Following a number of complaints from consumers regarding graphics issues with Apple’s 2011 MacBook Pro, the company today announced a replacement program to remedy the issue for customers still experiencing problems.
The affected models include 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros built in 2011, as well as 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros built in 2012 and early 2013. MacBook owners who believe they may have one of these machines can check their warranty coverage on Apple’s website to determine whether they are eligible for a repair under this program.
Apple is offering in-store and mail-in options for repairs, providing customers with some flexibility in how they wish to handle the situation. Customers who previously paid for a repair related to this issue will be contacted by Apple and possibly issued a refund. Those who have not yet been contacted may reach out to Apple to speed up the process.
The program will lauch tomorrow in the United States and Canada, with other countries being added on the 27th of the month. It will run until February 27, 2016 or three years from the original purchase date of the affected laptop.
Complete details about the new repair program are available on Apple’s website.
In October of last year, court documents surfaced showing Apple was facing a class-action lawsuit over the 2011 MacBook Pro GPU issues. The lawsuit claimed a defective AMD GPU that did not function correctly because of lead-free soldering causing short circuiting and other problems. In addition to the lawsuit, the graphics problems have been a frequent complaint among a large number of users in Apple’s support forums and petitions online garnering thousands of signatures from users demanding Apple fix the widespread graphics card related issues. The graphics bug often results in screen-tearing and other display artifacts, as pictured above.
In the past Apple has offered similar replacement programs including for the graphics card in some mid-2011 iMacs back in 2013. More recently Apple offered free battery replacements for some iPhone 5 models that were deemed defective.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Apple fixed my GPU issue about a year ago and unfortunately replacing parts with the same faulty parts has once again left me with a failed GPU and unusable laptop. How will they guarantee that the repairs last, as they didn’t for me? I see others also have had repeat failures with this issue once repaired.
This is exactly my problem and Apple first tried to fix it (I was told) by replacing the motherboard and the display. That didn’t work and they then reinstalled Yosemite which wiped out most of my files and had to be restored from my Time Machine over a two day period. That didn’t work although the graphic distortion problem seems to occur now only when I use the Safari browser. Fortunately, I was covered by Apple Care so there was no out of pocket cost – just 10-14 days without my laptop. When I took it back in to my local Apple store ( with the distorted display in tow) again last week, I was told that they had done everything that that could do and that the problem must be the “environment” where I use the computer regularly or some corruption of my existing user account. The Apple Store person suggested that I check the environment (which I subsequently did, but the problem still persists) and that I should create a new user and copy my old libraries and files into the new user home folder. While I will attempt to do this when I have the time, I must confess that I am unhappy with all this inconvenience and am worried that I will do the file transfer imperfectly and that it will end up being a very time consuming effort for naught. I was never told that there was a systemic defect in my model. Apple did not offer to replace the the 2012 laptop for a new one despite having tried to fix it twice.
it worked – thank you guys so much – getting a refund in one month!
Same thing with me Jeremy. Just had is repaired through the program in March. This month(July) the issue started again with the video. Now the macbook won’t even give a boot chime. Took it to the apple store today and the guy said it’s past the 90 day warranty. He would have it sent out at $300+ to be fixed. I laughed and said that’s unacceptable. I have issues with this thing weeks after my apple care runs out. They fix it… I have the same issues and now they won’t fix it? He tried to tell me it was a different video issue… I use to repair macs… this is outrageous. Now I have an expensive paper weight. Not sure what to do now.
Same with me.
But I live in the EU and we have very good consumer protection laws with a warranty on spare parts. The thing is I went over to the guys at the repair shop and they did a test but said there’s nothing wrong.
That is not true. I have more system restarts then before and also the GPU failures in Safari are the same as before after only one month of use. I think it’s very temperature dependent but how could I prove this to the guys at the shop? Can anybody help me out? I just don’t want a 3500$ computer to have never worked properly in it’s entire lifespan. This is just unacceptable.
