Reflective Coating Repair Program

[pigoo3]

Just an FYI.

Apple has extended a previously existing repair program for MacBook's and MacBook Pro's with reflective coating issues (wearing off or delaminating). Apple will replace Retina displays on eligible models purchased as far back as June 2012 until October 16, 2017, or within three years of the original date of purchase, whichever is longer. The program was extended to provide affected customers with a longer window of time to get their notebook serviced.

If you think you have this issue...it is recommended that affected customers schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or contact Apple support by phone, online chat, or email.

In case you're curious...this is what it looks like (below). If you got the problem...YOU KNOW IT!

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

YIKES!!! That's hard to believe that Mac was actually an Apple product!!!






- Patrick
======

 

[badshoehabit]

Looks as if it's been used as a chopping board! Remember this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPGY2T9r1Ok

 

[pm-r]

Looks as if it's been used as a chopping board! Remember this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPGY2T9r1Ok

+1!!! ;D ;D

I always got a chuckle from that one. Thanks, and a repeat sure doesn't hurt.





- Patrick
======

 

[pigoo3]

Yes. An always funny iPad video!

- Nick

 

[S.SubZero]

I have yet to figure out what's really causing it. Some screens seem ok, but once they start to wear, it seems any sort of even very heavily diluted chemical just takes the AG coating off with ease. We have plain old alcohol wipes for screens and even that stuff just obliterates the coating once it's starting to come off.

I assume it's just some defect in the way the coating was made that made some batches ultra-weak to any cleaning agents.

 

[badshoehabit]

Advice is to use water only for cleaning. It does work, surprisingly.

 

[Mactime]

Is this an issue even with new macbooks that are bought now like as in march 2017 or just older models? Have they corrected the issue?

Thnx

 

[pigoo3]

Is this an issue even with new macbooks that are bought now like as in march 2017 or just older models? Have they corrected the issue?

Thnx

I've read several articles on this...and it's not super clear. The main thing is if you got the issue...take it in for examination & repair...since Apple is doing it for free.

- Nick

 

[ferrarr]

Doing it for free*.



* = now.

 

[pigoo3]

Let's hope "doing it for free now" will be sufficient. Hopefully whatever the root cause of the issue is will be corrected.

This is actually an unannounced repair program. Probably because it really hasn't affected that many users. If more users were affected...most likely Apple would have been forced to officially announce the repair program.

The issue date's back as far as 2012 when retina MacBook Pro's were first released. In the 5 years since this hasn't blown up into a major issue. Most likely because it's not that widespead. Maybe the issue is Apple-based...or user-based. If it were Apple-based...I would think that the issue would be MUCH more widespread.

Bottom line. This issue is probably not that widespread. This thread has had 278 views so far...and no one has chimed in saying they have (or had) the issue.

- Nick

 

[badshoehabit]

Beg to differ, Nick. I got 374,000 results when I did a google search (retina coating problems) on this issue and had heard of it through mainstream media before getting my first retina model (Sept 2015) so I would say it probably is widespread.

Apple are backward in coming forward on issues like this until publicity or class action prompts them into reacting. My own experience with logic board failures (four...or is it five, I've lost count) shows that users have to search far and wide for information and be very persistent. When I first experienced problems in early 2013, Apple denied any history and comments here and and in other Mac forums suggested I was unlucky; that there weren't widespread problems. Can't be bothered to relist all the faff (it's in some threads on the forum) but I discovered eventually, through facebook, that there was a repair extension programme, which actually ended up running for four years.

 

[pigoo3]

I got 374,000 results when I did a google search (retina coating problems) on this issue and had heard of it through mainstream media before getting my first retina model (Sept 2015) so I would say it probably is widespread.

Yes...but how many of those hits are referencing unique information. Many times information is reprinted & reprinted...and referenced & re-referenced. Many times media articles on the internet will be re-hashed & reprinted between various media outlets & bloggers. I think that if those 374,000 Google hits were "boiled down"...the actual number of computers affected by this issue would be MUCH MUCH less than 374,000.

374,000 hits does not translate to 374,000 computers being affected.

Also...how many retina MacBook Pro's have been sold between 2012 & now. Millions & millions & millions. Statistically this issue is probably very small.

And. I cannot remember the last time a Mac-forums member mentioned having this issue. If this issue was widespread...we would certainly have heard from at least some folks. With all of this said. It really does not seem that this issue is that widespread.

Apple are backward in coming forward on issues like this until publicity or class action prompts them into reacting.

I agree. But then this is the way it is with most companies.

- Nick

 

[chscag]

I agree. But then this is the way it is with most companies.

Amen to that. How many times have we've seen large corporations deny that something (their product) was harmful or at fault? Reminiscent of big tobacco and the recent fiasco about dangerous auto air bags. ;D