]

I truly empathize with those who have damage like this. Looks horrible!

it happened to my 2012 one years ago. You could basically see the trackpad and the space bar scratching off the coating on the display. Thankfully they replaced it even before this program came into place. Would have been well over 600 bucks otherwise

 

[monroerr]

Never had any problems with my mid-2012 MBP. Still looks new. I must be using it wrong.

I think those models were manufactured differently. My earlier models did not have a problem either.

 

[netsped]

I truly empathize with those who have damage like this. Looks horrible!

It happened to my mid-2014 13" 3 times, first two times they replaced the screen without any questions asked. The third time they denied replacement because issue wasn't within what Apple thought was enough damage even though it was worse than the other 2 times. It was on an Apple Authorized Service Provider though, since we don't have Apple Stores in my country.

I came home, took some wet wipes and removed the coating myself and it looked great. Recently sold it and the buyer was amazed with the overall condition after 5 years (1.5 since last replacement). Just bought a 16" and I really hope they fixed the issue with the coating.

 

[zw-gator]

I just called about my 2015 13" MBP and they said they didn't know anything about this problem or program

 

[Westside guy]

I wonder if my work Mac (13" 2015 MacBook Pro) would be covered by this? It doesn't look like the photo above - what it does appear to have is key cap imprints on the anti-reflective coating.

Because of that issue, with my personal MBP I've kept a thin microfiber cloth around which I lay on top of the keyboard before I close the lid.

 

[TheTissot11]

I had this issue for my rMBP late 2013 model (bought in July 2014) and I went to Apple authorised reseller and called the Apple hotline in July 2019. They were unwilling to fix it citing the 4 year duration policy. It sucks because it's not my fault, it's the fault of Apple and I would very much want to keep using my MacBook which is otherwise working great. A display repair costs around 600 Euro as told by Apple Store guy in Munich.

 

[gianpan]

This is so lame from Apple, my 2013 mbp screen looks like crap, yet they never felt the need to issue a recall or free repair officially, they just kept quiet about it and now I am learning I am not eligible anymore (because I am supposed to upgrade or what?).

 

[jsnuff1]

Do you guys think this will cover the lamination coming off from keys rubbing on screen when the lid is closed? I dont have the issue where it comes off from the side, but I have little key "outlines" of where the lamination has been removed from the keys.

 

[rgbrock1]

I truly empathize with those who have damage like this. Looks horrible!

I am, unfortunately, one of those. I have a 2013 15" MBP which has a screen which looks like a cheese grater went through it. Shame really as the SSD in that MBP was easily upgraded. Plus the old-style scissors keyboard. Oh well, I guess I'll have to survive with my 2019 15" MBP. LOL!

 

[mekump]

We have an late 2013 15” MacBook pro with this issue. I wish I had known about this repair program. IMO, this is something that should be repaired no matter how old the laptop is.

 

[rgbrock1]

It happened to my mid-2014 13" 3 times, first two times they replaced the screen without any questions asked. The third time they denied replacement because issue wasn't within what Apple thought was enough damage even though it was worse than the other 2 times. It was on an Apple Authorized Service Provider though, since we don't have Apple Stores in my country.

I came home, took some wet wipes and removed the coating myself and it looked great. Recently sold it and the buyer was amazed with the overall condition after 5 years (1.5 since last replacement). Just bought a 16" and I really hope they fixed the issue with the coating.

Wet wipes? Can you describe exactly what those "wet wipes" were, how you did it and how long it took? Please?

 

[CrazedVW]

No, it hasn't. My wife and I both have 2018 MacBook Airs and both of them have it, mine worse than hers. Apple has agreed to replace both screens out of warranty for us but it's a major hassle to deal with. They're quoting me 3-5 days to be without it. When I had it done on my 2013 rMBP a local shop got the new screen in, called me, and I dropped by and they did it while I waited. It's crazy to me that years after this first appeared Apple still hasn't figured out out to prevent it.

I noticed models after 2018 is not included, did they finally fix it?

 

[winstars]

Somehow, despite coming to this website almost every day, I did NOT know about this program. I really don't remember seeing anything about this issue. My bad...

As the owner of a early 2013 MBP whose screen looks very similar to the photo in the article above, it sucks that I am no longer eligible for a program that was apparently fairly secret...

 

[brdeveloper]

In Brazilian consumer law, the consumer can claim a repair up to 5 years after a hidden problem is detected by the consumer. It must be proven that it is a hidden problem, which is not hard bearing in mind that even Apple acknowledges it. Considering there is "jurisdiction for free" on this kind of small value cases (no need for a lawyer) Apple will usually make these repairs for free even saying that older models are not eligible.
[automerge]1576866577[/automerge]

Somehow, despite coming to this website almost every day, I did NOT know about this program. I really don't remember seeing anything about this issue. My bad...

As the owner of a early 2013 MBP whose screen looks very similar to the photo in the article above, it sucks that I am no longer eligible for a program that was apparently fairly secret...

Had my early-2013 Macbook Pro Retina screen replaced last year after calling Apple directly. I bought it on Dec/2013. Also had a top case replacement because of a battery failure (it was not just with a decreased battery life, but the Mac turned off abnormally). Here in Brazil there is a lot of confusion regarding consumer rights, but once you sue the seller or supplier due to a relation of consumerism (you're a weak part on the contract), you can get your good fixed or replaced way after the "contracted" warranty period.

 

[tigerintank]

Add me to the list of regular MR visitors who's disappointed in Apple keeping quiet...late 2013 owner who has had a mild version of the above for a few years now and had I known about it in time would definitely have taken it to the apple store for repair.

Tbh not sure how much difference it'll make to my next laptop decision, as a current MBP replacement is too expensive. When the time comes I'll definitely be looking at windows laptops as well - maybe I'll find similar probs there and have to adjust my expectations down...

 

[monroerr]

No, it hasn't. My wife and I both have 2018 MacBook Airs and both of them have it, mine worse than hers. Apple has agreed to replace both screens out of warranty for us but it's a major hassle to deal with. They're quoting me 3-5 days to be without it. When I had it done on my 2013 rMBP a local shop got the new screen in, called me, and I dropped by and they did it while I waited. It's crazy to me that years after this first appeared Apple still hasn't figured out out to prevent it.

I was told this was exacerbated by the use of screen cleaners such as iKlear. Since then I have only used water without a recurrence of the problem. It seems if this was truly the case some sort of alert should have been included with the machines. I also wonder if this problem has not occurred for some since they might not be as compulsively cleaning their screens all the time.