Thanks Mike! I called Apple and they’ve reimbursed me for both repairs I had done because of this problem.
With $1,288 back into my pocket, I’ve gone from #disgruntled to #fan in less than 30 minutes. Sweet!
Now, if my other “dream comes true” and they bring back the 17″ MBP, I’d send this $1,288 ++ right back to them…. ;-)
Don’t count on a 17″ MBP ever coming back….
I called in and they said the refunds won’t start until tomorrow. Did they already send you a receipt of refund and everything?
Anyone knows what they actually are fixing? Changing the motherboard?
You will not believe me when I say I just returned home after picking up my 2011 MBP after having it repaired a second time for this issue, but it’s true. I’ll tell you if they ever contact me about reimbursing the repair costs. I’ll give it a few days before I email them.
Just got off the phone with Apple, who is refunding me the $310+ for replacing the logic board for this problem. The repair had been done at the end of December, and everything’s working just fine (except for a lag in keystrokes, now and again, which appears to be resolving). They had the records of the repair and moved very quickly—they’re calling back in the AM because the program technically doesn’t start until tomorrow.
How about the image retention problem on my shitty lg screen 2012 retina.
I am also curious about this.. those LG displays are garbage
According to Apple…
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202580
WIth that said, while my 2012 rMBP does have the issue, my LG 34UM95 thunderbolt display (also with an IPS panel) does not appear to have this problem.
Normally I’m not a fan of class-action lawsuits, but Apple deserves this one!
I had to replace the logic board on a 2008 MBP myself at high cost, because Apple Canada did not acknowledge the GPU problem. Then again on a 2011 MBP just recently. I sent it to a professional UK GPU repair shop to replace the GPU for a brand new one with lead solder. I don’t know if people realize that part of the problem with electronic components failing has been the stupid move to “green” circuit boards.
So maybe Apple should have given Greenpeace the finger, when they constantly downrated them with their phony environmental ratings.
Unless you have a damaged MBP sitting around and can carry it into an Apple store and get it repaired for free, or sent to and back for free, it might be a better idea to get it repaired the right way, which is re-balling with a new GPU. Unless they have logic boards with revised chips lead solder mounted, which I doubt.
This doesn’t matter still doesn’t fix the issue! I am on my third fix/mother board with AppleCare same issue. Twitted Cook for the hell of it. Just replace it all ready it kills my work flow!
Finally, after more than 1 year since mine collapsed. But what about the battery? They could replace that one as well, but sure it will be a dream.
Hang on, only valid until 2016 or three years? So my bought new mid 2011 ( and the other two I bought for collegues) are not covered if all fail again?
“The program covers affected MacBook Pro models until February 27, 2016 or three years from its original date of sale, whichever provides longer coverage for you.”
I just chatted with Apple yesterday and they have extended it until the end of the year. Dropped mine off yesterday and should have it back today or tomorrow.
I have actually had a similar problem with my iMac 27″ Mid 2011. Have anyone else experienced this with this model? It has only happened 4 times and all times within the past two months.
Don, I’ve experienced the identical problem with my mid-2010, 27″ iMac as well – throughout the extended AppleCare warranty period – and Apple has NEVER addressed this identical issue for us…
I’m in the UK and have one of these sat on a shelf with this issue. Took it to Apple 6 months ago and they said the serial number wasn’t in the affected range. It is a MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011) though, so does this new program change that? It only mentions the US so am I still screwed?
I called apple support,and 15 minutes later they issued me a refund for my repair!
Did they say when you will actually get it? I was told it will take 4 weeks to process
Apple must being hammered with this because instead of instant refund they are making me wait 5-10 days to be evaluated. I have a f’in receipt from the apple store that says logicboard replaced because of faulty discrete video… ARGGGGHHHHH
finally got a manager to approve it but he is saying refunds are not instant… He says everyone’s refunds will take 4 weeks to process. Anyone else getting this line?
