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My Retina Display has stain damage, HELP!!!

User uploaded file

I dont know how it happened, but somehow my retina display got some weird clear-ish stain damage that is very noticable on a black background. I have tried to clean it with water and a micro fiber cloth like usual, but i think this is not something on top of the screen as much as it is something has like eaten away a part of the screen... I need help! what do i do to solve this aside from replacing the screen... if water and microfiber arent working, what else can i use? I am worried that windex or alcohol will excacerbae the problem, as i suspect it might have been alcohol that caused the problem in the first place, but im not sure... any insight, please? this is driving me nuts

MacBook Pro with Retina display

Posted on Apr 7, 2014 10:44 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 25, 2017 12:53 AM

UPDATE

January 24, 2017


To all staingate victims--


Apple has you covered. They know they f'd up big time so they are offering to fix the screens under their "quality program." No warranty needed. It was a manufacturer's defect that took them a while to figure out. Just visit an Apple Store, drop off your MacBook, and you'll have a new, stain-free screen in under a week.


I brought my MacBook Pro into the Manhattan Beach store on Saturday, no hassles. They estimated five business days but probably sooner than that. I have my work laptop in the meantime so it's not too inconvenient.


Hope this puts some of you at ease. Again, just bring your computer in to an Apple Store and they will take care of it free of charge.


Mark

1,596 replies

Jul 28, 2016 6:51 PM in response to bradymott

HI Brad,

I am facing the same issue as well, bought my Macbook pro retina early 2015, got keypad stain initially and when tried to wipe it things become worse. I am currently out of warranty but based on some online post "http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/mac/retina-macbook-pro-screen-issue-what-is-st aingate-what-can-you-do-about-it-apple-r…" I am going to try my luck. Will keep you guys posted on the outcome, heading to Singapore service centre.

User uploaded file

Stay Positive!

Cheers,

Bala

Jul 31, 2016 8:29 PM in response to bradymott

Hi everybody ....


After going through several posts and the blogs I called the apple customer care center to set up an appointment. First the responder said she heard this kind of issue in macbook Pro for the first time. I even told her people talking all over the internet regarding this issue. She scheduled an appointment to my local apple store here in MN USA and I went there last saturday. I was not expecting easy cooperation from the tech guy there as my purchased was almost 2 and half years old but he turned to be sweet guy. As apple currently running a program called 'Quality Program' to address the issue we all are talking about here, I effortlessly got my screen replaced. So whoever having the same issue please get an appointment and take your macbook to the local apple store. They will not even ask you, how did this happen? Now, they know the defective product they had sold us.


Thank you and good luck.

Aug 2, 2016 11:04 PM in response to iDenD

Hi Guys,

Yes!!, I managed to get it replaced at no additional cost (QCD Singapore). So I would recommend changing the screen within 3 years after purchase.

Take note, when I checked with the engineer they said the same problem might surface again since apple hasn't fixed the coating issue with retina displays. Is anyone experiencing the same issue even after replacing the new screen?


Thanks

Bala

Aug 6, 2016 10:46 PM in response to bradymott

Hi guys, I have this problem too. the edges are looking terrible, and now there are stains all over the screen. I am in Mumbai, India. I bought my MPR 13" in August of 2015 - does anyone know if the replacement without cost is also applicable here? Please do let me know, so I can get onto this immediately. I have barely had my laptop for a year, and my work will not sanction another one for another 2... So definitely need to replace the screen! Thanks for your help guys. 🙂

Aug 10, 2016 8:48 AM in response to bradymott

Hi


The note below by MrL22 and the feedback about this coating "oleophobicgate" looks to be the core of the problem. I have the same staining beginning to appear on my 2013 MBP. Part near the camera and the two edges and now a pattern showing the problem emanating from the top cover area around the touch pad.

It is a pity that the coating is that fragile it starts to wear off. Also reflects the flexibility of the "aluminum case" and Apple's unreasonable response that it is cosmetic. If the screen rubs on the top case and such, k/b or whatever, then it will wear of the coating. This can happen no matter how one carries and uses the laptop!

So if you carry your laptop without case and the base of your hand is in the middle of the lid, this will press it down onto the k/b inside. That is how most of us will carry it around.

Not a clever design... it seems, as with their iphones, that Apple is loosing the plot with designs of their artifacts... something that set them apart a few years back...

I was a staunch PC user until a couple of years ago... going to a mac seemed a great move (after 30 years of PCs and more!)... now I am not so sure... esp now the cpu is Intel based... seems to be having same issues as the PC, so maybe Microsoft has been badly accused, maybe the problem is Intel... but that is another string to discuss

Aug 13, 2016 9:23 AM in response to ericksonprincej

Hi Eric,

Yes they did asked me, i told them i did normal cleaning using the cleaning solution. However, they have gotten instruction from apple to replace the screen for all retina MBP's. I did asked them if this is permanent fix? answer is no. so even after replacing your screen if you have the same issue you can still walk in for free replacement after one year as well. They advised me to put a screen protector😕, apparently i did.

They took about a week to deliver. My recommendation is to bring the machine asap.

Aug 17, 2016 12:48 PM in response to bradymott

Glad to see this is a known issue. I was wondering what it could be from since I don't use Alcohol based cleaners, and the markings/staining seems to be shaped exactly like the wrist-rest/trackpad area and keyboard. I occasionally had issues with my old 15" Pro w/Matte screen showing oils from keyboard etc., but that was always easily wiped away, but these marks won't go away.



I've attached an image of the issue. The smudges have since been cleaned away, but the trackpad outline and markings/stains around it remain.


User uploaded file

Sep 1, 2016 9:41 AM in response to bradymott

Had this issue with 2014 MBPr 13. It is a known issue, but not widely publicized. They repaired this under the Quality Program at no cost to me. MAKE an appointment at Genius bar or contact support. I recall reading somewhere that this repair is available for stained or delaminated screens until October of 2016, so hurry if you haven't taken care of it.

My Retina Display has stain damage, HELP!!!

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