MacBook screen quality seems to be going down

[ian87w]

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.

Screen protectors are useful on phones since the screen is outside.

On a laptops, adding anything between the screen and the keyboard will increase the risk of damage as there is a tight tolerance between them when the laptop is closed. Heck, even on normal laptops without anything, sometimes I can see keyboard marks on the screen. Anything added will add pressure to the screen.

 

[Puonti]

The tight tolerances in modern MacBooks are a big reason why I haven't considered a personal notebook in years. The display on my 16" work MacBook Pro from last year (last Intel model) routinely gets keycap stains on it despite my never taking the laptop anywhere with the lid closed (due to work from home) and while mostly using an external keyboard and trackpad.

If the tolerances are currently so non-existant that keys are pressing against the display even under "perfect conditions" - the kind no manufacturer could possibly expect for a notebook computer - then I really don't want to put my own money towards one.

 

[darngooddesign]

The tight tolerances in modern MacBooks are a big reason why I haven't considered a personal notebook in years. The display on my 16" work MacBook Pro from last year (last Intel model) routinely gets keycap stains on it despite my never taking the laptop anywhere with the lid closed (due to work from home) and while mostly using an external keyboard and trackpad.

If the tolerances are currently so non-existant that keys are pressing against the display even under "perfect conditions" - the kind no manufacturer could possibly expect for a notebook computer - then I really don't want to put my own money towards one.

I haven't noticed any keycap marks on my new 16", but I think that's because the new thicker case design just has a bit more space.

But on topic, the screen on my new 16" is great. I was initially concerned that I could see blooming on the white full-screen video controls at 100% brightness, but it turns out that its just my glasses making it appear worse.

 

[user198237645]

First of all, thank you all for sharing your experience! Since I think about replacing a macbook late 2011 with one of the new m1 14 or 16 pro machines, I am very interested in learning more about the strength of the screen, in particular since I would like to be able to use the macbook for the next five to seven years. I am sorry for everybody who experienced a cracked screen, which should not happen. Having said this and after reading this thread or about the lawsuit from september '21, it is really difficult to get an "objective" perspective and to determine whether those who experience a cracked screen vel non are in the majority or in the minority. I used google, but it seems as if there is a lot of copy&paste going on. I live in Germany and when I google cracked display macbook pro etc., I see websites referring to the lawsuit in the US, but I do not see any further information, so it seems as if this is not a big issue.

1. Do you know whether there exist any study or poll about this (cracked, broken screens)? The M1 13 inch macbooks have been available for quite a while now and even the new macbook pros 14 and 16 have been around for a couple of months, so it should be possible to empirically assess return rates etc.

2. Perhaps those who have not experienced any display damage (yet...) can comment as well (like it was done in the prior post). Perhaps it is possible then to get an idea or more of a feeling of how widespread the problems concerning the displays are. Those of you who have not experienced any cracked screen (yet...): do you use a hard case or some sort of protection or do you agree with the view expressed in one post above, namely that the risks outweigh the protection because of the tight tolerance between display and keyboard? So many people use macbooks and the internet, it must be possible to get empircal evidence...

 

[darngooddesign]

I don't think any previous display issues are relevant to the 14" and 16" for the following reasons.

1. Whereas the 13" M1 used the same, or a very similar display assembly design, the 14"/16" has a brand new lid/display assembly design.
2. The notch is where the previous ones had just glass and LCD which, when combined with the thicker, non-tapered display assembly design, means the reinforcement and stresses are different.
3. The new thicker design has backed off the "thinness at all costs" mantra, which means that the tolerances probably aren't as tight.

An additional thought about keeping the laptop in a messenger/shoulder bag, hinge side down. The smooth aluminum finish means that you have to grip it pretty firmly and if you use one hand that's a lot of stress being applied to the top center of the screen, which is where the cracks in the photos I've seen originate from. I have always used a matte-finish plastic hard case which means that I can use a lighter grip while extracting, and generally carrying the laptop.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"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"

This is the worst thing -- THE WORST THING -- you can do with a MacBook Pro display.

Do you understand what "StainGate" is ???

The MBP's have a "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating that is VERY fragile.
ANY pressure applied to its surface runs a risk in damaging the coating.
The more pressure, the more damage.

