MacBook screen quality seems to be going down

[trodriguez]

To preface this, I've been an Apple laptop owner for many years going back to the Powerbook days. This past year I've had to purchase new laptops for my kids and for myself - all M1 laptops - M1 Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 14" MacBook Pro. I first noticed this with the 14" where I all of a sudden noticed what I thought might be dirt but ended up being a small "dent" in the screen maybe the size of a few pixels after wiping furiously (with an Apple cleaning cloth no less) to try to take it off. I'm usually very careful - making sure there's nothing on the keyboard or screen before closing it and wiping it every once in awhile when I notice anything but disappointingly I just accepted that maybe something I didn't notice got stuck there.

A few weeks later, my son said that his MacBook Air screen cracked just by opening it. I initially thought he probably did something careless as well - until I saw this discussion - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252794122?answerId=256912658022&login=true

I tried to show this to the Genius Bar but they insisted you could search for something similar for any of their laptops and find similar discussions but that wasn't true to this extent. There have been articles in Forbes and other sites about this issue but they refused to acknowledge it and I ended up paying over $400 for replacing the screen since my son needed a functional laptop and unfortunately I didn't have AC+.

Today, I found another 'dent' in my screen - on a laptop that costs over $4000. Fortunately, I have AC+ on this laptop but I don't want to shell out for the replacement fee for a possible refurb. Needless to say, as excited as I was for these new M1 models, I'm very disappointed with the quality of the screen. It's unfortunate because I love everything else about it. Despite being a huge fan of Apple products, I now feel some hesitancy to recommend the laptops without mentioning that caveat.

Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone else has noticed this or if you're someone looking to buy one to think about this and consider getting AppleCare+ if you do (as much as it pains me to say that since that won't give Apple any incentive to investigate the issue).

 

[russell_314]

To preface this, I've been an Apple laptop owner for many years going back to the Powerbook days. This past year I've had to purchase new laptops for my kids and for myself - all M1 laptops - M1 Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 14" MacBook Pro. I first noticed this with the 14" where I all of a sudden noticed what I thought might be dirt but ended up being a small "dent" in the screen maybe the size of a few pixels after wiping furiously (with an Apple cleaning cloth no less) to try to take it off. I'm usually very careful - making sure there's nothing on the keyboard or screen before closing it and wiping it every once in awhile when I notice anything but disappointingly I just accepted that maybe something I didn't notice got stuck there.

A few weeks later, my son said that his MacBook Air screen cracked just by opening it. I initially thought he probably did something careless as well - until I saw this discussion - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252794122?answerId=256912658022&login=true

I tried to show this to the Genius Bar but they insisted you could search for something similar for any of their laptops and find similar discussions but that wasn't true to this extent. There have been articles in Forbes and other sites about this issue but they refused to acknowledge it and I ended up paying over $400 for replacing the screen since my son needed a functional laptop and unfortunately I didn't have AC+.

Today, I found another 'dent' in my screen - on a laptop that costs over $4000. Fortunately, I have AC+ on this laptop but I don't want to shell out for the replacement fee for a possible refurb. Needless to say, as excited as I was for these new M1 models, I'm very disappointed with the quality of the screen. It's unfortunate because I love everything else about it. Despite being a huge fan of Apple products, I now feel some hesitancy to recommend the laptops without mentioning that caveat.

Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone else has noticed this or if you're someone looking to buy one to think about this and consider getting AppleCare+ if you do (as much as it pains me to say that since that won't give Apple any incentive to investigate the issue).

How does cracking or having a "dent" in the screen imply bad quality? This is physical damage. If the screen is glass it's susceptible to damage. A common problem is closing a MacBook with debris or objects on the keyboard. The tolerances are tight so if there is something even like a grain of rice it will damage the screen. Perhaps Apple could make a space there but people want thinner devices. If you're concerned about physical damage then get AppleCare. I would recommend getting that for any laptop.

 

[yitwail]

My M1 Air screen's uncracked, so keeping my fingers crossed. The one thing I won't do is put something between keyboard and screen when I close the lid. I've never done that, but I do understand that the screen has cracked for some people who didn't do so. I also have Applecare+ just in case.

 

[russell_314]

My M1 Air screen's uncracked, so keeping my fingers crossed. The one thing I won't do is put something between keyboard and screen when I close the lid. I've never done that, but I do understand that the screen has cracked for some people who didn't do so. I also have Applecare+ just in case.

