New MacBook Pro Screen Coating.

[SwoopIOM]

Can anyone tell me if they have a new MBP and is the screen coating still intact?

I am about to buy a new MBP but my experience of my 2013 MBP worries me that the issue with the screen coating is still there (it makes the screen so horrible).

Thanks in advance.

P.

 

[upandown]

Can anyone tell me if they have a new MBP and is the screen coating still intact?

I am about to buy a new MBP but my experience of my 2013 MBP worries me that the issue with the screen coating is still there (it makes the screen so horrible).

Thanks in advance.

P.

Of course they still apply screen coatings. Although you had a bad expierence with it, screen coatings are highly beneficial.

 

[SDColorado]

Can anyone tell me if they have a new MBP and is the screen coating still intact?

I am about to buy a new MBP but my experience of my 2013 MBP worries me that the issue with the screen coating is still there (it makes the screen so horrible).

Thanks in advance.

P.

I know what you mean. I had the display replaced on my 2013 twice before I finally decided to sell it. I don't know that they are really any better now. I feel like you almost have to use distilled water and no more than dab it with a microfiber cloth to get them clean. Before buying that 2013, I never owned a laptop where I feared having to try to clean the display.

 

[SwoopIOM]

I know what you mean. I had the display replaced on my 2013 twice before I finally decided to sell it. I don't know that they are really any better now. I feel like you almost have to use distilled water and no more than dab it with a microfiber cloth to get them clean. Before buying that 2013, I never owned a laptop where I feared having to try to clean the display.

Phew, I was thinking I was paranoid about this issue, I am scared to touch my MBP screen in case it scratches the screen coating.

 

[SDColorado]

Phew, I was thinking I was paranoid about this issue, I am scared to touch my MBP screen in case it scratches the screen coating.

Yeah, first time I brought it in they asked what I was using to clean it. I told them that iKleer stuff because that is what they used to sell there and told me to use. They said stop using that and only use water and gently rub with a microfiber cloth and it wasn't long before it happened again. Then they started asking about how hard I was rubbing it and I told them not hard at all. I fold the cloth over, make sure the edges/seams don't contact the screen, etc.

I always used one of those Radtech screensavers cloths over the keyboard any time I had to close the lid too.

Having to clean the thing after the second replacement used to make me nervous as hell. While I agree with upandown that screen coatings are highly beneficial. I would correct it to read "properly applied screen coatings can be extremely beneficial."

Edit: To make me even more nervous. The first 2018 MacBook Pro I received had a very poorly applied screen coating. It was uneven and wavy across the top of the display and looked terrible when the light caught it. I thought I was maybe being nitpicky, but when I brought it in to the store for a service appointment regarding the T2 crashes, the tech noticed it immediately as well and they arranged a swap.

 

[Thysanoptera]

I always used one of those Radtech screensavers cloths over the keyboard any time I had to close the lid too.

And it was still peeling with only the cloth touching it? Was this a cloth that covered the full area or only the keyboard part (like the one they sell now for 15 inch)?

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"Phew, I was thinking I was paranoid about this issue, I am scared to touch my MBP screen in case it scratches the screen coating."

Don't start relaxing too much just yet.

The 2018 MBP's use the same style of "screen coating" that earlier retina MacBook Pros used. I believe "the formula" has been refined over time to make it a little more durable, but it's still the same "paradigm" -- a very light coating that's sprayed on.

So... it's still "vulnerable" to the same kind of problems earlier versions had. The newer displays may be a little more "robust", but I believe they can still be damaged by mishandling.

Best to try avoid directly touching the surface of the display at all.
I WOULD NOT routinely "wipe it" using ANY kind of material, unless absolutely necessary.
Instead, I would use a soft cloth to "dust away" any loose particles on the display surface.

If you have something that can't be removed that way, use a moistened cloth with as little pressure as possible, then "dust it dry".

I WOULD NOT use any kind of "screen protector" or keyboard cover -- might interact with the sprayed-on coating.

 

[SDColorado]

And it was still peeling with only the cloth touching it? Was this a cloth that covered the full area or only the keyboard part (like the one they sell now for 15 inch)?

Yeah, believe it or not. It would kind of bubble up in a spot or two. Looked a little like something gooey got in it. But attempting to clean it off, even with just water, would result in the coating coming off.

I have had plenty of MBP’s and other laptops before and since. Never had that issue other than that one and never had been so worried while cleaning the display.

The repair program for the 2013 models ended in July 2018, so that’s when I sold it.

This was the Radtech cloth I had for it.

