Apple is extending free repair eligibility to several older MacBook models that face known screen problems.
First, Apple extended the 13-inch MacBook Pros Backlight service program for a year. The program offers free repairs for selected MacBook Pros for 2016, 2017 and 2018 with backlight malfunctions. The program started in May 2019, and Apple has extended the window of eligibility for free repairs to five years since the first retail sale, or three years from the start of the repair program – whichever is longer. That means customers now have at least until May 2022 to replace the old MacBook Pro’s backlight.
The other extension is the Anti-Glare Coating Repair Function for 12-inch MacBooks and MacBook Pros with Retina Display (12-inch variants launched in 2016 and 2017). This problem has been around for almost nine years, but Apple started offering free repairs to affected customers in 2015 and then extended coverage in 2017. Apple plans to continue to offer free repairs to U.S. customers, according to one internal memo obtained and verified by MacRumors, but will not publicly announce the extension.
If the backlight on your older 13-inch MacBook Pro is defective, or the anti-glare coating on your 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro is damaged, you can file a claim through the Apple support website to get started the repair process. From there, you can take your broken MacBook to your local Apple store or authorized service provider or send it to Apple.
Please note that all 12-inch MacBooks and MacBook Pros must be sent to Apple’s support center, even if you take them to a store in person, so repairs on these models take longer. MacRumors estimates that it may take up to a week for your MacBook to be returned after shipping.
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You can also request a refund of the cost of repairs, if you have already paid to fix one of these problems. To qualify, your MacBook must be eligible for the applicable repair program and you will need a receipt for repairs.