MacBook Air Screen Cracks

I bought my first MacBook Air just over a month ago and couldn't have been more careful with it. I used a case everytime it went anywhere and didn't bang it on anything, drop it or knock anything against it. So I was obviously confused/annoyed when a relatively small crack appeared on the LCD behind the screen literally out of nowhere and without anything happening to it. At my local Apple reseller/repair store they took a look at it but like me didn't have a clue how it happened. Anyway we contacted Apple and a replacement was sent.

So I've had this new Air for around three weeks and this time I've been even more careful with it, with nothing at all happening that should have caused damage (trust me, I'd have remembered if even the smallest thing had happened!).

Just now I've noticed a crack that looks exactly the same as the one before but on the oppisite side of the screen. Like before I was just sat with it infront of me, the crack wasn't there one second and then suddenly it was.

I haven't had the chance to contact Apple yet, but I highly doubt the guarentee will cover this again.

Has anyone had similar problems? If the MacBook Air is so delicate that damage happens this easily, literaly without anything to cause it, then it's just crazy and a massive design flaw.

Thanks.

MacBook Air, iOS 4.3.3

Posted on Sep 4, 2011 7:18 AM

Top-ranking reply

Xandris

Level 2

164 points

Posted on Jan 25, 2012 1:02 AM

You guys have to remember that the screen assembly on the Air is INCREDIBLY thin. Even though it is made of aluminum, it still has flex to it. ANY pressure that is exerted on the screen assembly might be enough to crack the screen, as it is made of GLASS. If you are putting the Air in a bag, or backpack, perhaps you should invest in a little protection in the form of a hard plastic shell case? I know its not much, but it might be enough to additionally protect your $1000+ investment from getting a cracked screen.

Also, consider the orientation of your computer when you put it in your bag. I use my Air at college, and accordingly, carry my computer in a backpack. MY backpack has a dedicated computer slot that is between my back and the carrying compartment where I keep my books and things. When I put my Air in my bag, I am ALWAYS mindful of putting the display part of the computer FACING my back, so that the body of the Air is facing the carrying compartment. This way, there is nothing that is oddly shaped pressing into the thinnest part of my Air. The screen assembly is always resting against the padding that is between my back and the Air.

Maybe this really makes no difference in the end, but it SEEMS to me that it COULD matter, in my case at least.

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91 replies

Sep 18, 2011 7:18 AM in response to liammarcrobshaw

I contacted Apple again a couple of weeks ago and now I've got my second replacement. So they're great when it comes to replacements, but I'm obviously just hoping the same thing doesn't happen a third time. I was told there wouldn't be a problem getting another refund/replacement if it does.

mingshen

Level 1

0 points

Sep 29, 2011 3:32 AM in response to liammarcrobshaw

Thanks for sharing here, was getting worried about the problem on the Air i bought end-July. My screen, only when displaying a black/dark color would show these horrid vertical black streaks like someone took a paintbrush to the display. On closer inspection with a flashlight, shining from left/right, i'd see tiny hairline cracks or lines along those "brush" lines.

Does anyone happen to have the same issue?

I was concerned that Apple might not replace this, but it sounds like i might have a chance.

Xandris

Level 2

164 points

Mar 28, 2012 5:59 PM in response to AndyO

I was actually writing a response to the last persons post, when I saw that you had posted. Im glad I chose to read yours first. You said the same thing I was saying, only NICER. So Ill make this short. To suchaSADay: WHAT AndyO said.

Macaby

Level 3

923 points

Apr 8, 2012 3:05 PM in response to mediatingmensan

I won't go into the so-called "Immaculate MBA cracked screen" since I know nothing about it. My MBA is doing fine after 6 months.

I will note though that raving here will do nothing to fix your screen. Every business in the world has heard one time or another that "I will NEVER purchase, use, rent, borrow, etc your services or products for the rest of my nature life". Everything you post on the internet is there for eternity. And then there is the issue of slander.

Macaby

Level 3

923 points

Apr 30, 2012 11:05 PM in response to claudealaval

claudealaval wrote:

From the number of same cases a class action lawsuit could remedy the situation unless the garantee cover it with no question ask...