You should endeavour to touch/clean the display as little as possible.
A soft "dusting" with a soft cloth gets the dust away.
A moistened cloth, with AS LITTLE PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE, to remove something stuck to the surface.
Try not to get it dirty in the first place, so you don't have to clean it...

 

[tinygoblin]

OP wrote:
"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"

This is the worst thing -- THE WORST THING -- you can do with a MacBook Pro display.

Do you understand what "StainGate" is ???

The MBP's have a "sprayed-on" anti-glare coating that is VERY fragile.
ANY pressure applied to its surface runs a risk in damaging the coating.
The more pressure, the more damage.

You should endeavour to touch/clean the display as little as possible.
A soft "dusting" with a soft cloth gets the dust away.
A moistened cloth, with AS LITTLE PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE, to remove something stuck to the surface.
Try not to get it dirty in the first place, so you don't have to clean it...

Whoa, it's funny to see how Apple defects tend to become features with years. Wake up, "staingate" never was the norm, the displays with "fragile" coating are the ones with violation of technology of applying coating (i.e. wrong temperature at production line). Similar to car paint job with noticeable "orange peel". This is defect and it should be replaced with new non-faulty one no questions asked. You should be able to clean your screen by rubbing just like you do it with your iPhone or iPad.

P.S. I own Mid-2012 rMBP (bought on day 1) with screen never touched in 9 years, computer was used as stationary. Used soft brush to clean dust (no smudges even once). Coating still cracked when I decided to finally apply screen protector this year, SMH. Coating literally crushed in flakes. Staingate one love.

 

[russell_314]

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.

It’s because when you close the screen there is no space or less space than required by the camera cover. This means the only contact area is that one little tiny spot and of course putting pressure on glass like that is going to crack it. I see a lot of Windows laptops and Chromebooks where they put a larger gap between the keyboard and screen. Especially those that have the plastic bezel around the screen where the panel is recessed. It wouldn’t work if you closed a pencil in the laptop but smaller debris like if you left a potato chip on the keyboard it would be fine.

 

[Reggaenald]

It’s because when you close the screen there is no space or less space than required by the camera cover. This means the only contact area is that one little tiny spot and of course putting pressure on glass like that is going to crack it. I see a lot of Windows laptops and Chromebooks where they put a larger gap between the keyboard and screen. Especially those that have the plastic bezel around the screen where the panel is recessed. It wouldn’t work if you closed a pencil in the laptop but smaller debris like if you left a potato chip on the keyboard it would be fine.

The screens even crack with literal paper camera covers.
Paper.
Which are considerably thinner than the rubber surrounding the screen.
Cmon, I understand your viewpoint and reasoning, but it really seems like a Butterfly keyboard discussion here.
Surely, not treating the device right can lead to damage, but that doesn’t mean that all damage is due to people not treating their devices right.
I wouldn’t question for a second that the glass on the new machines, depending on the supplier, is either rather low quality or shipped with defects, or, depending on the assembler, not treated with enough care during assembly. Doesn’t seem outlandish looking at quality control issues that have surfaced the last couple of years.

 

[yitwail]

Screen protectors are useful on phones since the screen is outside.

Also, phones are hand held, so there's always risk of dropping it, and however oleophobic the glass might be, screen protectors prevent smudging of the screen, so in the worst case you can replace the protector if it becomes too smudged.

 

[Sanpete]

Whoa, it's funny to see how Apple defects tend to become features with years.

Not even close to what he actually said. He's giving you practical advice, which you're free to ignore, with predictable results.

 

[Danfango]

There’s a lot of terrible anecdotes in this thread.

I have repaired a fair few MBPs over the years and the common thing with all broken devices I have seen is that the user is careless or heavy handed generally in life.

A great example is the 2015 MBP someone brought me to fix the screen on. Him: It just broke. I don’t know how it happened. So I replaced the whole lid assembly with one off eBay. He comes hakes me by the hand violently, grabs the MacBook and proceeds to shut it one handed on the hinge with a big thump. Also the woman who never understood why the screen broke. When looking at it closely I saw that the bumper around the screen had dents in it all around and the Keyboard had an unpleasant greasy dust layer on it. Turned out it was being used as a mirror a lot and she admitted to shutting the odd hair clip in it.

I killed a 2015 MBP screen myself as well. I fell asleep and it fell off my lap onto the floor. The entire lid was deformed from the impact.

The demonstration here is that just because they don’t know how it happened doesn’t eliminate carelessness and displays don’t just break. Someone cocked up somewhere.

