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Apple Launches Quality Program for MacBook Pro Anti-Reflective Coating Issues
Apple has issued an internal notice about a new Quality Program that addresses anti-reflective coating issues on MacBook and MacBook Pro models with Retina displays, as confirmed by multiple sources. These issues include the anti-reflective coating on displays wearing off or delaminating under certain circumstances.
Apple will replace Retina displays on affected MacBook or MacBook Pro models for free within three years from the date of original purchase, or one year from October 16, 2015, whichever is longer. Affected customers that have already incurred out-of-warranty costs may be eligible for a refund through AppleCare support.
Affected customers can book an appointment with a Genius Bar or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to determine if their MacBook is eligible for coverage. Apple does not currently plan on announcing the Quality Program publicly on its support website, according to sources, but may contact some customers directly.
MacRumors first reported on the problem in March, and it has since grown to affect thousands of customers on the Apple Support Communities, Facebook and our own discussion forums. Nearly 6,000 affected customers have also joined an online database called Staingate, sharing pictures of their damaged displays, while thousands of others have signed a Change.org petition.
The anti-reflective coating wearing off or delaminating has resulted from various circumstances, including the pressure of the MacBook keyboard and trackpad on the display when closed, and the use of incorrect third-party cleaning solutions with microfiber cloths. The issue often affects small areas of the screen, but sometimes encompasses the entire display.
Leading up to the launch of this Quality Program, some MacBook Pro owners covered under AppleCare have been able to get their notebook repaired through the Genius Bar with no charge, while others have been told that cosmetic damage is not covered under warranty and offered to have their notebooks repaired for a service charge costing hundreds of dollars.
Apple has launched similar Quality Programs in recent years based on common problems identified by Apple engineers. Apple offers public-facing Exchange and Repair Extension Programs for larger problems, such as the iSight Camera Replacement Program for iPhone 6 Plus, Beats Pill XL Speaker Recall Program and iPhone 5 Sleep/Wake Button Replacement Program.
Apple will replace Retina displays on affected MacBook or MacBook Pro models for free within three years from the date of original purchase, or one year from October 16, 2015, whichever is longer. Affected customers that have already incurred out-of-warranty costs may be eligible for a refund through AppleCare support.
Affected customers can book an appointment with a Genius Bar or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider to determine if their MacBook is eligible for coverage. Apple does not currently plan on announcing the Quality Program publicly on its support website, according to sources, but may contact some customers directly.
MacRumors first reported on the problem in March, and it has since grown to affect thousands of customers on the Apple Support Communities, Facebook and our own discussion forums. Nearly 6,000 affected customers have also joined an online database called Staingate, sharing pictures of their damaged displays, while thousands of others have signed a Change.org petition.
The anti-reflective coating wearing off or delaminating has resulted from various circumstances, including the pressure of the MacBook keyboard and trackpad on the display when closed, and the use of incorrect third-party cleaning solutions with microfiber cloths. The issue often affects small areas of the screen, but sometimes encompasses the entire display.
Leading up to the launch of this Quality Program, some MacBook Pro owners covered under AppleCare have been able to get their notebook repaired through the Genius Bar with no charge, while others have been told that cosmetic damage is not covered under warranty and offered to have their notebooks repaired for a service charge costing hundreds of dollars.
Apple has launched similar Quality Programs in recent years based on common problems identified by Apple engineers. Apple offers public-facing Exchange and Repair Extension Programs for larger problems, such as the iSight Camera Replacement Program for iPhone 6 Plus, Beats Pill XL Speaker Recall Program and iPhone 5 Sleep/Wake Button Replacement Program.
Related Roundups: MacBook Pro, MacBook
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now), MacBook (Don't Buy)
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38 months ago
Took them a few months, but hey ho. Well done Apple for listening to your customers.
I promise you it has nothing to do with listening to customer feedback, and is more about trying to avoid a class action lawsuit.If apple listened we would have bigger batteries, All iphones would be in 1080, and no more 16gb phones.
38 months ago
God it took them three years to admit there is serious issue with coating and yet some people here are praising them for being most consumer friendly company, this makes me
LOL
LOL
38 months ago
the use of incorrect third-party cleaning solutions with microfiber cloths
You're cleaning it wrong.
38 months ago
A real matte screen would make a difference instead of cheap anti reflective coatings...
Wait..I'm sorry, that would cost 4 more beans...
Wait..I'm sorry, that would cost 4 more beans...
38 months ago
Yeah yeah yeah it's great that Apple wants to make things right. But for the people who had to endure that crap on a product that is so expensive - for many people that costs months or years of savings - kinda not awesome. When I see things like this I double down on my desire to keep this perfectly-functioning 2008 Macbook alive for as long as possible. Why would I want to breakdown and "upgrade" to a product that has issues like this?
38 months ago
Kinda artsy that second pic. People pay lot's of money to have a similar effect on their walls.
38 months ago
When there is a definite issue, Apple is the most likely to take action to help consumers. People can scoff at Apple's behaviour while they are undergoing the problem, but the fact is that Apple is still the most likely to offer help. No other company does this.
38 months ago
When there is a definite issue, Apple is the most likely to take action to help consumers. People can scoff at Apple's behaviour while they are undergoing the problem, but the fact is that Apple is still the most likely to offer help. No other company does this.
Good morning Tim.
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