I recently purchased a brand new MacBook Pro 15' Retina from the Apple store two days ago. I noticed that right out of the box after unwrapping it, the MacBook releases a very strong chemical/toxic odor. I thought the smell may just be due to the adhesive of the plastic wrapping that it was in but I figured that would have dissipated by now. The smell is still very present and overwhelming. Should I be concerned or have other people experienced this chemical odor coming from their new MacBooks?
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New MacBook Pro Chemical Smell
- Thread starter LocksandKeys
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Thanks for the feedback, SandboxGeneral. I'm going to give it a few more days then bring it to the Apple store if the smell continues.
I'm curious, did anyone else notice a chemical smell on their new MacBook Pros? And if so, how long did it take to go away?
This was my experience as well. Since Apple relies on just-in-time shipping for the majority of its products, they don't sit around in warehouses or shipping departments long enough for those smells to dissipate.
Mine had that typical 'new gadget smell' but it wasn't overly strong and didn't last that long.
Thanks for all of your responses everyone, I really appreciate it. I notice that the smell fills the room if I don't leave the window open. I have been airing it out for a few days but the odor is still present. I believe the smell is coming from the outer aluminum of the MacBook Pro. If I put my nose up to the surface directly, I can smell a distinct chemical odor. I'm not sure what the Apple store can do for me about that. I may just try putting a Speck SeeThru Satin Snap on Cover on it to see if that helps mask the odor.
There's a product called Zero Odor that is a neutralizing odor spray but I am worried to use that on the aluminum surface of my MacBook Pro out of fear of damaging it.
If anyone has any more advice or experiences with their MacBook Pro smelling of chemicals, I am interested in hearing your thoughts.
There's a product called Zero Odor that is a neutralizing odor spray but I am worried to use that on the aluminum surface of my MacBook Pro out of fear of damaging it.
If anyone has any more advice or experiences with their MacBook Pro smelling of chemicals, I am interested in hearing your thoughts.
I just opened my new rMBP last night and have smelled nothing. The fact that you have to open a window is definitely a red flag for something not being quite right.
I just smelled my outer casing (lol!) and I noticed that one half smells a tiny bit and one does not. I wonder if it is something to do with a coating during manufacturing. Have you tried wiping it all down with a slightly damp cloth?
If its really that powerful and wiping it does not help, I might consider calling Apple and getting a replacement.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I just tried wiping it down with a damp cloth and I think that may have helped a little, but not fully for the smell is still present. I do admit though I have a VERY sensitive sense of smell!
I am wondering if I should try using a WetOnes wipe on the outer aluminum surface of my rMBP. I am weary to use such a strong cleaner on my device but I'm hoping that it will not harm the surface in any way.
My 2007 Macbook Pro that came basically straight off the assembly line also had a whiff of burned plastic (probably the same smell) for the first few days. The people on a local Apple forum thought I was weird when I said it was pretty strong if you bent over and smelled it. Turns out that's just what computers and other electronics with plastic components smell like fresh off the assembly line.
It dissipated over the next few days and a week later I couldn't smell it even if I put my nose just over the keyboard and took a deep breath. So keep it for a few days and if the smell doesn't dissipate, take it in.
It dissipated over the next few days and a week later I couldn't smell it even if I put my nose just over the keyboard and took a deep breath. So keep it for a few days and if the smell doesn't dissipate, take it in.
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Hi
Hi-did you ever resolve this? I am getting a strong chemical smell from my iMac Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015. I thought it was my gas heater until turned it off and still noticed the smell around the back of my computer. It is quite strong-toxic, I'd say, but comes and goes-maybe when the fan comes on?
Hi-did you ever resolve this? I am getting a strong chemical smell from my iMac Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015. I thought it was my gas heater until turned it off and still noticed the smell around the back of my computer. It is quite strong-toxic, I'd say, but comes and goes-maybe when the fan comes on?
I'd be careful describing it as 'toxic', as they does imply it's poisonous.
Make sure the computer is well ventilated. If it hasn't gone away after a couple of weeks and it bothers you, contact Apple Support.
It's just the smell of a new computer & all the components inside. Nothing abnormal about it and if yours is particularly strong it would suggest that it was recently assembled, which would especially make sense if it was a CTO model.
There are chemicals used in the production process that take a while to burn off. And also when components are failing they can start giving off smells due to leaks of capacitors.
Yes- I've had this for 8 months and it is still giving off an odor. It smells a bit like exhaust from a car-that's why I call it "toxic". I've turned it off for a while to make sure nothing else is causing the smell. I don't think it's failing-or it shouldn't be-it's only 8 months old.
I am pretty sure this explains it. Everyone has different thresholds when it comes to the senses and I would say there is a good possibility that there is nothing wrong with the device.
Just because some people are more sensitive to an chemical smell doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with the device. It might mean there IS something wrong that most people don't notice...in some cases, until they start feeling inexplicably ill. In searching for this topic on the web, I have found quite a few others who are bothered by the same smell from the same or similar computers. That minority should matter as much as anyone who doesn't happen to notice. Ever hear of the "canary in the coal mine"?
There are those who are not viable life forms and will either have to overcome or cease to exist.
It has been this way for a long time. Safe zones are for those who need them.
Seriously, you dont have anyone close by who can actually comment whether they can smell it? You may be very sensitive to the chemicals involved or it could be a chemical packing issue but surely the sensible route is to see if anyone else can smell YOUR machine....?