Apple activates Quality Program for Retina MacBook Pro screen coating issue
According to a report on Saturday, Apple recently instated a quality program to deal with an issue relating to Retina MacBook Pro antireflective coatings, a problem that some owners claim causes irreparable damage to their laptop screen.
Under the initiative's terms Apple will replace display assemblies on affected Retina display-toting MacBook models free of charge, reports MacRumors. The program, which will not be publicly announced, is effective for one year from Oct. 16, 2015, or within three years of original purchase, whichever offers longer coverage.
AppleInsider confirmed with Apple staff that a repair and replacement program is indeed underway, though exact criteria for screen replacement eligibility could not be verified.
A handful of Retina MacBook Pro owners first reported screen "staining" earlier this year, saying the problem presents itself as splotches, streaks or other surface anomalies. While an exact cause is unknown, some speculate high humidity, over cleaning, faulty coating application and other environmental effects are to blame.
Looking at pictures of damaged screens, it appears as though "staining" often crops up in areas frequently exposed to a user's fingers, though other examples exist where the entire display surface is covered in unsightly blemishes.
It is unclear how many MacBooks are impacted, though webpages like Staingate.org and a related Facebook community have been chronicling the issue for months. A Change.org petition, started eight months ago to grab Apple's attention, is nearly at 5,000 signatures.
Those affected by "staingate" symptoms can take their MacBook in to an Apple retail store or Authorized Service Provider for evaluation. Alternatively, customers can start the process by contacting Apple support via phone, email or chat.
Apple activates repair and replacement programs from time to time when it finds products not performing to company standards, the most recent being an iPhone 6 Plus camera repair initiative in August.
Under the initiative's terms Apple will replace display assemblies on affected Retina display-toting MacBook models free of charge, reports MacRumors. The program, which will not be publicly announced, is effective for one year from Oct. 16, 2015, or within three years of original purchase, whichever offers longer coverage.
AppleInsider confirmed with Apple staff that a repair and replacement program is indeed underway, though exact criteria for screen replacement eligibility could not be verified.
A handful of Retina MacBook Pro owners first reported screen "staining" earlier this year, saying the problem presents itself as splotches, streaks or other surface anomalies. While an exact cause is unknown, some speculate high humidity, over cleaning, faulty coating application and other environmental effects are to blame.
Looking at pictures of damaged screens, it appears as though "staining" often crops up in areas frequently exposed to a user's fingers, though other examples exist where the entire display surface is covered in unsightly blemishes.
It is unclear how many MacBooks are impacted, though webpages like Staingate.org and a related Facebook community have been chronicling the issue for months. A Change.org petition, started eight months ago to grab Apple's attention, is nearly at 5,000 signatures.
Those affected by "staingate" symptoms can take their MacBook in to an Apple retail store or Authorized Service Provider for evaluation. Alternatively, customers can start the process by contacting Apple support via phone, email or chat.
Apple activates repair and replacement programs from time to time when it finds products not performing to company standards, the most recent being an iPhone 6 Plus camera repair initiative in August.
Comments
I am so tired of the labeling every issue as (something)-Gate.
Hatergate.
I couldn't agree more. It's a country-wide I-can't-think-of-anything-clever-to-say-gate!
It only took 4 years for Apple to admit the problem that started in 2011.
As far as the CAsuit, that is getting bigger each day.
The latest problem is the severe overheating problems on the 6, which they haven't even addressed yet.
Just for you, the new version will be i-(something)-gate!
I recall this at the start with deny, deny deny happening, and unfortunate owners getting the usual very agressive blame.
Glad to see them own up to this without a class action being brought. That's good service.
AppleInsider confirmed with Apple staff that a repair and replacement program is indeed underway, though exact criteria for screen replacement eligibility could not be verified.
that doesn't sound like good service. It sounds more like doing the least to address it.
Apple should switch to matte displays for ALL devices (Mac and iOS). At least as an option. End of problem.
As much as I find Apple should react more aggressively when there is an obvious issue with one of their devices (water-cooling Macs, iPhone 4 antenna, MBP graphics card issues... they all denied these until it became intenable), a change.org petition? Seriously?
"I, owner of a computer priced over 2000 dollars, and therefore clearly a minority, am being treaded upon by the mighty Apple"? It really feels ridiculously out of whack with reality in a world where minority kids get shot in a world power, and IS roams free and rapes women in the Middle East.
Just my 2 cents.
Excellent news! Mine doesn't look awful but it's definitely been damaged.
Totally, I have purchased anti glare matte screen covers for both my MacBook Pro and iPhone that I got this year. Installed them before even turning on the devices.. best thing I ever did, so much better to look at, less eye strain and easier to clean.
In particular this is the first time I've had an iPhone with NO fingerprints and weird oily smears.. one wipe and done. I wish I had considered matte for iPhone before.
I brought my MBP (a 8Gb mid 2012 model) in to the Genius bar to address this coating issue 6 months ago. It was still under AppleCare. They sent it in for repair. It returned a few days later with a new lid assembly and screen, a new logic board with 16Gb of RAM, a new battery, a new keyboard, a new track pad and lower case assembly. About the only thing from the original MBP was my data. Incredible service Apple.
I find AppleCare a most sensible buy on every Mac I've ever had.
Depends on staff.
If you get a nice person at Genius, they'll do everything possible to help and many times replace at no charge.
If you get a bitchy one...leave and go to another store or ask for the manager.
Love Apple most times!!!