I had my logic board ‘repaired’ in September of last year, so I hope to be reimbursed. Now, I’m having problems where the keyboard and mouse randomly stop responding. I suspect it’s related to the replacement logic board, but I doubt I’ll be able get them to cover it.
Looking back at my receipt, It only indicates FLATRATEREPAIR,PBG4/MBP17
PartNumber:S1988LL/A, and not that the logic board was replaced…googling that part doesn’t show anything. Hopefully they won’t balk at repaying me.
I went to Apple Store today to get a diagnosis on my 2013 early Macbook Pro retina. I have graphic disorders on preview. Sometimes I read the pdf and the graphic get mess up and I scroll up or down a little. It backs to normal. However I pass their diagnosis and they can not give me a repair unless failing the test. I ask them whether I can reproduce the issue and give me the repair. Still no. I am deciding to leave my mac there during spring holiday and let the apple engineers take a deep took at my mac. Hopefully they can give me a replacement of the logic board.
They have said the same thing to me, however the screen issue is appearing right there in front of the tech’s face but says the software diagnostic is not reporting it so id doesn’t qualify. Even though it is failing right in front of them!@
I went in today with the issue after checking my serial on their website. This was after being told late last year that I would probably be better off replacing my machine, so I did. They told me my machine passed all their tests and they wouldn’t be repairing it… I told them the problem was intermittent, and that they should wait until the machine was on a bit longer in order to test it (it usually fails when it is warmer). They told me it’s probably my retina display, and probably not the problem. Essentially they wasted an hour of my time, which I guess is okay, but damn I left there really pissed off. This sucks.
I’m sorry to hear they said that. I have a different/OLDER model than yours, but they did keep mine for further review thankfully.
Me too. A mid 2011 iMac. Just picked mine up from Micro,Center here in Mpls. Diagnostics didn’t catch it. I told them it happens when it gets warmed up. When they called Apple, Apple said the Recall had expired for my machine. What a bunch of BS. Imagine if Ford or Chrysler did this with a part. A recall is a recall. It should have no expiration date.
Just got home from the Apple store.
Like many of the people here, my (Early 2011 15″ High End MBP) passed Apple’s tests.
The initial test they do checks the entire system, which DID tell the Genius to do a GPU focused test as well.
However even with that warning, my computer passed that follow-up test.
The Genius told me that this GPU test was in fact brand new today, for this reason. He told me, as we can all speculate, perhaps the test is incorrect to some degree as CLEARLY we are all having these horrible issues with our beloved MacBook’s.
However it was requested by Apple’s system response that my computer be sent to (whatever planet they ship things to be fixed at).
So, here’s to hoping I hear good news in the coming days….I mean I sure as hell am not lying about these problems, what does one gain anyways with a new logic board if he doesnt actually have problems going on…a shiny logic board ? lol
I am having the 2013 Early MacBook Pro retina version. I passed all the test too, even for two times! However I do face the problem. I showed the genius bar guy my screenshot of the issue when it happened. He is actually on my side. However he said even though If I send your mac to the repair center. If they found out that you passed the test, they won’t do anything but return it back. I said what about I tried to reproduce the problem and does that help, still a NO. I was like, ok. I will leave the mac there during my spring holiday and let them have a deep look and figure out what is going on indeed. I am majoring in computer science, What I think is. Someone who wrote the diagnosis, he probably didn’t think of all the circumstances will cause the graphic card to fail. I will keep a eye on the program and wait for any further information.
Yeah it simply does not make sense, they have admitted to the problem, my/our computers serial numbers fall under what Apple is looking for when it comes to this problem, we are having the problem, the employee’s believe us AND we have proof, WHAT ELSE do they want?
I believe the test they run is simply checking the graphics card to see if it works, guess what? IT WORKS, Just not always, and when it doesnt, it RUINS everything we were doing, ie WHY WE ARE HERE.
