Apple MacBook Service Programs

Apple MacBook Service Programs

Apple is one of the favourite brand for most of the people around the world but still they do some service programs. They are know for making the best products. The hardware they design and use is one  of the best in class I would say. So it lasts long even after Apple itself discontinues it’s supports it still keeps working. Could see still in the market the old MacBooks that use the old heavy ones still being used.

Image courtesy: Apple

It is known for its hardware and software support. So people around the world use it to a large scale. I have friends who still use the old MacBooks. That is the reason why there are only less complaints in service on Apple. Still there are few service programs that has made Apple to recall the products for service.  So let us look into a few MacBook related Service Programs that are still active.

13-inch MacBook Pro Display Backlight Service Program

The MacBook pro’s that got released during October 2016 and February 2018 has some issues with the backlight display. The display started to have some behaviours like it is bright some time or flicks sometimes. As per Apple they updated the below behaviours can be seen

• Display backlight continuously or intermittently shows vertical bright areas along the entire bottom of the screen
• Display backlight stops working completely.

This is due to the backlit LED issue that was found in MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) and MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports). If your model is either one of this then you are eligible for the replacement. Apple replaces the entire display itself for this case.

Service Process

Please choose one of the options below for service. Your MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program.

• Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
• Make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store.
• Contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service via the Apple Repair Center.

The program covers eligible MacBook Pro models for 5 years after the first retail sale of the unit or 3 years from the start date of this program, whichever is longer as per Apple Support.

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program

This was announced in June 2019 for he 15-inch MacBook models that were sold between September 2015 and February 2017. The reason for this recall is that they found overheating issues which may pose a fire risk to the device. This came to picture after a few customers reported fire damages, looks to have exploded but the damage was very less. After this Apple decided to replace the batteries on the model that had the defective battery.

Apple launched the batter Recall Programs in which you can validate the serial number of the defective model and get the battery replacement done at free of cost. The number of reports for this kind of issue looks to be so minimal around 20 to 25 but still Apple was great enough to replace the batteries for all.  You can have a check for the serial number to make sure you are not affected.

Replacement Process

Choose one of the service options below to have your battery replaced. Your MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program. Service may take 3-5 days.

• Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
• Make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store.
• Contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service via the Apple Repair Center.
• To prepare your MacBook Pro for service, please back up your data.

This program is for battery replacement only. Please contact Apple Support and speak with an Advisor if you would like to arrange paid service for any additional issue.

13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Solid-State Drive Service Program

Apple found some issue with limited 128 and 256 GB SSD drives that were used in 13-Inch MacBook Pro’s that are non touch bar models. This was found to be in the models sold between June 2017 and June 2018. The issue is that it results in data loss and complete failure of the drive. If you have registered your device Apple will contact you directly. So it is good to register it always.

You can check the eligibility you can check it on the Apple website with your serial number. This program does not affect 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar or older 13-inch MacBook Pro models.

Service Process

Your 13-inch MacBook Pro will be examined prior to service to verify that it is eligible for this program and in working order.

• Prior to service, it’s important to do a full back up of your data because your drive will be erased as part of the service process.
• A technician will run a utility to update your drive firmware which will take approximately one hour or less.
• Your 13-inch MacBook Pro will be returned to you with macOS re-installed.
• After service, you will need to restore your data from a backup.

The program covers affected MacBook Pro models for 3 years after the first retail sale of the unit. So keep a watch on this.

13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Battery Replacement Program

This was announced in June 2019 for he 13-inch MacBook models that were sold between October 2016 and October 2017. The reason for this recall is that they found to be causing the built-in battery to expand. This came to picture after a few customers reported battery issues but the damage was very less. After this Apple decided to replace the batteries on the model that had the defective battery.

Apple launched the batter Recall Programs in which you can validate the serial number of the defective model and get the battery replacement done at free of cost. The number of reports for this kind of issue looks to be so minimal but still Apple was great enough to replace the batteries for all.  You can have a check for the serial number to make sure you are not affected.

Replacement Process

Choose one of the service options below to have your battery replaced. Your 13-inch MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program and in working order. Service may take 3-5 days.

• Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
• Make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store. Note: Your device may be sent to the Apple Repair Center.
• Mail in your device to the Apple Repair Center.
• To prepare your MacBook Pro for service, please backup your data.

The program covers affected MacBook Pro models for 5 years after the first retail sale of the unit. So you need to keep a watch on this.

Final Thoughts

There are quite a few Apple recall programs are there in-spite of the great hardware manufacturing terms and conditions. Apple has their own Quality Control on the manufactures but still a few slip put in the way. All these Service programs are aimed to provide Customer satisfaction and safety as the first priority. There are also other programs like the replacement programs, Recall programs and Service programs like keyboard service programs. I love Apple products due to the fact that they admit their fault in Public. So they are not worried about the reputation damage it might cause but this has increased their reputation. So I am happy to be an Apple customer.