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MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Repair Program Remains in Effect, But 2013-2014 Models No Longer Eligible
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I purchased used from someone on ebay a while back. Purchase dates shows 8/2016 on email I received from Apple.
I went to the Apple Store, they didn't ask any questions.
Sent my MBP out for repair, and replaced the whole screen free of charge.
I turned in my MBP the Saturday before Christmas, and had it back the day after Christmas.
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Don't give up.
My computer was past the 4 year mark, but they actually never brought it up.
My recommendation is to call Apple, and NOT go to an Apple Store right away.
Customer Support on the phone seems to be more lenient.
Insist that there is a repair program, and that other s had their screen with coating issues replaced fee of charge. If they refuse, just keep asking if Apple "could do anything else". Be desperate, and ask for a one-time exception.
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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:
Apple has not added any MacBook Pro or MacBook Air models released in 2018 or later to the eligibility list at this time.
- 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)
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
Hi friends;
I went to Apple Store 5th Avenue on Thursday 12/27 with my MBP 9/2015 purchase. Four months out they said no to new display. Not to be thwarted by some drone, I went to Chat support online. They said yes after some pushing and I took it to Apple store upper east side and we are on our way to new display, no charge. Bottom line, DON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER !
If true, then all those iPhone 4 users really were "holding it wrong."
But I don't accept that argument and here's why. Apple designed the MBP to be used when closed. Evidence? MiniDP works fine when the machine is closed and there are no warnings in official Apple documentation that says NOT to do that. As such, it could not be effectively argued that we as the user deliberately or unwittingly caused the problem. Rather, the only logical thing one could argue is that it is a design flaw. But Apple is no stranger to flubbed design decisions. Consider well the Butterfly Keyboard. Apple wised up a bit and removed that from the 16" MBP.
The fact remains that iPads have antiglare coatings that do not delaminate under extreme usage conditions, and I know this first hand. My guess is that the special anti fingerprint coatings applied to the iPad, which are not on the MBP display, enhance iPad coating durability. If true, then a mere application of that same anti-fingerprint coating on a MBP display should eliminate delimitation headaches once and for all. And to think, all Apple's might engineers couldn't figure that out.
I just got my April 2014 MacBook Pro 13" Retina screen replaced free of charge at Apple Store in UK. Under UK Consumer Law (personal use not business).
The retina anti reflective screen, outercase lid (top not base), keyboard and keypad all replaced and now as new. I also got the old battery replaced at same time but had to pay for this at it's a consumable - £199 (ouch!)
Repair comes with 90 day warranty. Good on you Apple - thank you. Great customer service.
I phoned Apple helpline first to register case then they told me to visit Apple Store. I was luckily three months within the six year warranty period and still had receipt. It now looks like new !
The retina anti reflective screen, outercase lid (top not base), keyboard and keypad all replaced and now as new. I also got the old battery replaced at same time but had to pay for this at it's a consumable - £199 (ouch!)
Repair comes with 90 day warranty. Good on you Apple - thank you. Great customer service.
I phoned Apple helpline first to register case then they told me to visit Apple Store. I was luckily three months within the six year warranty period and still had receipt. It now looks like new !
Just spoke to Apple about a Early 2015 13” Macbook Pro Retina that I purchased second hand with the anti reflective de-lamination issues. The initial advisor told me the unit was purchased in october of 2016 and claimed to not see any coverage on the machine. I suggested the the coverage has been extended to four years from purchase date, at which point I was transferred to a senior advisor who confirmed this. I now have a Genius Bar appointment for this coming Saturday to get the screen replaced under the delam coverage.
I called Apple couple days ago as you suggested. They still rejected the free replacement for the display. The reason is beyond the 4 year program. Could anyone of you send me the work order authorization that shows the cost is $0? You can blank out your name etc. So, I can send it to Apple. Thanks.
Just got back from the Apple Store. My Mid-2015 is not covered anymore. They said that they only cover for 3 years, so my repair expired in 2018. They wanted to charge almost $700 to replace.
You need to fix this article, because it is NOT accurate anymore.
You need to fix this article, because it is NOT accurate anymore.
The article is correct and accurate. I have 2 2015 MacBook Pro computers that are a few months past the 4 years and I was able to get both repaired for the screen delaminating. Before I took the computers into the Apple Store, I called Apple support and spoke with a senior level advisor. He gave me a one time exception on both computers. Both are now repaired and look good as new.
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I posted the before picture several posts up. So here is a before AND after. About 5 day turn around. This is a early 2015 MBP that I purchased second hand. As previously stated I spoke to an advisor (who initially turned down coverage) and then a senior advisor who acknowledged that coverage was still in place and set up a genius bar appt. Screen was replaced under “warranty”.