 

[newellj]

Those cloths can cause more troubles than they might solve. Years ago I had one from Tom Binh. At some point, and I don't remember what year, the lids were fitted closely enough that you could damage the display and its coating by using one. If you're using one in a recent model MBP, stop.

 

[robvas]

Yeah, first time I brought it in they asked what I was using to clean it. I told them that iKleer stuff because that is what they used to sell there and told me to use. They said stop using that and only use water and gently rub with a microfiber cloth and it wasn't long before it happened again. Then they started asking about how hard I was rubbing it and I told them not hard at all. I fold the cloth over, make sure the edges/seams don't contact the screen, etc.

I always used one of those Radtech screensavers cloths over the keyboard any time I had to close the lid too.

Gee, I wonder what the problem could be!

 

[SDColorado]

If you're using one in a recent model MBP, stop.

Yet, the folks at the Genius Bar suggested that perhaps the damage to my screen was due to the edges of key caps making contact with the display while being transported. So damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

Maybe better would be “If you are making laptops with such small clearances that the keys are perhaps impacting the screen and causing the coatings to be damaged, just stop making them so damned thin.”

 

[puma1552]

I'm using a Radtech on my new 2015 and so far so good...

 

[SDColorado]

Gee, I wonder what the problem could be!

If you think it’s from the cloth you would be wrong. Never did it before that 2013 model, has never been an issue with the 2016. Using the same cloth with the 2016 (exactly the same cloth).

There is a reason that there is a display program covering these machines and it isn’t due to Radtech

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.macrumors.com/2017/11/17/apple-extends-free-staingate-repairs/amp/

 

[IdentityCrisis]

I just ordered one of those cloths. I was looking for something just like that for my new mbp. I doubt it caused the issue.

 

[SDColorado]

I just ordered one of those cloths. I was looking for something just like that for my new mbp. I doubt it caused the issue.

The program originally went back as far as 2012 models and may eventually extend to 2018 models. Apple didn't begin a free repair program that may extend to cover models over 6 years, because of a small handful of users purchasing a Radtech screen saver cloth. I have been using them since 2007/2008 and only had an issue with 1 laptop models display in all those years.

I only had a couple of small dots on mine. If you search for "staingate" photos, you can find some displays that are thoroughly trashed, like the one below. One could make the argument that perhaps the cloth prevented further damage like this from happening to mine. But I am guessing the cloth played no role in causing or prevented it.

 

[IdentityCrisis]

The program originally went back as far as 2012 models and may eventually extend to 2018 models. Apple didn't begin a free repair program that may extend to cover models over 6 years, because of a small handful of users purchasing a Radtech screen saver cloth. I have been using them since 2007/2008 and only had an issue with 1 laptop models display in all those years.

I only had a couple of small dots on mine. If you search for "staingate" photos, you can find some displays that are thoroughly trashed, like the one below. One could make the argument that perhaps the cloth prevented further damage like this from happening to mine. But I am guessing the cloth played no role in causing or prevented it.

Yeah, my 2015 13" MBP I had and sold to get my 2018, had the issue. I just got it fixed from Apple before selling it too and put a screen protector on it.

 

[SwoopIOM]

Yeah, my 2015 13" MBP I had and sold to get my 2018, had the issue. I just got it fixed from Apple before selling it too and put a screen protector on it.

So worries me about buying a new model!

 

[SDColorado]

Yeah, my 2015 13" MBP I had and sold to get my 2018, had the issue. I just got it fixed from Apple before selling it too and put a screen protector on it.

View attachment 809451

I never had more than a couple of small spots. I am sure many people would say they were not a big deal, but for what you pay for these things and as much as I try my best to take proper care of my stuff, it (a) bothered me and (b) I tend to find those kinds of things get worse if not taken care of. So I addressed the issue while both never had a spot bigger than the clicker end of a pen. It is something that just shouldn't happen. I have been using Macs since 2007 and have plenty of other brands as well, but have never had that fear or felt I needed to be so crazy careful with a display before.

I am thinking in the future maybe cleaning with unicorn tears and lightly dusted with the wings of pixies?

 

[newellj]

Yet, the folks at the Genius Bar suggested that perhaps the damage to my screen was due to the edges of key caps making contact with the display while being transported. So damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

Maybe better would be “If you are making laptops with such small clearances that the keys are perhaps impacting the screen and causing the coatings to be damaged, just stop making them so damned thin.”

Thin is in! Seriously, you have a point. A lot of Apple's design and manufacturing decisions these days are driven by making things thinner. The best example is probably keyboards, but the display/keyboard issue is certainly another.
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So worries me about buying a new model!

I had a 2013 and a 2015 rMBP that were carried around five days a week and never had any display issues with either. It seems very hit or miss. Personally, though, I would not buy one of these without AppleCare.

