Apple last week quietly made a change to its program regarding defective MacBook bottom cases, extending the coverage period from two years after purchase to four years.
Polycarbonate MacBook with rubber bottom.
First spotted by MacRumors, the program's extension comes as the original end-by date quickly approaches, and now gives affected MacBook owners four years from the original purchase date to make a claim.
In May of 2011, Apple initiated the bottom case replacement program for MacBooks shipped between October 2009 and April 2011, citing an issue in which the non-slip rubber bottom of the polycarbonate MacBook would separate from the chassis. Variations of Apple's rubber design can be found in current generation products like the Mac mini and AirPort Extreme.
Under the terms, which will remain the unchanged, Apple will replace any affected unit free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
Apple will continue to offer three options for case replacement: an appointment with an Apple Genius at an Apple Retail Store; repair through an Authorized Service Provider; and a do-it-yourself kit that includes all materials and instructions needed to replace the component.
The company notes that last week's extension may not be the last, as it will continue to evaluate the service data and provide further program supplementation if deemed necessary.