Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple’s new MacBook Pro features the incredibly powerful M4 family of chips and ushers in a new era with Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

retina display anti-reflective coating on the screen glass problem

I have a MacBook Pro 15 inch with retina display. The anti reflective coating on the screen glass is discolored and stained. It gives my screen the feeling that's dirty and am unable to "clean" it. I heard that Apple will change the screen for free if the MacBook is not older than three years. Anyone heard about this?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013), iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 7:15 PM

Reply
27 replies

Apr 24, 2017 3:21 PM in response to renesonn

MacBook Pro (Late 2013) here too, delamination started in the top right corner so I immediately got it booked in and the display was replaced without question, but got a little messed around on timings - it was actually fixed quicker than stated in the end (maybe because I kicked up a little fuss).


One additional question I would have for MBP 2013 owners that have NOT had their displays replaced as yet, would be what material do you think the outer glass/plastic of the display is?


Since mine was replaced it seems for more 'plasticy' feeling and flexes easily when touched. Doesn't bode well for durability in my opinion!


Are we being 'fixed' with sub standard / cheaper materials? This MBP cost me about £3k new!

Jun 17, 2017 4:32 AM in response to renesonn

I have a 2015 edition rMBP 15" purchased in July 2016. Now, 11 months later, in June 2017 I am starting to see what appear to be tiny scratches but clearly the anti-glare coating is coming off. I even made a video today detailing the problem:


2015 Retina MacBook Pro 15" Anti-Glare Coating Woe (Staingate) - YouTube


Since I am in Japan, closest to the Nagoya Apple Store, does anyone know of a link in Japanese to the screen repair program mentioned in this thread, such that I can alter them to the problem, assuming that repair program, assuming they try to tell me they are unaware of it? I still have 2 years left on my AppleCare in any case.


Thank you.

Jul 14, 2017 8:08 AM in response to renesonn

Yes, I had the same issue with mine. If you contact Apple & make an appointment they will replace the screen, which they did for me for free of charge, as it's a manufacture's fault. Problem is it just happened again on the screen they repaired, after about the same length of time, but they refuse to repair it again, they just refer you to local consumer law. So I don't know what the long term solution is, they definitely haven't fixed the underlying issue, & once they've done it once that's your lot, you have to pay.

Jul 14, 2017 6:14 PM in response to pete1176

If you contact Apple after October 2017, it appears they might do nothing for you for free because, according to what I have read, that's when the free screen replacement program ends. Some people have suggested Apple might extend the program, but there's no way to know if they will do that or not.


The inadequacy of the current screen replacement program is that your old screen is replaced with a new screen that has not resolved the core problem. From the active reports I am reading from people who have had their screens replaced, it is clear that the new replacement screen has the same potential to develop the same antiglare coating problem as the previous screen did. This is unfortunate in that it would save Apple a lot of headache, time, and money, and loss of good PR to simply spend a little money to fix the root problem and then replace the screen ONCE and for all.


I have read first-hand report where people have had their screens replaced 3 times and it still develops the same problem. You may also find that an Apple store's willingness to replace the screen once or even multiple times depends largely on who manages the store.


I'd like to close this post by saying I am a lover of Apple products and have been since my Macintosh 128K 1984. I also know that Apple's iOS products are bulletproof in terms of their screens because I've owned many of them through the years and never had a single antiglare coating problem with any of them, including devices that have been used harshly and cleaned harshly by young kids. Perhaps that indicates that Apple would never have had the problem with MacBook Pro screens had they put special coatings on the MacBook Pro screens, such as the anti-fingerprint oleophobic coating. Of course, I've never tried adding such a coating, and it is only brainstorming of what might possibly prevent the problem.

Aug 11, 2017 4:02 PM in response to JDW1

I have an Macbook Pro 13 inch early 2015. I read about this issue already a few weeks after my purchase. Earlier this year I noticed the ugly stains and went to the Apple store in Brussels, Belgium. They told me they could replace it for free. Since I could not miss my computer I waited a few weeks and in that time my screen broke. It showed a lot of vertical stripes and a black space. I went to the store again and they told me it would be replaced for free. This was only when I picked it up so it was a nice surprise since ti costs here 500+ euro. So the new screen was brilliant and they told me I would get 2 or 3 months warranty on it. At that time I was just outside my regular 2 years warranty. Last week I noticed again the ugly stains. Same thing as before and what is simply a hardware issue... I had not yet gone to the store to show it, but guess what? That same day I had the same other issue, namely a big part of my screen turned black with lots of vertical and some horizontal stripes. I went again to the same store and they told me they could replace it, but since the computer was out of warranty I now have to pay. Reading the above comments, I would not be surprised that also this initial replacement screen should be replaced again for free, since I'm still in my first 3 years of warranty and such damage is covered by Apple itself. After all, they put me up with a bad screen again and if I would choose to continue to work with a damaged screen that misses 2 inches on the left (black/stripes), then why would they replace a fully working screen within 3 years and not one that shows damage (not my fault, I have no idea how that happened). I would love to hear your views on this.

Aug 11, 2017 5:28 PM in response to edett

Edett,


My first reply to you was filtered, so I've modified the wording of this post to see if it'll go through this time and hopefully you will understand what I'm talking about.


I purchased a 27 inch iMac in late 2009 with AppleCare. Three years later, just after the AppleCare expired, my video card had issues. I submitted an electronic mail to the top individual at our beloved fruit company. Long story short, either he or whomever reads his email got things moving and my local A. Store here in Japan fixed the problem for free. They actually had to swap the video card twice because the first swap didn't completely fix the problem. Again, this was done for free even though the machine was out of warranty. Food for thought.


Best wishes.

Sep 25, 2017 1:49 PM in response to bvbranden

There appears to be a repair extension for 15" MBP, video issues that only applies to late 2012 and early 2013. Your denial of coverage may have been based on the wrong issue.

My first contact with apple support on the anti reflective coating issue, didn't know anything about the issue or a repair extension. You may need to give them a little more of a push and supply some more information for them.

Oct 17, 2017 1:05 AM in response to CrepeSoles

Haven't come across anything, but perhaps too soon to expect an extension. Even the last extension(from Oct 2016 to 2017) was a somewhat mysterious one, which got publicity only when Macrumours ran it. Many of the Service Centers did not seem to be aware and needed to verify from Apple. Hope you took your Mac by Oct 16. If not best to wait it out, because since the problem is recurring even with the replaced displays, Apple has little choice but to keep the program continuing.

Nov 13, 2017 1:33 PM in response to renesonn

Apple have replaced my screen twice (3rd screen since new in 2015). Each time they insist that the new screen will not have the same issue, but after 8 months the anti glare coating is coming off.

I do not clean the screen with anything if I can help it.. If I do I only use a camera lens cloth.


Apple have acknowledged there was an issue with some screens from a specific factory. Unfortunately, the screen they replaced in Feb 2017 is now suffering the same issue. It appears to be concentrated where there's potential heat build up.. bottom left corner near the charger connection, also around the camera. But eventually it spreads over the entire screen and even shows an outline of the individual keys on the key pad.

I am taking to the store this week for another assessment. I expect a fight, but I will insist it's changed a third time.

Aug 31, 2016 1:09 AM in response to stuartjash

What makes you "accidental" in "Apple will replace it for free even if the screen has accidental damage".

Accidental damage is not covered by warranty.

CrashBurner wrote:


Apple will replace it for free even if the screen has accidental damage. You are completely covered. Make an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider nearest you.


http://locate.apple.com/


Best of luck!

retina display anti-reflective coating on the screen glass problem

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.