The screen isn't going to crack on it's own. People might not realize they damaged their MacBook since it's easy to do. Others know they damaged it but pretend they didn't thinking Apple will replace it for free. If you ever worked in IT you'll get people saying their laptop "suddenly stopped working" and when you take it apart it's full of some spilled beverage. Of course that person will say they have no idea how that would be there 🤦‍♂️

Other than making sure there's no food or objects on the keyboard when you close it just treat it with some care. It's a sheet of glass but people don't treat it like one. They toss their MacBook in a gym bag with a pair of shoes. An impact to the top of the screen could cause damage. If you're carrying your MacBook use a bag that has a padded slot for a laptop. Be careful not to sit or step on the bag and when you set it down just set it down and don't toss the bag. Treat it like you have a wine glass in your bag. It's not that delicate but if you use some extra care you'll be fine.

Also smart move with the AppleCare!

 

[trodriguez]

How does cracking or having a "dent" in the screen imply bad quality? This is physical damage. If the screen is glass it's susceptible to damage. A common problem is closing a MacBook with debris or objects on the keyboard. The tolerances are tight so if there is something even like a grain of rice it will damage the screen. Perhaps Apple could make a space there but people want thinner devices. If you're concerned about physical damage then get AppleCare. I would recommend getting that for any laptop.

That the materials used for the new screens are 'softer' or somehow more brittle. Obviously, it's possible to make screens that are more resistant to damage - there's a reason Apple touts that in their phones and watches with Gorilla glass or something like that.

I think I'm pretty diligent in making sure there's nothing on my keyboard or screen especially the size of the grain of rice before closing it - is it possible a small crumb was on a key? Of course, but I only use my laptop in typical laptop environments - at a cafe, library, work or home office. Apple promotes that usage for this product and should have been designed with some consideration of that. I've had a 2013 MacBook Pro for 5 years and a 2018 MacBook Pro for another 3 years after that never had a similar issue with the screen.

All I'm saying is that maybe they switched their screen supplier or that supplier is creating screens with different tolerances... Anyway, I already highly recommended AppleCare if you do get a newer model - I just don't think the screens should be this easily susceptible to damage.

 

[trodriguez]

The screen isn't going to crack on it's own. People might not realize they damaged their MacBook since it's easy to do. Others know they damaged it but pretend they didn't thinking Apple will replace it for free. If you ever worked in IT you'll get people saying their laptop "suddenly stopped working" and when you take it apart it's full of some spilled beverage. Of course that person will say they have no idea how that would be there ?‍♂️

Other than making sure there's no food or objects on the keyboard when you close it just treat it with some care. It's a sheet of glass but people don't treat it like one. They toss their MacBook in a gym bag with a pair of shoes. An impact to the top of the screen could cause damage. If you're carrying your MacBook use a bag that has a padded slot for a laptop. Be careful not to sit or step on the bag and when you set it down just set it down and don't toss the bag. Treat it like you have a wine glass in your bag. It's not that delicate but if you use some extra care you'll be fine.

Also smart move with the AppleCare!

Prior to my experience with the M1's, I'd be right with you and mostly still am. With these new models, use some EXTRA, EXTRA care! And if you can, APPLECARE+!

 

[russell_314]

That the materials used for the new screens are 'softer' or somehow more brittle. Obviously, it's possible to make screens that are more resistant to damage - there's a reason Apple touts that in their phones and watches with Gorilla glass or something like that.

I think I'm pretty diligent in making sure there's nothing on my keyboard or screen especially the size of the grain of rice before closing it - is it possible a small crumb was on a key? Of course, but I only use my laptop in typical laptop environments - at a cafe, library, work or home office. Apple promotes that usage for this product and should have been designed with some consideration of that. I've had a 2013 MacBook Pro for 5 years and a 2018 MacBook Pro for another 3 years after that never had a similar issue with the screen.

All I'm saying is that maybe they switched their screen supplier or that supplier is creating screens with different tolerances... Anyway, I already highly recommended AppleCare if you do get a newer model - I just don't think the screens should be this easily susceptible to damage.

