Apple could have another class-action lawsuit on its hands as a group of Retina display MacBook Pro owners are up in arms over “Staingate.” Multiple users report what appears to be the anti-reflective coating flaking off of the MacBook’s screens, resulting in a “stained” appearance. The machines in question appear to be mostly 2013 models.
A group calling itself Staingate says that it has a database of more than 2500 people affected by the issue. More than 1800 of them have joined a Facebook group, a petition has been created, and lawyers Whitfield Bryson & Mason are collecting details of owners for “potential legal action against Apple related to staingate” …
From the “Staingate” website:
We are a group of Apple customers that paid more than 2000 USD/EUR for a Macbook that is showing horrific stains in the screen.
The stains can start as early as 7 months after the purchase. There is no clear pattern as to how it starts: some experience it in small spots around the edge, on other screens it appears in the middle as large patches.
Apple hasn’t responded accordingly to this problem and have told us that this is a “cosmetic damage and it is not covered by the warranty”.
Repair costs are around 800 USD/EUR with a 3 month warranty, so probably in 12 months the Macbook would start showing stains again.
Repair specialists contacted by the BBC say the problem doesn’t appear to be a common issue. While some affected owners report that Apple has refused to perform under warranty service over the issue, saying it is merely a cosmetic issue, others report Apple repaired their screens, even if they were out of warranty. However, those owners fear the issue may reappear.
