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Apple Extends MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues Until December 31, 2016

Friday February 19, 2016 7:35 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple has extended its MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues until December 31, 2016, or four years from its original date of sale, according to a recently updated support document on its website. The program was previously set to expire next week, on February 27, 2016, or three years from the original date of sale.

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Apple launched the repair program exactly one year ago today to address select 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models, sold between February 2011 and February 2013, that have problems with distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. Customers can look up their MacBook Pro model using Apple's "Check Coverage" online tool.

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will continue to repair affected MacBook Pro models at no charge, and customers who already paid for an authorized repair can contact Apple to arrange reimbursement. Customers can bring their MacBook Pro to an Apple Store or AASP, or mail the notebook to a local Apple Repair Center.

MacBook Pro video issues impacted a significant number of customers, prompting a class-action lawsuit against against Apple and an online petition with over 40,000 signatures. Affected MacBook Pro models often have visual banding or malfunctions on the screen, particularly when users are watching HD videos or using CPU-intensive software like the Adobe Creative Suite or Final Cut Pro.

The issues stem from defective Nvidia and AMD GPUs that do not function correctly because of lead-free soldering that causes short circuiting and other problems, according to legal documents. Apple has since launched a similar repair program for late 2013 Mac Pro video issues, which are also related to AMD GPUs. The symptoms are nearly identical, including distorted video and system instability.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Tags: repair program, #mbp2011
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)
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swaterhouse
35 months ago
Sadden to read Apple still won't acknowledge this problem started in MacBookPro Mid-2010 and fix those.
Rating: 15 Votes
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logicstudiouser
35 months ago
That is great and all, but if the parts haven't been fixed, it is replacing one faulty part with another.
Rating: 13 Votes
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576316
35 months ago
Had my logic board and top clamshell replaced completely for free under this program. Over £700 worth of repairs! Good guy Apple.
Rating: 5 Votes
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T-Will
35 months ago

Sadden to read Apple still won't acknowledge this problem started in MacBookPro Mid-2010 and fix those.


My 2010 MacBook Pro is affected too. Has anyone tried to get Apple to fix their 2010 under this warranty program?
Rating: 4 Votes
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SteveBlobs
35 months ago

Sadden to read Apple still won't acknowledge this problem started in MacBookPro Mid-2010 and fix those.


Amen! I believe there was a free repair of the mid 2010, but of course my computer didn't show symptoms of the problem until mere months after the program ended. Seems like I got stuck in a donut where people had to pay for the repair themselves. I wasn't too happy about it. Otherwise, the mid 2010 is great.
Rating: 4 Votes
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keyzone72
35 months ago
Wow. QA over at Apple has really gone down hill. It seems like every week there's a story regarding faulty hardware or malfunctioning software. I don't ever remember it being this bad.
Rating: 4 Votes
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aardwolf
35 months ago
I filled out the "Coverage Form", and it just told me that my warranty had expired. It didn't tell me if my item was affected.
Rating: 4 Votes
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MH01
35 months ago

Had my logic board and top clamshell replaced completely for free under this program. Over £700 worth of repairs! Good guy Apple.


You may want to actually thank ZACHARY BOOK, DONALD COWART, and JOHN MANNERS ;)

You got a £700 repair cause they won a lawsuit on behalf of us all that have these units. Without this win, Apple would not have done the repair.

I'm glad I'm covered, till the end if this year. Though worried it will die down the track from this issue
Rating: 3 Votes
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harrisondavies
35 months ago
4 logic boards replaced under this scheme. Same MacBook Pro.
Rating: 3 Votes
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jrlcopy
35 months ago

Sadden to read Apple still won't acknowledge this problem started in MacBookPro Mid-2010 and fix those.


They did, Mine was one of the 2010 recall'ed laptops, but it's messed up they won't extend that repair though. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203554 My friend missed the cutoff date by a month.
Rating: 2 Votes

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