M2 MacBook Pro screen crack for no apparent reason

We purchased new M2 MacBook air in July. In November, my wife booted up to find the vertical lines on right side of screen. It has hardly been used, let alone abused... Genius bar technician said that even a crumb on the keyboard when closing could cause this. Really? If so, then I think it's arguable this is a design flaw. We've had work horse macs (pro and air) in the past that we've traveled with, used about every day for 8 - 9 years with no special treatment and no problems - ever. Now we're paying $560 to replace the screen on a 4-month old machine that cost $ 1400. We'll be watching for Apple to recognize this issue and make some provision for repairing these machines. In meantime, my advice would be to get apple care + or avoid these retina units until something is done. Very disappointing.

slimsurf wrote:

What I am adding to is the mounting evidence of an issue with this screen I am also hopeful that someone will tell me if they have had a resolution from a Genius Bar that didn't involve them paying for a flawed product

We are just a user-to-user forum. We don't do physical damage repairs. We are not Apple here. When you send the device to an authorised service, they'd see your device and make an assessment. If you don't agree with their assessment, you can complain further above until you get a definite answer.

I am not assuming anything. All what I am telling is, if/when you have a malfunctioning device, you send it in for repairs, personally or by post (courier). Arguing with someone at the shop won't get any results. When you hand over, or send it in, you get a receipt. And, you wait.

I join the discussion of this issue. I bought Macbook Pro 2023 16 inch six months ago . On a normal evening, I used a laptop as always, closed it and put it on the table. I woke up in the morning and the screen was already cracked. In the comments above, I read that the problem may be related to the 'Moving screensaver functions' which is presented in the Sonoma OS. It seems that when these are playing on the screensaver the laptop heats up causing the bottom of the screen to heat up. I am curious that this is the issue that is causing these screens to crack, scrolling on this forum not many people provide much detail but from what it looks like on screenshots is most if not all are running the Sonoma update and it appears they are also using the video screensavers as a wallpaper/screensaver. I also used the video screensaver and installed Sonoma update.

That's because you have been scammed. Apple has known about this problem since the M1 when it first started, and have decided to go the Pinto route: accept the collateral damage rather than fix the problem. And although no one is getting burnt alive by being rear-ended (google Pinto, Ralph Nader) they are making many thousands of customers furious. Plus, they remove posts mentioning the class action suit that is moving forward despite their constant attempts to get it dismissed. I can now say that the ensh|ttification of Apple is in full bloom.

Galaxy, anyone else?

I bought a brand new M3 last week and took extreme delicate care of it, sitting all the time at home on a desk. Then one day I put it into the Apple recommended sleeve with a charger in the front zip container, and when I took the laptop out, there were 8 white vibrating lines across the screen and a few rainbow lines going up the right side -- CRACKED. I thought how could I do this and I blamed myself. Then I found this thread and realized it is not an issue with me it is an issue with Apple. I remember that the M1 I had has actually fallen from my bed to the hardwood floor (3 foot drop) and fell on its side with the screen open TWICE, and many other spills, and never had a single problem. The truth is many units are leaving Apple facility with an extremely high sensitivity to cracking and it is not your fault.

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration upon discovering that the screen of my MacBook has cracked.

I must emphasize that this damage has occurred without any fault or mishandling on my part. I have always taken great care of my device, ensuring it is stored safely and handled with utmost caution. It was devastating to realize that despite my diligence, such an issue has arisen.

Given the premium quality and reputation associated with Apple products, I had expected a higher level of durability and reliability. Discovering this damage has not only inconvenienced me greatly but has also shaken my confidence in the reliability of Apple products.

I kindly request a prompt resolution to this matter, whether it be a repair or replacement of the damaged screen, at no cost to me. As a loyal customer who has always valued and trusted Apple products, I hope for a satisfactory resolution that restores my faith in the brand.

I have attached relevant documentation and photographs detailing the condition of the MacBook screen for your reference.

Got the same issue, the tech is insisting that its an accidental damage, i phoned apple and they told me that there is no engineering program posted about this kind of incident, if you have time please report the incident, so maybe if there are more people complaining about it the they can issue a recall. Thank you!