I did the same you recommended above today, after going to a mac store, chat and finally 2 phone calls, but it was unsuccessful. Apple refused to replace my screen(Display). They argued at the end that I overpassed the 4 tears warranty (bought on Nov 2015). I argued that my screen started damaging ( anti-reflective coating going out) more than one year ago, and I only knew today by reading this threads in Mac Rumors. I showed them some parts of this blog and then they changed from the official replacement programs in the webpage to accept to review my request. I din´t accept the negative answer received and I want to escalate the problem using networks. At the apple store they offered me the repair at USD 350. I asked a discount to apple and they refused to give me any discount. I have iPhones, iPads, iPods and a 2010 macbook pro w/o problems, so I decided to stop buying more Apple devices. If someone knows about the next step to complaint ?, please advice me.
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It might be helpful for people who also have a MacBook that's no longer eligible for the replacement program.
Use Listerine and a clean microfiber cloth to rub off the anti-glare layer of your display.
It will take you a while but you'll slowly see more and more traces getting rubbed off.
But don't press too hard or you might break your internal display.
The difference is barely noticeable except in a bright sunlit room (or outside)
Use Listerine and a clean microfiber cloth to rub off the anti-glare layer of your display.
It will take you a while but you'll slowly see more and more traces getting rubbed off.
But don't press too hard or you might break your internal display.
The difference is barely noticeable except in a bright sunlit room (or outside)
Came across this thread looking for something newer since I’m considering the new MacBook Air with the switch back to the “old school” keyboard. I have two 2015 13” MBPs; one I bought new in 2016 and one I bought used in 2018. The new one I put a screen protector on since purchase and while the added glare can be annoying, it’s not a huge deal and the screen is fine. The used one had the screen and battery replaced under AC just before I bought it so I also put a screen protector on. That one is doing fine as well, though I feel like I shouldn’t have to cover up the AR to protect it.. might as well just not have it.
If you get the screen replaced I highly recommend a screen protector. My gf just sold her 2014 13” MBP (screen protector since new) and it was pristine. I’m annoyed with the way Apple handles stuff like this as well considering how much everything costs and how your answer depends on who you talk to even when you ARE still covered by an extended repair campaign.
If you get the screen replaced I highly recommend a screen protector. My gf just sold her 2014 13” MBP (screen protector since new) and it was pristine. I’m annoyed with the way Apple handles stuff like this as well considering how much everything costs and how your answer depends on who you talk to even when you ARE still covered by an extended repair campaign.
April 20 2020
Just rang Apple (UK) about the early 2015 MBP 13", which was purchased in 2016. The machine is still eligible (according to it's serial number) and they have sent out a box for me to send it back so they can replace the screen.
Just thought a more up to date post might help some folk.
Just rang Apple (UK) about the early 2015 MBP 13", which was purchased in 2016. The machine is still eligible (according to it's serial number) and they have sent out a box for me to send it back so they can replace the screen.
Just thought a more up to date post might help some folk.
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I have an early 2015 13” Macbook Pro with the same issue and after Apple refused to replace the screen due to the expiry of this program for my year, I contacted a friend who repairs out of warranty MacBooks. I am attaching a picture of an inexpensive wipe which can be used to clean these screens and it looks As clean as whistle. Don’t press hard on screen while doing it. Just press lightly. Use at your own risk.
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Might want to re-read tobeastmaster2000 post again. Apple HAS agreed to replace the screen on their computer.
I am not in any way making a recommendation for anyone with a working or non defective screen to use any sort of cleaning agent to clean their screens. I was just sharing my experience after Apple refused to replace my screen as a result of the expiry of the warranty replacement period. Sorry for the confusion.
Just tried to hand in my MBP 2015 at an Apple Service provider in Norway. Apparently the program was still in place and my machine would've been eligible, but I needed to have the original receipt which I don't have (I bought it used from someone that had gotten it from their work). Before they didn't require any receipt
Maybe I'll try emailing Tim and see if I can get support anyway. It's mostly on the edges of the screen, so not a huge issue, but you never know if it will escalate for the future
Maybe I'll try emailing Tim and see if I can get support anyway. It's mostly on the edges of the screen, so not a huge issue, but you never know if it will escalate for the future
I managed a fleet of 50 of these (2015 MBP 15”,) and we had 15-20 with the issue thus far. Bought them all in April 2016 at the same time, from the same place, FWIW
Indeed, it seems to be very hit or miss. I had the issue develop on a 2015 MBP 13". Had the screen replaced and within a year the replacement did the same thing.
Now using a 2018 MBP 15" and have had no signs of the issue after over 1 year of use.
Now using a 2018 MBP 15" and have had no signs of the issue after over 1 year of use.