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

[Yurii Suhov]

Ok, so I sent Tim Cook a email stating the obvious - I had no clue program existed and now its to late to get a free screen replacement for my MBP 2015 15', instead they want to charge me 500-600 EUR. Email got forwarded to customer service in Cork, Ireland and they reached out to me via email and then phone. Long story short, I brought my computer to certified repair store here in Latvia, they confirmed the problem and now Im waiting for my screen to be replaced.

So, dudes, don't take NO for an answer, try to reach to someone at the office instead or shoot email to man himself.

 

[Hyp]

i have called to apple care and they tell me this program doesn't exist
i have some scratch on my display (mac book pro 15 with touch 2017) from the keyboard ..the shape of the keyboard is present on the display..and scratch it...called them and they tell me...the only service program is only for the keyboard
i cannot find on official apple website a link to this program..
can you help me? they tell me this program doesn't exist so no repair
THank you

 

[rodedwards]

If you're in UK, you'll be covered for free repair under the 6 year guarantee for faulty goods. See my earlier comments in this post - they replaced my screen, keyboard and lid after 5 years 9 months.

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).


Apple Products and Consumer Laws in the United Kingdom

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 !

 

[Hyp]

i live in romania, it matters? it is not the same apple warranty worldwide?
they show me this list of the change /repair programs, and this for the screen is not present:

Programele de service Apple – Asistență Apple

În această pagină sunt prezentate toate programele oferite în prezent de Apple, inclusiv programe de înlocuire, programe de extindere a serviciilor de reparații și programe de rechemare.

support.apple.com

 

[brdeveloper]

i live in romania, it matters? it is not the same apple warranty worldwide?
they show me this list of the change /repair programs, and this for the screen is not present:

Programele de service Apple – Asistență Apple

În această pagină sunt prezentate toate programele oferite în prezent de Apple, inclusiv programe de înlocuire, programe de extindere a serviciilor de reparații și programe de rechemare.

support.apple.com

I had to use some consumer law here in Brazil to argue with Apple. My Macbook Pro early-2013 was repaired in 2018 (screen and battery), but Apple Care expired in Dec-2016, that is, it was nearly two years after warranty was expired. There are a lot of documentation around the internet about these issues, one of them even from Apple acknowledging them. But now, I think local consumer law must be used to get Apple fixing your Mac.

 

[mave87]

Im trying to get apple to repair my macbook but it was purchased in 2015 so they dont want to cover, Im trying to pursure the 6 year consumer law but theyre saying it wasnt purchased at an apple store. Do you have any idea what I can do?

Edit: well I managed to get on the phone with someone when I kept pushing that it was purchased at an apple store (live chat guy kept saying it wasn't) and he stated that it was on apple to repair it. Which it's now booked in for. Fantastic.

 

[Psyclops14]

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

My early 2105 MacBook Pro showed exactly this problem. Took it into a local store in the UK ... turn around time was a week. ! Very impressed.
Paid an initial £50 assessment fee before they sent it away, but refunded on picking it up ... very happy!

 

[iPaulie81]

Apple Replaced the screen on my mid-2014 15" a couple of years ago under the program. Unfortunately, the screen now looks just as bad as the original one did. Clearly, they never fixed the issue with the coating.

 

[Arty Tales]

The problem just started appearing on my MBP bought in December 2016.

Brought it to an Apple Store. They admitted it is the reflective coating problem but flat out refused to do anything since the device is more than 4 years old.

 

[cbr1976]

The problem just started appearing on my MBP bought in December 2016.

Brought it to an Apple Store. They admitted it is the reflective coating problem but flat out refused to do anything since the device is more than 4 years old.

Don’t accept this. A kid at Apple told me no. So I called Apple. They said yes. Got it done free. Keep trying. Don’t take the first, second or third no. This is not right ! Good luck ! Let us know if Apple does the right thing and takes care of you.

 

[Spike77777]

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.

I know this is an old thread but I just happened to notice this on my 2013 macbook pro. Had been very careful with it and only used a damp cloth to clean the screen because I had heard about it from friends and co-workers there was a problem.
So basically you just used wet wipes to remove the coating from the rest of the screen?
Asking to see if there was anything else you'd done, I think I'll try that since Apple won't do anything about it. I even called then cancelled an appointment, why waste my time to go in to be told there's nothing they will do to fix it and have them try to convince me to buy a new model?

 

[netsped]

I know this is an old thread but I just happened to notice this on my 2013 macbook pro. Had been very careful with it and only used a damp cloth to clean the screen because I had heard about it from friends and co-workers there was a problem.
So basically you just used wet wipes to remove the coating from the rest of the screen?
Asking to see if there was anything else you'd done, I think I'll try that since Apple won't do anything about it. I even called then cancelled an appointment, why waste my time to go in to be told there's nothing they will do to fix it and have them try to convince me to buy a new model?