So….fix the way you are testing for this !!
Why was there NEVER such a program for mid-2020, 27″ iMac’s – which suffer the same problems from the lead-free solder issue???
We’re STILL waiting for Apple to part with a miniscule fraction of their $176 BILLION in the bank and fix these!?
mid-2010 iMacs (apologies for the typo I didn’t catch before hitting the “post comment” link!)
regarding that time machine of yours…
Apparently you didn’t see my immediate correction to “2010”???
The replacement program just expired as my macbook started crashing. The are charging me 600$ for the repair, or just get a new computer… I wouldn’t be happy to purchase another apple computer now…
Their replacement program is expired now, they are charging me 600$ for the repair…
Thats not true, I had one done this week at no charge. Are you sure they were aware of the replacement program and you have one of the Macs in question?
I have a Early 2011 MBP 15 inch. Will this program fix this issue even though it’s over 3 years old? They shipped it May 2011.
the program does not extent your warranty, it is just meant for repairs in case of issues with the graphics. So should you have issues, go to your nearest apple service provider
I just got off the phone with Apple, and they are asking for my checking account number and bank routing information to process the refund. Anyone else have that happen?
mikebiz – same thing here, they asked for my bank account number and routing number. seemed super sketchy to me! even though the call did originate from me using an official Apple.com website and the agent knew the case ID number emailed to me from an Apple.com email address. so it’s probably safe, but still, i opted to be sent a check in the mail and not give away this info
That’s a big relief, but in that “Check your Coverage” page at their website, i get the “support and repair expired” message about my serial number, even though it is a 17″ Macbook Pro Early 2011. Anyone related?
the program does not extent your warranty, it is just meant for repairs in case of issues with the graphics. So should you have issues, go to your nearest apple service provider
Hey same problems out here with my macbook pro 15 inch retina display (late 2013)
1. Distorted screen and a portion from the left side is blank
2. And sometimes no video
Is there anything that apple can do ?
Since the repair charges are too much
Go find out…
My MBP (Mid2012) qualified for the repair.
Before that I was calling into AppleCare for nearly a year about this horrible machine crashing under very light use. It has the 16GB RAM & the 500 GB SSD HD. I usually have over 450GB free. I basically use it for surfing the web, light photo editing on Preview… very light use and it was always crashing! I saved all the Crash reports but the Tech Supports wouldn’t even consider taking them… just blew them off. Ridiculous!
I do not live anywhere near an Apple Store so always use the phone for AppleCare. I don’t know who these people are that Apple is hiring but the days of great care is long gone! It feels like I am dealing with Dell from the 80’s and 90’s and should be looking for those floppy disks! to reinstall windows NOT OS X.
When I get back my machine it is filthy! *I had taken pics so had evidence before/after. Then I plug it in and it shows NO BATTERY! wtf! I do a couple of GRABS of NO BATTERY icon and under About This Mac Power Info… Eventually it shows up – after shaking it or ???
The repair has made it worse with almost daily Kernal Panic just with Safari running. This has been a year of total stress! Waiting a week for a Senior Advisor Tech Support to get back to me… & gave up on a return call from the Apple Corp Customer Relations! If I don’t get a huge upgrade after all this mess I am sure that there is a False Advertising Claim somewhere!
I took my mbp 2011 15″ to a reseller and the comment was: there was done an unauthorized repair (china battery which was placed last saturday) in the MBP So they want me to charge 1150 euro for the MB and also new battery… Does have the same experience?
Well obviously a non authorized repair is not a good idea as Apple will not service you anymore
Just got my 2011 15-inch MBP repaired. Took two visits to the Apple Store, on first visit they couldn’t reproduce the issue, kept the laptop for more testing, then ultimately decided the RAM was bad. A few days later the graphics issue wouldn’t go away, so I took back to store. Apple replaced the logic board at no cost, took about 5 days to do.