Totally agree with what you have theorised. My screen hasn't cracked, but it happened to a friend not long after I bought my M2 MacBook Pro. I took out AppleCare as a result ($449 for three years in my country - that's $299 in USD). The screen always sounds like it's flexing with just normal movement. Little 'crackling' sounds can be heard when opening, adjusting and closing the screen. It's hard to tell if the sound is emanating from the flexing glass or the hinges. Long story short, this device is not fit for purpose. I cannot risk commuting with it - it's far too fragile. I always open and close it slowly from the centre indent, never the right corner (which is common for right-handed users). I do pick it up and move it when closed (sometimes with one hand) and it has occurred to me that my grip could be placing too much pressure on the flimsy case. Basically, this device cannot function as a portable device, so I have to take my old MS Surface Pro to work (which is far from ideal). I am even considering getting my MacBook Pro relic repaired. That thing is built like a brick and the screen is as tough as nails. I think you should still be able to clean your screen with very light strokes, but you’re correct in saying that these new devices need to be treated with kid gloves. It’s a pity because the internals of the machine are indeed excellent. So frustrating, Apple!

This won't stay up long because either applebots or heartless applehumans have me tagged as a troublemaker and remove my posts about this issue. But if those of us who have lost thousands of dollars and spent countless frustrating hours trying to get restitution started contacting Youtubers, journalists, and high-profile mac specialists and ask them if they know about the issue, maybe we can get some traction. Just a thought. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Maybe we could all add our feedback here in the hope that someone picks it up and reviews further: Product Feedback - Apple

christos287 wrote:

Just spent 2k on a macbook m2 a month ago here in aus. Literally got home, there is a weird cracked line and the screen is blank. The laptop hasn't left my bed. I had a 2017 macbook pro with touch bar that i bought years ago, and that screen failed, admittedly, the laptop had fallen off the side of the bed. I was confused by the damage because my macbook 2012 ( which I'm writing on now, basically survived a thousand and one drops that were way worse then falling off a bed onto carpet) Now I put my faith back in apple hoping the m2 was peak engineering. Turns out it isn't. What I am assuming happened is where I picked it up with my hands, by the screen has done something and now the screen is black with little LED strip lights shining. OK so this is damage? You cannot touch your laptop? Weirdest thing about it is, I have a proven history with LAPTOPS (the one I am typing on now) and seeing as I've had my macbook pro for 12 years would indicate that I am a responsible owner and user of a laptop and I expect a certain amount of durability. This laptop has gone to the USA, all throught out europe, survived a few drink spills, survived drops off tables, survived just about everything I reckon and I've never had a protective case. Now if I go to the genius bar and they tell me this is my fault for touching the screen, then for me, that will be like a car manufacturer telling me its my fault for driving a new car if it breaks down after a month of purchasing. These are tactile objects that are subject to force, especially tactile force (within reason) and if those p r i c k s tell me that it is my fault for having touched my screen well I am going to ask them to cut off my hands give me another laptop. What a joke apple has become. I've given them 4k in the past 8 years for two faulty laptops, and I am venting my anger from my 2012 macbook which is still a beast (thank you steve jobs and you would be rolling in your grave seeing what they have done to your company)

For what I have seen and experienced, I would be expecting that they tell you that there was an impact with a small object left there when closing the lid. In any case, I was said that, no matter what really happened, they do not consider the presence of internal cracks suitable to be acknowledged as within the warranty terms. Basically, if you have an internal crack, for them the damage is always caused by something external and therefore you are asked to pay to have it repaired.

In any case, let us know what do they tell you at the official technical support. I hope your case is different and that you get it repaired under warranty terms.

I was using my computer today when I noticed that I had a vertical line on the screen. As I kept using the computer I noticed some horizontal lines. I took it to apple and was told that there is no physical damage on my screen but that there is a problem with the display. I was told that I would need to replace the screen for $750. I told them that many customers have reported the same issue but they did not care. I did not drop my device or did anything for the display to be damaged. Such poor customer service

I’m devastated. This happened to me a few days ago, after 2 years of owning my Macbook Air 13” M2. I closed it as I usually do every night, and woke up to a huge internal crack at the corner of the screen that damaged the entire OLED. No physical damage done to it whatsoever—$500+ repair. If it really is a result of overheating from the Sonoma update’s moving screensaver, which I was using at the time, I can’t in good conscience return to Apple products. I’m gutted.

I had a problem with my M3 MacBook Pro 14-inch laptop that I bought on December 9th, 2023. When I turned on my computer yesterday morning, I noticed a crack on the screen that gradually became larger. I used the computer lightly and mostly kept it in the office, so I was surprised to see this issue. Unfortunately, the repair will cost me 1200 CAD, even though I've only used it for less than four months. The technician at the Genius Bar was helpful, but they only gave me two options: either get it repaired or use it as a desktop. I find it disappointing that my previous MacBook, bought in 2012, was more durable than this one. It is definitely design a flaw; how can a screen crack like this so easily without even being dropped or being closed with force?