Latest reports state Apple has announced a new repair program for certain previous-generation MacBook Pro laptops that face issues like distorted videos and unpredicted restarts. Apple has confirmed that these faulty units will be repaired for free.
The newly-introduced repair initiative, officially titled as "MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues", applies to all the MacBook Pro computers sold between February 2011 and December 2013 that exhibit any of the problems mentioned above, as confirmed by Apple.
"Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013," the official description states. "Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge."
The affected computers in the list include 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros from early and late 2011, alongside both 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models. Apple's page also provides a tool you can use to check your system's eligibility.
Note that symptoms of the affected computers include "distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen", "no video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on", and other unexpected restarts.
Few users have been complaining about 2011's MacBook Pro GPU issues shortly after the systems launched. Those complaints sustained for over three years, going outside the warranty window even if you bought AppleCare. In August of 2013, however, Apple kicked off a repair program for iMacs with similar AMD GPUs.
In fact, sources familiar with Apple's internal repair network told AppleInsider back in August that the company had no urgent plans to kick off a replacement program for MacBook Pros suffering from systematic crashes and graphics failures. However, it seems like the company has changed its decision.
The products affected have been acknowledged as:
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)
Apple has also notified users that the program begins in the United States and Canada on 20 February 20, 2015, and in the rest of the world on 27 February 27, 2015. Head over to Apple's page for more information. Stay tuned for more updates!