 

[SwoopIOM]

Thin is in! Seriously, you have a point. A lot of Apple's design and manufacturing decisions these days are driven by making things thinner. The best example is probably keyboards, but the display/keyboard issue is certainly another.

You can understand why peeps are holding back before spending quite a lot of money on a MBP with which the screen can be a real aesthetic issue.

 

[SDColorado]

Thin is in! Seriously, you have a point. A lot of Apple's design and manufacturing decisions these days are driven by making things thinner. The best example is probably keyboards, but the display/keyboard issue is certainly another.

It used to be that you never had to worry about the key clearances so much. The mechanical designs were such that as you closed the lid, the keys would recline into the base of the laptop and away from the display.

Now you are already worried about of the keys are impacting the display or not, wether oils, dust particles etc. that may be on the keys are being transferred to the display and maybe causing the coating to weaken.

Now, every time I try to clean the display I am like OMG, please don’t let the coating come off and always applying the an insanely minimal pressure to begin with.

I know sometimes the glossy displays like the Surface Book 2 get a lot of complaints due to their knack for showing reflections, but you could probably clean that Gorilla glass with Brillo and not damage it.

Could you imagine if the coatings on eyewear were as weak and fragile as those on the MBP? I don’t treat my glasses with near the kid gloves I do my MBP and tend to keep my glasses looking good for many years.

 

[Painter2002]

So worries me about buying a new model!

For reference I have a 2017 13” MBP wTB and have not had any issues with the coating on my screen. Granted I do like @Fishrrman suggested, dust the screen with a soft microfiber cloth, and only use a tiny bit of water on the cloth if there are stubborn spots. And I don’t touch the screen with my fingers and keep the keyboard wiped clean fairly often with a microfiber cloth (to keep finger oils down).

Probably excessively cautious on my end but hey, can’t say I’ve had any issues with the coating this way (and I’ve used other MacBook Pros with the same screen too).

 

[Thysanoptera]

I'm using the same cloth as @SDColorado, good to know that only one of many had the issue. Personally I think that the issue is not due to rubbing but to the chemicals being transferred from fingers->keyboard->screen, and that's the idea of the cloth providing a barrier. I collect retro computers, and if I am not carefull while handling them I can see my fingerprints etched on metal EMI shields after a while. The sweat from the palms eats metal.

And I find it ridiculous that we need to even talk about it and treat a portable device like some sort of family heirloom, best held in glass protected display case.

 

[newellj]

I'm using the same cloth as @SDColorado, good to know that only one of many had the issue. Personally I think that the issue is not due to rubbing but to the chemicals being transferred from fingers->keyboard->screen, and that's the idea of the cloth providing a barrier. I collect retro computers, and if I am not carefull while handling them I can see my fingerprints etched on metal EMI shields after a while. The sweat from the palms eats metal.

And I find it ridiculous that we need to even talk about it and treat a portable device like some sort of family heirloom, best held in glass protected display case.

I don't know for sure, but when I had my 2013 and 2015 I followed this issue and I think I remember a lot of pics of coatings that were having problems in areas where that wouldn't happen (like in the bezel areas). The issue with using cloth over the keyboards is that MacBook Pro models after some date have little enough clearance between the keyboard and the display that the cloth will rub on the display. Since the cloth is not perfectly clean and picks up micro grit over time, it's like putting a sheet of fine sandpaper between the display and the keyboard. And, to your point about oil/salt/etc. transfer from fingertips, the cloth will be picking that up off they keys, too, and transferring that to the display unless you are really fanatical about making sure the same side is always facing up.

I had both the 2013 and 2015 models that were subject to this problem. I cleaned them with iKleer and with water and never had an issue. I think it was a manufacturing process problem. If it was user-related, I don't think Apple would have extended the repair period for display coatings. I don't see as many reports of this issue with 2018 models but maybe it's just too early.

You WOULD THINK that Apple would figure out that this issue costs them a lot - they lose customers completely, other customers don't upgrade as often (this thread!), and yet others bring machines back for warranty repairs. That all costs a lot of money and sales.

 

[SDColorado]

I had both the 2013 and 2015 models that were subject to this problem. I cleaned them with iKleer and with water and never had an issue. I think it was a manufacturing process problem. If it was user-related, I don't think Apple would have extended the repair period for display coatings.

So Apple specifically told me to never use iKleer on the display, but most people don’t have problems with it either.

I am quite sure it is a manufacturing process problem for exactly the reason you state. Apple is plenty good at blaming the user whenever they can. They only take responsibility with a program like this when it has been shown conclusively that it’s on them.