Apple Extends ‘StainGate’ Repair Four Years on Select Macs

Following a barrage of complaints about “stain damaged Retina Displays” spanning as far back as 2014, Apple announced this week that for the second time since October of 2015, the company will be extending its warranty program offering free screen repairs for select 12-inch MacBook and 2013 or newer MacBook Pro models afflicted by “anti-reflective coating issues.”

According to an internal memo distributed to Apple-Authorized Service Providers this week — a copy of which was obtained by MacRumors — Cupertino has specifically authorized its Stores and service providers to offer customers screen repairs or replacements for up to four-years from the original purchase date of affected models.

Below is a list of eligible models, alongside the date through which screen repairs are being offered. When determining your MacBook or MacBook Pro’s eligibility, be sure to check your receipt to verify exactly when it was purchased:

• 2013 13-inch MacBook Pro (Through July 2018)
• 2013 15-inch MacBook Pro: (Through July 2018)
• 2014 13-inch MacBook Pro: (Through March 2019)
• 2014 15-inch MacBook Pro: (Through May 2019)
• 2015 12-inch MacBook: (Through April 2020)
• 2015 13-inch MacBook Pro: (Through October 2020)
• 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro: Still being sold
• 2016 12-inch MacBook: (Through June 2021)
• 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro: (Through June 2021)
• 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro: (Through June 2021)
• 2017 12-inch MacBook: Still being sold
• 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro: Still being sold
• 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro: Still being sold

Unfortunately, Apple also noted that its first-ever aluminum-unibody MacBook Pro from 2012 is no longer eligible for the program — however any other affected model among those listed above qualifies for up to two free screen replacements (per Serial No.) within the extended four-year coverage period.

The company also added that customers who’ve already incurred out-of-pocket expenses related to fixing the inherent issue may be eligible for a refund — and can find find out accordingly by contacting Apple Support directly.

How to Get Service

Customers can get their eligible MacBook’s screen repaired by scheduling an appointment with the Genius Bar at their nearest Apple Store via the company’s official Get Support online webpage. Alternatively, so long as the anti-reflective coating issue is present, users can take their machine into an Apple-Authorized Service Provider who’ll be able to replace the screen free of charge.

Interestingly, Apple noted that because this extended warranty program has not been announced publicly, some Apple Support reps may not be aware of it — and in that instance, it suggested, “escalating your request to a senior advisor” may or may not help scoot the process along.

To get a better idea of what these problems look like, you can visit staingate.org — a large, public gallery of images depicting actual MacBook models seemingly affected by the problem.

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