Hi there, yes I just used some wet wipes.. the ones to clean skin and babies and not the one to disinfect in this days. Rub them with some force and then use a microfiber to dry the screen. In my case it was quite easy as the damage was all over the screen. Some people use mouth wash but I would hate my computer smelling like mint.

it should be easy enough and the result is quite good comparing how it must look now.

 

[Htsi]

Slapped on a screen protector after getting the display changed On dad’s 2015, spotless presently.

 

[Spike77777]

Hi there, yes I just used some wet wipes.. the ones to clean skin and babies and not the one to disinfect in this days. Rub them with some force and then use a microfiber to dry the screen. In my case it was quite easy as the damage was all over the screen. Some people use mouth wash but I would hate my computer smelling like mint.

it should be easy enough and the result is quite good comparing how it must look now.

Thank you, I did a little more searching yesterday and found a youtube where they used baking soda and water. Took some good rubbing but it finally all came off and finished it up with some rubbing alcohol. It has a little more glare but looks a lot better than with the coating peeling off.
Not real happy with Apple's response when I called, they wanted to schedule an appointment for me to bring it in and acted as though this is the first time they'd heard of it. They just wanted me to go in just to be told there's nothing they could do without me paying for a replacement or trying to sell me a new model.
What irks me most is they definitely know of this and they could have just told me there's nothing they can do, like my time isn't valuable so come on down to our store so we can just waste your time.

 

[Macdctr]

Thank you, I did a little more searching yesterday and found a youtube where they used baking soda and water. Took some good rubbing but it finally all came off and finished it up with some rubbing alcohol. It has a little more glare but looks a lot better than with the coating peeling off.
Not real happy with Apple's response when I called, they wanted to schedule an appointment for me to bring it in and acted as though this is the first time they'd heard of it. They just wanted me to go in just to be told there's nothing they could do without me paying for a replacement or trying to sell me a new model.
What irks me most is they definitely know of this and they could have just told me there's nothing they can do, like my time isn't valuable so come on down to our store so we can just waste your time.

I may end up doing the same exact thing to my 15 inch MBP. I have some delamination beginning on the lower left side of the screen where the bezel is although the screen area is untouched. I'm thinking of getting an anti-glare screen protector film to apply on the screen after cleaning off the anti-glare coating that has already begun to peel off my screen. I'm thinking adding the anti-glare film will help and I won't have to look at any delamination going forward. At this point I seriously doubt Apple will do the right thing in replacing this screen as my MBP is an Early 2013 model. Other than that my laptop is pristine and still looks brand new throughout.... it is just this screen delamination that takes away from this otherwise excellent laptop...

 

[Spike77777]

I may end up doing the same exact thing to my 15 inch MBP. I have some delamination beginning on the lower left side of the screen where the bezel is although the screen area is untouched. I'm thinking of getting an anti-glare screen protector film to apply on the screen after cleaning off the anti-glare coating that has already begun to peel off my screen. I'm thinking adding the anti-glare film will help and I won't have to look at any delamination going forward. At this point I seriously doubt Apple will do the right thing in replacing this screen as my MBP is an Early 2013 model. Other than that my laptop is pristine and still looks brand new throughout.... it is just this screen delamination that takes away from this otherwise excellent laptop...

After a few days of use I hardly notice the glare. I was considering putting an antiglare screen protector but now I don't think I will. It's easier to clean now, instead of wiping it with a damp cloth I use a mild glass cleaner. The protector was peeling on my 15" about an inch around the edges and in the middle. In between that it stuck pretty good but as I used the baking soda water mixture I could see the outline of keys from the keyboard. It looks like it might be heat related when the lid is closed. I'd recommend not even going through the hassle with Apple on this one, even if they replaced the screen the peeling would probably come back and then you also have the chance that the person that replaced the screen connected everything secure. Could create more issues later on than it's worth.

 

[Macdctr]

After a few days of use I hardly notice the glare. I was considering putting an antiglare screen protector but now I don't think I will. It's easier to clean now, instead of wiping it with a damp cloth I use a mild glass cleaner. The protector was peeling on my 15" about an inch around the edges and in the middle. In between that it stuck pretty good but as I used the baking soda water mixture I could see the outline of keys from the keyboard. It looks like it might be heat related when the lid is closed. I'd recommend not even going through the hassle with Apple on this one, even if they replaced the screen the peeling would probably come back and then you also have the chance that the person that replaced the screen connected everything secure. Could create more issues later on than it's worth.

I'm inclined to agree with you on this. I'm planning to get some baking soda and take off the anti-glare coating once it starts to affect the display area. Currently my delamination is along the lower left bezel area of the screen. Only when turned off can you notice the anti-glare delamination. I know it's just a matter of time and I have seen results of people using baking soda and cleaning off the anti-glare coating.

Taking this off does not affect the normal operation of the laptop. Only cleans up the display so you don't have that unsightly delamination on the screen... I'm okay with that. At the end of the day we all want our displays to look good.

EDIT: I used mouthwash instead of baking soda and had no problem removing the peeling anti-glare coating on my 15 inch rMBP. The display looks clean and fresh now although I have more reflection off the screen I don't find it distracting. If anything I will get an anti-glare film to put on the screen. Seeing that my MBP is outside the window where Apple will help, this is the next best thing for me...