I'm not aware of Apple using any type of damage resistant glass like Corning Gorilla glass but softer glass would actually be less brittle. Harder glass is more scratch resistant. It's widely known that if you have anything on the keyboard it can damage the screen. Apple even tells people not to use tape on their cameras because people were damaging their screens that way. This isn't due to the glass type but the tight tolerances. It's not the environment that damages computers for the most part unless the air is full of debris like in a factory. You can have two users at a coffee shop with identical MacBooks and only one spills food on his keyboard then closes the lid. Maybe they made the tolerances between the screen and keyboard are tighter but IDK because the tape over the camera warning came out when Intel Macs were out. I would like to see perhaps someone measure this. I would say also some durability tests but unless it's someone on YouTube making $$$$ from it no one will want to sacrifice their MacBook

I agree with your recommendation of AppleCare+. I'm waiting for the new MacBook Air and will definitely get that covered. At least for me it's an expensive purchase that I don't want to make twice!

 

[trodriguez]

Maybe not Corning Gorilla glass but whatever this is:

 

[chabig]

I've been an Apple laptop owner for many years going back to the Powerbook days.

on a laptop that costs over $4000

I only use my laptop in typical laptop environments - at a cafe, library, work or home office.

I've had a 2013 MacBook Pro for 5 years and a 2018 MacBook Pro for another 3 years after that never had a similar issue with the screen.

I know it hurts to have a damaged laptop, but all of the above statements are irrelevant to this discussion. All that matters is that your current laptop screen is damaged.

I just don't think the screens should be this easily susceptible to damage.

Since you don’t know what happened, this cannot be concluded.

 

[exoticSpice]

a 2018 MacBook Pro

The 2018 MBP had thinner lids thans the 2021 MBP. People also cracked their screens 2008-2019 MBP screen without knowing as well. A screen cannot crack by it self.

 

[trodriguez]

I understand screen cannot crack by itself

I know it hurts to have a damaged laptop, but all of the above statements are irrelevant to this discussion. All that matters is that your current laptop screen is damaged.


Since you don’t know what happened, this cannot be concluded.

It's relevant in that I've never had a similar issue with the same product until recently. Are you saying that the materials and manufacturing process and specs for the new screens can't be different than the older screens? That's what I'm comparing to - durability of the previous model to the current. So if I change manufacturing specs for the screens to make them thinner and lighter, you don't think they could be more prone to damage to forces when manipulating the lid? I'm the biggest Apple fan boy there is but even I can easily tell that it's easier to flex the screen on the newer models than the older ones. I still have a couple to compare to.

Even though it may not be right, I always associate higher prices with higher quality, not lower. And as far as quality, I include durability as part of it since this is a product that is meant to be moved around in different conditions.

Everyone has their own opinion of what is acceptable, I'm simply sharing my experience so others can consider it before making, at least for most of us, an expensive purchase.

 

[trodriguez]

The 2018 MBP had thinner lids thans the 2021 MBP. People also cracked their screens 2008-2019 MBP screen without knowing as well. A screen cannot crack by it self.

I never said the screen cracked on it's own. I mentioned my son opened his laptop and discovered a crack - it's possible it cracked when opening the laptop. As far as my 14" MacBook Pro - don't know what to say about how these little indentions are happening. Other than maybe some minute piece of dirt somehow dislodging during movement and depressing against the screen when packed in my backpack like laptops are expected to be. It's hard not to be disappointed after spending so much on something and treating it pretty gently and then this happening...

 

[exoticSpice]

it's easier to flex the screen on the newer models than the older ones. I still have a couple to compare to.

Apple made the lids thicker and less prone to flexing than the 2016-2019 MacBooks. You can clearly see the 2021 MacBooks the lid is thicker on the newer ones and harder to flex.

The 2016 era MacBook Pro lid is much thinner than the 2021 MBP one as you can see below

 

[exoticSpice]

I never said the screen cracked on it's own. I mentioned my son opened his laptop and discovered a crack - it's possible it cracked when opening the laptop. As far as my 14" MacBook Pro - don't know what to say about how these little indentions are happening. Other than maybe some minute piece of dirt somehow dislodging during movement and depressing against the screen when packed in my backpack like laptops are expected to be. It's hard not to be disappointed after spending so much on something and treating it pretty gently and then this happening...

weird I had my 2019 16" MBP since early 2020 and it has been perfect apart from smudges.

I do agree that getting these issues on an expensive computer is annoying. Honestly, some MBP's can be perfect while others can cause issues like your MBP did.

