Scratch (?) on new MacBook Air trackpad

[yosomono]

Hey everyone,

I received my M1 MacBook Air last week, replacing my 2015 MBP and I'm loving it so far! However, yesterday when looking at my MacBook from the side I noticed that there's a sparkling spot on the trackpad when looking at it from certain angles (see attached image). When looking at it from the top everything seems fine, I also can't feel the spot with my fingers and as far as I can tell it doesn't affect the functionality of the trackpad.

I don't know how exactly the MacBook trackpads are constructed but I assume it's all glass. Now I'm asking myself whether it's something to be concerned about or not. I need my MacBook for university and if it's "just" a small scratch in the coating and thus a cosmetic damage not affecting the functionality down the road I could definitely live with it. If, however, it's something that requires repair I'm willing to send it in.

I would appreciate any opinion or experiences of someone who experienced the same or a similar issue. Thanks!

 

[ghanwani]

Can't you get it exchanged? I can't say if it's purely cosmetic or not, but with a brand new machine, I think I would ask for an exchange, especially given that you can both see and feel it.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Is the small white spot on the trackpad what you are referring to? If so, return it and buy another one.

 

[yosomono]

Can't you get it exchanged? I can't say if it's purely cosmetic or not, but with a brand new machine, I think I would ask for an exchange, especially given that you can both see and feel it.

I could get it exchanged, but I'm just not sure if it's worth the hassle, especially considering that I actually need my MacBook for university. But yeah, I was a bit disappointed when I first saw it when I looked at my MacBook from the side. However, I can *not* feel the scratch. It's just visible from the side in a well-lit room from certain angles.

 

[yosomono]

Is the small white spot on the trackpad what you are referring to? If so, return it and buy another one.

Yes, that's the spot. It's like it's reflecting light when looking at the MacBook, but it's only visible from certain angles. I'll consider returning it, thanks.

 

[ghanwani]

I could get it exchanged, but I'm just not sure if it's worth the hassle, especially considering that I actually need my MacBook for university. But yeah, I was a bit disappointed when I first saw it when I looked at my MacBook from the side. However, I can *not* feel the scratch. It's just visible from the side in a well-lit room from certain angles.

Ah ok, sorry I misread.

Still, it would bother me enough that I would get it exchanged.

If the look doesn't bother you, then it's your call. You are covered under warranty if something doesn't behave right down the line.

In the past, I had a defect with a 2016 MBP where there was a visual defect on the trackpad. I ended up returning it because it bothered me every time I saw it.