 

[howardc64]

This did the trick for me on 13 Retina MBP. Previous used it on 27" iMac and 2006 MB to remove deep scratches and was pretty obvious it also took out the antiglare.

 

[Vado]

If you're in UK, you'll be covered for free repair under the 6 year guarantee for faulty goods. See my earlier comments in this post - they replaced my screen, keyboard and lid after 5 years 9 months.

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).


Apple Products and Consumer Laws in the United Kingdom

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 !

Thanks for this information. I've got my parents MacBook Pro (Early 2015) which was purchased December 2016 booked into the Genius Bar for inspection this Thursday before getting repaired under UK Consumer Law.

 

[Tech_Mac_Man]

Quick question if you are in Toronto, Canada can you still have the display replaced by Apple for free due to "staingate" issues? Has anyone tried going into a Apple store to try and get it done for free recently?

Model: 2015 (Early) 13" MacBook Pro

 

[iPaulie81]

Apple replaced my 2014 MBP screen a number of years ago when it started to show signs of wear. Annoyingly the replacement screen has also peeled. I still cant believe they replaced the faulty display with another faulty display!

 

[Tech_Mac_Man]

Apple replaced my 2014 MBP screen a number of years ago when it started to show signs of wear. Annoyingly the replacement screen has also peeled. I still cant believe they replaced the faulty display with another faulty display!

No way. So the problem is still there even after they replaced the display? That is not good at all. I heard that if you go into a Apple store and be extra nice to the manager they will replace the screen for FREE at no cost to you. I haven't done it but I was wondering if it would actually work at the Apple store? Since the time period has been expired for these Macs.

 

[Colpeas]

Quick question if you are in Toronto, Canada can you still have the display replaced by Apple for free due to "staingate" issues? Has anyone tried going into a Apple store to try and get it done for free recently?

Model: 2015 (Early) 13" MacBook Pro

Your model has been added to Apple’s list of “Vintage” models on August 1st, which means that none of the quality and repair extension programs are no longer valid for this model. Paid repairs are still available, but only while the stock of spare parts last.

No way. So the problem is still there even after they replaced the display? That is not good at all. I heard that if you go into a Apple store and be extra nice to the manager they will replace the screen for FREE at no cost to you. I haven't done it but I was wondering if it would actually work at the Apple store? Since the time period has been expired for these Macs.

Yes, they don’t have any “upgraded” parts, so you’ll get a new screen, that will likely end up developing the exact same problem… ditto butterfly keyboards, my brother had it exchanged 3 times on his 2016 MBP before he was no longer eligible for a free replacement.

Matter of fact, this AR coating problem was even present with some newer models (up to 2017) too. New computers introduced after 2018 on are NOT eligible, though, as Apple apparently finally found the secret formula to more durable coating. But at the same time, Mid-2017 “2-port” Macbook pro’s as well as 12” Macbooks continued using the old coating technology until their discontinuation in 2019 and the program applies to them, too.

Also - even though i think i’ve mentioned it already - there is a little known fact about this internal quality program: apple will replace your screen free of charge, even if it’s cracked or otherwise damaged, as long as the problem with deteriorating coating is present and no more than 4 years since the original DOP have passed.

 

[Tech_Mac_Man]

Your model has been added to Apple’s list of “Vintage” models on August 1st, which means that none of the quality and repair extension programs are no longer valid for this model. Paid repairs are still available, but only while the stock of spare parts last.



Yes, they don’t have any “upgraded” parts, so you’ll get a new screen, that will likely end up developing the exact same problem… ditto butterfly keyboards, my brother had it exchanged 3 times on his 2016 MBP before he was no longer eligible for a free replacement.

Matter of fact, this AR coating problem was even present with some newer models (up to 2017) too. New computers introduced after 2018 on are NOT eligible, though, as Apple apparently finally found the secret formula to more durable coating. But at the same time, Mid-2017 “2-port” Macbook pro’s as well as 12” Macbooks continued using the old coating technology until their discontinuation in 2019 and the program applies to them, too.

Also - even though i think i’ve mentioned it already - there is a little known fact about this internal quality program: apple will replace your screen free of charge, even if it’s cracked or otherwise damaged, as long as the problem with deteriorating coating is present and no more than 4 years since the original DOP have passed.

Someone here posted a 1-800 phone number to call and stated that if you are extra nice to the Apple Rep they can actually get your display replaced for FREE! Also in the UK there is a consumer law that Apple has to replace the display for FREE not sure if that law is here in Toronto, Canada? So no sure if anyone has tried calling that number to see if it actually works or not?

 

[Tech_Mac_Man]

Someone here posted a 1-800 phone number to call and stated that if you are extra nice to the Apple Rep they can actually get your display replaced for FREE! Also in the UK there is a consumer law that Apple has to replace the display for FREE not sure if that law is here in Toronto, Canada? So not sure if anyone has tried calling that number to see if it actually works or not?