 

[trodriguez]

Interesting - I just compared it to a 2019 MacBook Pro - the profile of the lids are different. The 2016-2019 lids taper to the edges but just about the same thickness in the middle. Not an engineer but maybe that adds to the rigidness of it? Flex feels slightly stiffer to me in the older lid. The screen itself would be another matter.

Looks like someone else has the issue I have with the 'dents' in the screen:

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/s0rt0b

 

[trodriguez]

And another one:

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/q2q6z0
I'll probably end up paying the $99 screen replacement fee toward the end of my 1st year of AppleCare since you get 2 incidents per year. Just don't want to do it now and then have the same issue shortly afterwards...

 

[trodriguez]

weird I had my 2019 16" MBP since early 2020 and it has been perfect apart from smudges.

I do agree that getting these issues on an expensive computer is annoying. Honestly, some MBP's can be perfect while others can cause issues like your MBP did.

That's the other frustrating thing - I loved my other MacBooks and never had this issue. Love this one too - just concerned about this being something that's always going to bother me. Unfortunately, this dent/spot is pretty close to the middle so I can't ignore it easily...

 

[russell_314]

when packed in my backpack like laptops are expected to be.

Wait are you just putting the MacBook loose in your backpack? You don't have to get an ugly briefcase style laptop bag. There are many backpack style bags with a sleeve where the laptop sits by itself to protect it.

 

[trodriguez]

No, my backpack has a sleeve to put a laptop in:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0255/0218/7600/products/Laptop_and_Ipad_22f9e363-36f3-45c4-8f82-57222d362a19_2000x.jpg?v=1575923941

 

[exoticSpice]

No, my backpack has a sleeve to put a laptop in:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0255/0218/7600/products/Laptop_and_Ipad_22f9e363-36f3-45c4-8f82-57222d362a19_2000x.jpg?v=1575923941

I believe a matte screen protector would handy be as well. We put screen protectors on our phones and ipads, it would be wise to do so on a laptop as well.

 

[russell_314]

I believe a matte screen protector would handy be as well. We put screen protectors on our phones and ipads, it would be wise to do so on a laptop as well.

I would be very careful about doing this. The gap between the screen and keyboard is non existent. People have cracked their screen by putting tape over the camera. Maybe the screen protector is thinner than tape but I wouldn't do it. Perhaps just quickly wipe down the keyboard area with a microfiber cloth if you suspect anything is on there. I've seen so many pictures of cracked screens from rice.

 

[88Keys]

I would be very careful about doing this. The gap between the screen and keyboard is non existent. People have cracked their screen by putting tape over the camera. Maybe the screen protector is thinner than tape but I wouldn't do it. Perhaps just quickly wipe down the keyboard area with a microfiber cloth if you suspect anything is on there. I've seen so many pictures of cracked screens from rice.

The rubber trim around the lid exceeds any additional .x mm a screen protector would add.

 

[newmacxc]

And another one:

https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookpro/comments/q2q6z0
I'll probably end up paying the $99 screen replacement fee toward the end of my 1st year of AppleCare since you get 2 incidents per year. Just don't want to do it now and then have the same issue shortly afterwards...

I have a MacBook Pro 13" 2018. I too have a dimple on My MacBook Pro screen on its bezel. And it appeared out of nowhere. I suspect they are using softer material for the glass in MacBook Pro since last few generation.

 

[ian87w]

Sorry to hear that OP.
But I cannot help it to be reminded of this.... 😂

 

[Reggaenald]

The screen isn't going to crack on it's own. People might not realize they damaged their MacBook since it's easy to do. Others know they damaged it but pretend they didn't thinking Apple will replace it for free. If you ever worked in IT you'll get people saying their laptop "suddenly stopped working" and when you take it apart it's full of some spilled beverage. Of course that person will say they have no idea how that would be there ?‍♂️

Other than making sure there's no food or objects on the keyboard when you close it just treat it with some care. It's a sheet of glass but people don't treat it like one. They toss their MacBook in a gym bag with a pair of shoes. An impact to the top of the screen could cause damage. If you're carrying your MacBook use a bag that has a padded slot for a laptop. Be careful not to sit or step on the bag and when you set it down just set it down and don't toss the bag. Treat it like you have a wine glass in your bag. It's not that delicate but if you use some extra care you'll be fine.

Also smart move with the AppleCare!

I can’t find the article anymore, but remember when the screens on 16” MBP cracked because of ultra thin camera covers that put too much stress on the screen?
Right down the middle.

Edit: I just saw that you mentioned something similar.