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

[brdeveloper]

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...

Apple tries to limit its responsibility considering the future impact on sales. That is, you'll probably never hear such repair programs from brands like Samsung, Lenovo, HP. The repairs they make after warranty are way more critical stuff at most. However, there is always the national or regional Law, which can overwrite contract terms... so you always have to take a look at the Law where you live... sometimes it's better than the established in the contract, sometimes they are not.
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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.

I never used anything other than just the provided cloth, without adding water, and got the coating issue, although just mildly.

 

[tfresquezdxs]

I oversee dozens of MacBooks pros 15" and 13" 2015 and up. I can 1000% tell you that the issue is not fixed. I have several 2018 models that have the issue. I can't comment on the 2019 15" as we don't have any and the macbook pro 16" is still too new to tell. Its really stupid that they are not including newer models after 2017 as the issue definitely still persist. Yes granted most 2018 models might still have warranty especially applecare+, but usually the stain-gate issue doesn't appear until later several months or maybe a year or two. Hopefully apple adds these models at some point, because this is a manufacture defect not a user caused issue.

 

[CrazedVW]

I was told this as well after the issue with my 2013 rMBP years ago and have only used water since like you said but that clearly still hasn't prevented the problem. I thought maybe too it was due to mine getting more active use (being in my backpack twice a day to/from work) but my wife's has barely left the house in the past year and still is having the issue.

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.

 

[Macs4u]

Stopping it for 2013 models is terrible. They know it’s their shoddy coating that is the problem so as far as I’m concerned, there should be no expiry date. It isn’t like Apple has written to everybody to tell them of the repair program. Some people genuinely won’t know until now.

 

[netsped]

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

Just regular wet wipes, the ones to clean babies or your hands.. I read somewhere that they had to be the ones with alcohol. Bought the cheapest I could find and I just rubbed them against the screen with a little of force.

In my case it was very fast, maybe because it was a very bad case of "staingate".

Found this video, did it the same way.

 

[baryon]

Got my 2013 model screen replaced for free. 1 year later, it started peeling again. No longer eligible. They just replace the faulty screens with identical, faulty ones. If this ever happens to you, get it replaced, then immediately sell it. It will just keep happening.

 

[plexcity]

Early 2015s are no longer eligible and mid 2015s are partially eligible.

 

[dogslobber]

If your system is no longer eligible then make sure to talk with the store manager and insist. They will relent if you mention you will sue them in small claims court.

 

[Jitensha]

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

Apple replaced the display on my mid-2012 MacBook Pro under this program. I immediately installed a Moshi iVisor on the replacement display and recently removed it and the screen was still as-new. I know many members prefer not to use such protectors but I work in dusty environments and sometimes outdoors and highly recommend them.

 

[MvdM]

So they make iPads that are touched every time you use them and keep the coating and the screens of MacBooks are hardly touched and lose their coating. How is this possible?

 

[ElectricPotato]

IMO, this is something that should be repaired no matter how old the laptop is.

This made me think of a quote from King of the Hill.

Hank: "This grout is supposed to stay white for 20 years. What's it been, 17? 18? Peggy, where's that receipt?"

 

[entropys]

The sad thing is that Apple would get better PR out of servicing a 2013 machine with this problem if a person could be bothered bringing such An old machine in. “Look Apple gave a free service on my trusty old Mac, they really look after their customers when it it isnt the customers’ fault”.
Now it has a huge chunk of negative PR about no longer servicing machines with a material fault. There just won’t be that many machines in this situation but now it is magnified.

 

[holydude]

Does anyone know how it actually works ?
Do they replace it only if there is visible damage ?

 

[cBraunDesign]

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

My 2012 never had any issues until I gave it to my wife. Whatever she did differently, the coating came off quickly and aggressively. I'm guessing it had to do with skin contact.

 

[Chevysales]

damn. I missed out on if for my late 2013 loaded rmbp. that stinks although its a small spot bottom center on black bezel that and a battery that lasts but 3 hours would have been nice to fix one part of this.

 

[badawat]

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.

Might be worth trying again, especially at an Apple store if you have one and quote EU consumer law repair. My understanding if there's a manufacturing issue within 6 years of purchase they have to repair it but you need to know to state that. Sometimes the Geniuses prompt you and on the website recently they've added it as a reason for repair.

 

[nvmls]

They handle it the typical Apple way, replace the same component with the same flaw. They didn't even bother to fix it on newer generations. Shareholders first kids, always remember.

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

They don't, it's just the MR hate at work.

 

[Zdigital2015]

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

I have a 2012 (Apple Refurb), 2015 (Best Buy) and two 2016 15” MacBook Pros (B&H) and I’ve had my 2012 since 2013 without any sort of de-lamination. Of the other 2012 and 2015 MacBook Pros that I have leased over the years (2012-4, 2015-6) and never encountered this issue with any of mine. I empathize with those that do, but I really wonder how widespread this is at this point.

 

[qkypgy]

Yep, went to the Apple Store in July to fix my 2014 MBP's Staingate, was told I was out of the warranty program period, and they wanted $470+ to replace the screen assembly. Insane that the screen is otherwise in perfect condition, all but the awful coating. Yet Apple called themselves eco-friendly. I ended up buying some Pledge wet wipes and just scrubbed away the coating myself. The screen is now shiny and perfect.

 

[dazz87]

Thanks apple for not supporting 2013 macs. I sent in my Mac 3 times and still not fix....Guess I have to live with it now.

 

[blasto2236]

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.

I never used cleaners and had this happen with two separate displays. I only ever cleaned it with a microfiber cloth and sometimes dampened it with water, as they recommended.

I think it comes from dirty microfiber cloths, personally. I used a few beyond the point where I probably should have, and I think the dirt and oils and things built up in the cloth removed the coating. Just a guess but it’s the best I could deduce based on my own experience.

 

[ignatius345]

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.

You were able to remove all the coating in a uniform way so the screen appeared normal?

 

[wjdavis]

Stupid question: wasn't the anti-reflective coating an add-on feature? Or something included in some models but not others? I have the most basic mid-2015 MacBook Pro (2.2Ghz, IG) and didn't think it would have the coating. I'm just wondering if this issue is something I should be looking out for; I have years to go on this machine, or thought I would.

 

[Glockworkorange]

Stupid question: wasn't the anti-reflective coating an add-on feature? Or something included in some models but not others? I have the most basic mid-2015 MacBook Pro (2.2Ghz, IG) and didn't think it would have the coating. I'm just wondering if this issue is something I should be looking out for; I have years to go on this machine, or thought I would.

I believe all macs have it. I think you're thinking about the matte/non-glossy finish on older MacBook Pro's (they don't offer on that option on anything except the Pro Display XRD).

 

[wjdavis]

I believe all macs have it. I think you're thinking about the matte/non-glossy finish on older MacBook Pro's (they don't offer on that option on anything except the Pro Display XRD).

Err, yes, you're absolutely right. I knew there was some elective feature, but couldn't remember the name. Sigh.