Apple drops the ball with MacBook Pro anti-reflective display

An increasing number of people are turning to Apple Support Communities, discussion forums and social media to speak up about how the anti-reflective coating on their MacBook pro is scratching or wearing off.

According to these comments and accompanying photos, the display issue appears to affect several MacBook pro models sold from June 2012 to present.

The anti-reflective coating is wearing off due to the pressure of the keys and track pad on the display when the MacBook is closed, and with the use of third-party cleaning solutions and microfiber cloths.

In some occurrences, the wear is isolated to small areas of the screen, whereas in other cases the anti-reflective coating has worn off across the entire display.

Users who have experienced the problem have received mixed responses from Apple.

MacBook Pro Retina owners who are covered with a one-year limited warranty or AppleCare Protection Plan have been able to get their device repaired through the Genius Bar for no charge.

Other users have been told the damage is cosmetic and therefore not covered under warranty. In this instance, users have to pay a service charge costing hundreds of dollars to get their device repaired.

While this is not a new problem, and some display issues date back to August 2013, the issue has become more prolific in recent weeks.

An unofficial website called Staingate has launched, where affected users can join a database and submit photos of the display coating wearing off their MacBook Pro.

The site aims to draw attention to the problem and find a long lasting solution for everyone who has been affected.

Overall the issue has received more than 100,000 views and 600 responses between Apple Support Communities and MacRumors discussion forums, with multiple users submitting pictures of their damaged Retina MacBook Pros.