And what number of MBAs have cracked cases? Don't you think the tech media would pick up on this if the numbers were more than a few? Or do you think the tech media is in Apple's back pocket?

carl wolf

Level 6

14,631 points

Apr 30, 2012 11:58 PM in response to liammarcrobshaw

"Every business in the world has heard one time or another that 'I will NEVER purchase, use, rent, borrow, etc your services or products for the rest of my nature life'."

What's even worse, when you're standing in front of a person who can help you, and you tell the person "I'll never buy another product from you", you've removed all incentive of that person providing assistance to you. I'm just saying.

Once in Band Camp...wrong story. One, when I was manning an Apple booth at MacWorld in SF, a guy with a wheelchair-bound son approached me. He started to yell at the top of his lungs - he gave no hint of want the problem was. I allowed him to rant for a few more minutes. I finally told him, "It's obvious that you're upset, and it's not obvious why you're upset with me. I can solve any problem that you have with Apple, and I refuse to do so until your lower your voice and speak to me respectfully." He immdiately regained his composure, and I solved his problem in all of 15 seconds. Threaten all you want, but don't expect anyone to take you seriously.

Jul 12, 2012 4:23 AM in response to mediatingmensan

Hi, I have the same problem, I went to lunch and my screen cracked. In the store, they accused me of mishandling my MBA even thought I didn't do anything.
In addition, I am in turkey, so they don't speak english. And apparently, the Apple protection care plan is not valid in Turkey, even though they say it has international coverage. So now I have to pay 1200TLR = 600 USD for the replacement.

blueeos

Level 1

87 points

Jul 12, 2012 8:52 AM in response to Hippocampuss

Hippocampuss wrote:

.. the Apple protection care plan is not valid in Turkey, even though they say it has international coverage. So now I have to pay 1200TLR = 600 USD for the replacement.

The following clip is from the website below...

This Plan is offered and valid only in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia,

Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. This Plan is not valid in any other country or U.S. territory.

This Plan is not available for Florida consumers or where prohibited by law

http://www.apple.com/r/store/applecare/APPTermsConditions.pdf

I'm guessing Apple product bought in other countries like Turkey have their own Apple Care.

Osamede

Level 1

4 points

Jul 13, 2012 8:21 AM in response to blueeos

Apple Care does provide you with coverage for mobile devices eg (Phone, laptop) while you are abroad. But I think what you have to do is request the coverage in the home country and then you tell them where you are travelling abroad and they then tell you where to go in that country to get service covered by Apple Care.

Aung Tin

Level 1

0 points

Sep 3, 2012 5:37 AM in response to mediatingmensan

Similar case here in Thailand, the brand new air 11inch just a it over 1 month and being accused it is user's fault. Was in the sleep mood like you and found the small crack. The it became bigger in 24 hrs

Sep 3, 2012 6:51 AM in response to liammarcrobshaw

I cannot understand why we have to proove that it's not our fault that the screen crack. With all the customer

having ths same problem it'a about time we as customers do something about it if apple don't. When I bought

my Macbook Pro/retina I was considering a Air but it seem so fragile...

May 20, 2013 11:38 PM in response to JoSve

u lucky... BTW whc country u claimed the warranty...

Also if u dont mind me asking how did u manage to convince them....

My MBA 13" display developed a crack last night and i m yet to sleep or concentrate on other things till now from then.... 😟 I loved my MBA so much and taken so much care of it....

adikap

Level 1

0 points

Jul 28, 2013 4:48 AM in response to liammarcrobshaw

I had same problem just today. I did not do anything, suddenly crackes appeared inside the screen. I am worrying that it will become bigger cracks. What should I do? Please help me. Should I change screen? How much does it cost?

Aug 14, 2013 5:35 PM in response to JoSve

Apple has been good to me before but this is a new problem. This happened on its own and they feel they have already helped me out. This is different. This is a manufacturing problem. I didn't do anything to create this. You could feel as frustrated if and when it happens to you in the future, as it has to me now.

Aug 14, 2013 6:48 PM in response to claudealaval

My 2008 iMac still works flawlessly, although they did change the HD once.

Over in the US, most sates will let you sue at small claims if it's below $5,000. At this stage I think someon is going to file a class action lawsuit against Apple. Too many people have the same problem and we were told it was our fault... Shame on them! 😠

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MacBook Air Screen Cracks