Edit: same people always have cheese grater broken glass screen on their phones as well.

 

[iph45]

I understand screen cannot crack by itself

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.

My heart is broken.I have a 2014 MBP. It works great, but I was intent on purchasing the new M1 MBP
after it was out a couple of months. Now with this screen problem, no way. Apple has to make a statement on the 2022 model or I won't buy that one either unless the problem has been resolved.
I need that MBP everyday. I can't send it in for a new screen.
The above paragraph is 'right on'. Comprehensive and true.

 

[jlehet]

Yeah, as I’ve posted elsewhere, mine cracked at about 3 weeks of ownership I guess. Five battery cycles. I’ve been using Apple laptops for 20 years, never had this before. We’ve still got 2013 and 2014 PowerBook Pros around here. (The 2013 just died for other unknown reasons — it goes black after about a minute of runtime — logic board, SSD, something.). The 2019 16” has been used hard and the screen is perfect.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure what happened with mine is that I piicked it up by gripping it near the edge of the screen with it closed. I think my normal method of handling it was too much for the screen; it couldn’t handle the deflection caused by my grip. I’ve never dropped or knocked or dinged this computer in any way, and it never left the house. I consider my treatment and handling of it to be “normal” or even “gentle,” since I’ve never even schlepped it around. I think these M1 laptops need to be handled by the edges and not gripped in any way that squeezes the back of the screen, which can flex and break it. I think the kind of handling I did to break it would be pretty normal handling of a laptop by anyone I know. I think the kind of gentle treatment that is needed is a level of careful I’ve never seen anyone exhibit in my life.

It’s also possible there was a subtle defect in the screen. But I’m sure I didn’t abuse it.

It seems hard to imagine a child or teenager using one of these.

If I quite gently press on the back, on the metal part of my lid now that it only shows black I get an electronic rainbow that shows the deflection of the glass/screen. You can really see the glass deflect, but it may deflect a bit more now that there is a tiny crack. It’s a little psychedelic but not worth breaking your computer to see. I don’t think you can get the glass of an older MacBook Pro to show deflection by pressing gently on the back.

If I compare this to the 2019 or the 2013-14 Macbook Pros here, it seems to me that the top lid of the new one is obviously thinner and easier to deflect. The older ones seem to have thicker metal and a slight arch or subtle dome shape, which I think is probably structurally more rigid. The new one is completely flat, then the edge of the metal, obviously thin, turns 90 degrees from the flat back plane. I’m not an architect or materials engineer but it seems this structure is not as strong. Of course, I would not jump to this conclusion if it hadn’t broken!

I am pretty sure there was no piece of grit or crumb or anything between the glass and the computer when it was closed.

When I get it back from Apple I’m going to put a ridged case at least on the top to prevent deflection from the back. I’ve already ordered one. And I’m going to put a piece of flannel or microfiber under the screen. I used to do this a long time ago with my laptops but I haven’t bothered for many years.

Damn it shook me up when it happened. I feel like I just barely managed to get it all set up the way I wanted and gotten properly moved into it (it was not the most graceful migration I’ve ever had).

 

[yitwail]

Yeah, as I’ve posted elsewhere, mine cracked at about 3 weeks of ownership I guess. Five battery cycles. I’ve been using Apple laptops for 20 years, never had this before. We’ve still got 2013 and 2014 PowerBook Pros around here. (The 2013 just died for other unknown reasons — it goes black after about a minute of runtime — logic board, SSD, something.). The 2019 16” has been used hard and the screen is perfect.

Sorry to hear about that.

And I’m going to put a piece of flannel or microfiber under the screen. I used to do this a long time ago with my laptops but I haven’t bothered for many years.

I should mind my beeswax but on some recent macbooks, that could damage the screen because the gap between screen and keyboard is very narrow. Also, I don't think you can generalize from other MBP screens to 2021 MBP 14 & 16 because it's mini-LED rather than LCD.

 

[MBAir2010]

in 2019 while shopping for laptops, Dell non-4K had a better screen than MBpro.
even at all angles.
If  made their won screens......

just my 3 cents worth of some explanations

 

[jlehet]

Yeah, I will not put anything between the surfaces. (I did not when it cracked, never have with this computer). I used to do that so long ago. I didn’t have anything on it but just the bare computer.

