Apple nixes video glitch repair program for 2011 MacBook Pros

Apple is no longer supporting 2011 MacBook Pros as a part of its Repair Extension Program for Video Issues, according to updated support documents.

The company is still covering 15-inch Retina models of the Pro from 2012 and 2013, as long as they were bought less than four years ago, Apple said. Officially the program ended on Dec. 31, 2016, but it continues to be in effect for people within that four-year window.

The program first launched in Feb. 2015, addressing what Apple claimed was a "small percentage" of Pros with absent or distorted video, or prone to sudden reboots. Problems came to light as far back as 2013, however.

In Oct. 2014 the company was in fact hit with a class-action lawsuit, seeking compensation for faulty graphics hardware. A later online petition to Apple executives collected over 40,000 signatures.

People who qualify for the Repair Extension Program can get free repairs for video flaws, but will be charged extra for any separate fixes, or ones that have to be done before the video glitches can be resolved. Repairs can be performed by making an appointment at an Apple store or an authorized service provider, or else by calling Apple support to request a prepaid mail-in box.

29 Comments

akamine_jr 11 comments · 7 Years

About 7 years ago

I think Apple is doing terribly wrong at this. 2012 MacBook is relatively new. Apple should support its prioducts longer than only 5 years

wonkothesane 1735 comments · 12 Years

Interesting. I assume the reason behind the decision is that the MacBook may have become vintage, and therefore spare parts are not kept in stock anymore. So Apple would need to specifically assemble the spare parts in question which can be exorbitantly expensive. OTOH, how many years do they legally need to support hardware?
In the end giving the customers a return newer model might be a customer friendly way to go.

smalm 675 comments · 23 Years

Interesting. I assume the reason behind the decision is that they think the Repair Extension Program costs to much money and the number of new cases is small enough so they can get away with that.

Yes, I own a 2011 Mac Book Pro.... :/

bkkcanuck 864 comments · 9 Years

akamine_jr said:

I think Apple is doing terribly wrong at this. 2012 MacBook is relatively new. Apple should support its prioducts longer than only 5 years

The 2011 Macbook Pro is now going past the 5 year mark from when it was last sold..... so it is what Apple would call vintage on the way to obsolete. Apple only provides service/support for the first 5 years after a product is sold. As such the normal practice would be that Apple no longer carries replacement parts or provides service to machines at that point. So it is not that much of a surprise that if they do not carry or service the product -- that the free service for this issue would end at the same time. (not saying one way or the other I agree or not)

Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac products may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for 5 years after the product is no longer manufactured—or longer where required by law. Apple has discontinued support for certain technologically obsolete and vintage products.

larryjw 1036 comments · 9 Years

The problem for me is not so much the 2011 MacBook Pro but the 17" MacBook Pro.

You'd have to pry my 17" from my cold dead hands for me to give it up or upgrade to newer models.