For distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts

Feb 20, 2015 09:26 GMT  ·  By

For years owners of MacBook Pro computers have been complaining about a plurality of issues, including video distortion, overheating, random rebooting, freezing, and others. Many gave up hope that Apple was ever going to do anything about the situation.

As it turns out, Apple has finally determined that the problems are a bit widespread, and so it has decided to launch one of its usual free repair programs, covering systems sold between 2011 and 2013.

Apple pledges to repair affected systems

The Cupertino giant claims it has determined that “a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts,” which means that there are enough complaints out there to make this issue a serious one.

“Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge,” the company adds.

The program opens today in the U.S. and Canada. Other countries will soon be added to the program as well (starting on February 27).

Who qualifies for the free repair

Apple says the affected models are 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros manufactured in 2011, as well as Retina MacBook Pros manufactured from mid-2012 to early 2013 (15-inch models). The exact list of affected models can be found below.

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011) MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012) MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011) MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2011) MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch, Early 2013)

What am I supposed to do exactly?

If you’re wondering if you qualify for the free repair, first make sure that you bought your Mac between February 2011 and December 2013. As far as the symptoms are concerned, Apple says it will repair notebooks with distorted or scrambled video, no video (even though the computer is on), or unexpected reboots.

Next, you need to identify your model by using the “Check your Coverage” tool on the Apple Support site. Finally, you’ll need to choose one of the options for service (Carry-in or Mail-in), as described by Apple on its Support site.

The Cupertino giant will have its technicians examine your Mac prior to any service, and if your computer has any damage, especially the type that impairs the service, it will need to be repaired either under warranty or in exchange for a fee. In short, only the aforementioned symptoms quality for free repairs.

As usual, Apple urges customers to back up their data before sending in their Mac for repairs. Customers who already paid money to have one of the aforementioned issues addressed will be offered a refund.

MacBook Pro repair program
MacBook Pro repair program

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MacBook Pro with distorted image
MacBook Pro repair program
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