I do think that putting a rigid cover on the back of the screen is the ticket. As I said above, I feel pretty sure that flexing/deflection is the cause. But I may be wrong. I’ve been down a rabbit hole reading about this all over the web, and it seems to happen to some people when the computer has been open on a desk or table!

 

[MayaUser]

Since he is among very few with this...id say he was the issue for his mac...and on reddit he is the "other" one
The lid can be replace at Apple store if you are bother about it

 

[user198237645]

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252794122?answerId=255634544022&page=1 On the one hand it is quite impressive to read how many people experienced a cracked screen (mostly macbook air it seems), on the other hand one might ask whether the number of complaints still is relatively low given how many people buy macbooks (I guess). Is it possible to compare the current outcry with past outcries concerning alleged or actual macbook product errors?

 

[TracerAnalog]

Maybe not Corning Gorilla glass but whatever this is:

That IS Corning glass.

 

[lclev]

Having read all the post I am feel lucky as I have had no issues - so far. I have had a 14" M1 MBP since November 3rd. I haul it to work and back at least 5 days a week in a padded case.

But: things I have done in my ignorance:
1. Cleaned the screen with eye glasses wipes - non-alcohol type. Never thought about the protective coating or even knew it was there. The screen still looks great but I will avoid using them in the future. Also never worried about pushing on the screen although I was gentle and worked to avoid any pressure at all.

2. Something I have not seen mentioned - case cover. I put a hard plastic case cover on it to protect from scratches. The cover has very thin clips that hold it on along the top and bottom of the MBP. It does provide a very thin gap between the screen and the keyboard. So far it has prevented the keyboard imprints on the screen and no cracking issues. And until I read this thread I never thought the gap could cause issues.

3. Keeping the keyboard dusted and handling it with delicate care. I guess I will pay attention to dusting the keyboard now! And I will admit to picking it up when closed and sliding it in and out of my clamshell stand with little worry about how careful I am. I will keep an eye on than.. now!

I do have AppleCare + but I would like to avoid using it!

Lisa

 

[pshufd]

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

The laptop top seems misaligned with the bottom part at the lower left corner of that picture.

 

[pshufd]

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.

I have a Swissgear Carbon from back in 2008 that I got for my 2008 MacBook Pro 17. It has a lot of padding and a suspension system for the laptop so that damage from dropping the backpack on a floor is minimized. It is a seriously huge backpack though.

 

[pshufd]

Having read all the post I am feel lucky as I have had no issues - so far. I have had a 14" M1 MBP since November 3rd. I haul it to work and back at least 5 days a week in a padded case.

But: things I have done in my ignorance:
1. Cleaned the screen with eye glasses wipes - non-alcohol type. Never thought about the protective coating or even knew it was there. The screen still looks great but I will avoid using them in the future. Also never worried about pushing on the screen although I was gentle and worked to avoid any pressure at all.

2. Something I have not seen mentioned - case cover. I put a hard plastic case cover on it to protect from scratches. The cover has very thin clips that hold it on along the top and bottom of the MBP. It does provide a very thin gap between the screen and the keyboard. So far it has prevented the keyboard imprints on the screen and no cracking issues. And until I read this thread I never thought the gap could cause issues.

3. Keeping the keyboard dusted and handling it with delicate care. I guess I will pay attention to dusting the keyboard now! And I will admit to picking it up when closed and sliding it in and out of my clamshell stand with little worry about how careful I am. I will keep an eye on than.. now!

I do have AppleCare + but I would like to avoid using it!

Lisa

We have a one-year-old M1 Air and a three-month-old M1 Pro 16 and both are fine. I clean the screen with a microfiber cloth that we got from Amazon (25 pack of them). I have read about screen cracks but in the past but haven't heard about the issue in quite some time.

I have 2014 and 2015 MacBook Pros and those were notorious for screen coating issues. I normally just cleaned it with water but just used a dry cloth after learning about the delamination issues. I never experienced the delamination problems myself.

 

[Danfango]

It wasn't really delamination with those ones. We had a couple of people use some "screen cleaner" they got off Amazon on their corp MacBooks which caused the anti glare coating to go slightly cloudy and streaky. After some googling we found out you can with some effort just remove the anti glare coating with some listerine (it's all we had lying around) and sent them back. No complaints.

I clean mine with microfibre cloths. I also learned to point away from the screen when sneezing ?