I’m so incredibly disappointed with my MBP….so far I’ve had to replace the SSD due to failure, the motherboard, and the screen due to the AR coating coming off. Now the GPU is failing. This is by far the worst Laptop I have ever owned. It saddens me, I have 4 apple products and love them all….except for my MBP. I’ve spent $2300 on the laptop and over $1300 in repairs so far. It’s shocking that one machine can fail in so many different ways in just under 2 years.
My computer just would not turn on and I was told it was the Logic Board. Does anyone here know if that controls the Power to the Computer? My I Mac is a mid 2010 and I was told it would cost $1400.00 to repair
I purchased a 17″ Macbook Pro early 2011, works great for 9 months, hard drive goes out, send it back, gets damaged in shipping, basically, everything is replaced, but not a new computer, display is replaced, body is replaced, and hard drive, everything else stays the same, original equipment is what I’m told. I had purchase a three year extended warranty, which recently expired. I am having display issues as well and locking up/crashing. Just started last month and happens daily. locks up computer, have to hard quit and restart constantly. Have tried everything suggested on the internet, still having problems. About to bring to the apple store and check options. Not happy, this should not be happening. My 15 year old Sony PC still works perfectly – my backup. Crazy.
I have a Mid 2012 Non Retina Macbook Pro and Apple Replaced the logic board free of charge even out of warranty, apple have always delivered on repairs A+ service for me!
I have a Macbook Pro 10,1… It seemed like I was having overheating GPU, this was after 3 years of daily use, so they took it in for this and replaced the Logic Board. This was only yesterday and I hope it stays fixed for another 3 years at least.
Hi
I had the worst experience with apple!!!
My MacBookPro is out of warranty, but recently the display issue took place. I called Apple and they asked me to bring the laptop to the nearest Apple store (around 30 min driving- one way). I took it there, three days later, they called me to tell me that there is a liquid damage and they can’t replace the Logic board because there is a liquid under the fans, I asked them to replaced the logic board and not be worried about the liquid damage, they refused, and proposed $750 to fix the liquid damage, then they will check if they can replace the logic board.
Finally I asked them to install the OS into the machine and I will use an external monitor, they said the only thing they can do is to hook it up to the Ethernet and try, which is basically something I can do home.
I’m big time disappointed with their services and they way they started treating their customers.
Now, a machine that I paid $2K to buy, is a piece of junk and I cant afford spending $750 to fix it.
My story: Like others I had the GPU issue but didn’t know it. Thought the hard drive shit itself so I replaced it. Was fine for a time but then started again. Tried restore, wipe, restore, reset, everything. Hours spent. Figured it was toast. Finally read about the GPU issue and started looking for a replacement. Expensive. So I figured I’d use my old Windows laptop….. *crying* … Then I read about the extended coverage for the GPU. Woohoo! Read that it ended Feb 2016…. *crying again*…. I decided to take a chance and see if Apple would have mercy and fix it anyway since it started in March. Got on chat with Apple and they have extended coverage until the end of the year. Woohoo! Dropped it off yesterday (7-19-16) and should have it back today or tomorrow. Sometimes it pays to ask. All they could have said is no and I’d be in the same position as I was.
Support for this is still going on. Extended until the end of 2016. Got mine fixed today. 7-20-16
Is this true? What issue did you have and how did you bring it up? Is there something that says this was extended through the end of 2016?
Hi Morgan, I’m late to the game on this as well and would love to know what advice you have for us. Thanks!
Mine just started this today (May 10 2017)…going to talk to Apple and see if they are still able to fix it.
Any luck? Mine has just gone too. Really need to get it fixed or replaced.
Any luck? Mine just died yesterday and Apple is refusing everything.
Any luck mine just died? I had know idea what so ever this was even an issue until now
Seriously it’s just my luck mine would last until the replacement period was up:(
Were you able to get yours fixed, mine died a week ago? If so how did you convince them to fix it? Thanks