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mac_head

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 29, 2020
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275
My new 16” MBP M1 Max arrived yesterday and after unboxing I noticed that the screen seems not perfectly laminated to the edge of the display in one tiny spot. I compared it to my old MacBook Air which didn’t have such an issue…

The spot is only noticeable when the light hits it in a certain direction so it’s not affecting my use at all. However, I’m worried that over time dust could slip inside and further “peel off” the display.

What do you guys think? Should I send it back or simply don’t care? I’m getting Apple Care anyway so if there’s a problem within the next years I’d be covered…
 

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randomgeeza

macrumors 6502a
Aug 12, 2014
624
460
United Kingdom
I have the exact same issue... Apple said repair/replace the screen or live with it. I had it documented and thus far have decided to live with it. My guess is, it's a manufacturing mark, which does not impact the performance. But like you, the light has to hit it in a certain way.
 

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mac_head

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 29, 2020
200
275
I have the exact same issue... Apple said repair/replace the screen or live with it. I had it documented and thus far have decided to live with it. My guess is, it's a manufacturing mark, which does not impact the performance. But like you, the light has to hit it in a certain way.

For how long have you been using your new MBP? Has the mark increased in size so far...?
Mine seems to be in the exact same spot, also between the WiFi and Battery icon
 

Six0Four

macrumors 65816
Mar 27, 2020
1,065
1,370
I would get in that crevice between the rubber gasket and glass with something like a business card and slide it over it. My guess is that is a bit of left over anti glare coating.
 

mac_head

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 29, 2020
200
275
I would get in that crevice between the rubber gasket and glass with something like a business card and slide it over it. My guess is that is a bit of left over anti glare coating.
That sounds a bit too dangerous for my taste ?
 

Six0Four

macrumors 65816
Mar 27, 2020
1,065
1,370
That sounds a bit too dangerous for my taste ?

 
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Diablo360

macrumors 6502
Jun 8, 2009
250
101
Looks like the AR coating didn’t apply all the way to the edge. I could see this causing issues down the road.
 

TheBigApple2006

macrumors 6502
Feb 20, 2006
336
65
I don’t think this is specific to any unit. My MBP 16 “has” it too, if I really look for ie, adjust my viewing angle (neck and head) and make light hit it specifically. There is no such effect across the board under normal viewing angles.
I think all units have lamination which ends just before the edge, so light will bounce off it. I get the same effect on the edge of my ipad’s glass screen protector, because it doesn’t reach the edge. So I doubt a replacement would be much better.
 

randomgeeza

macrumors 6502a
Aug 12, 2014
624
460
United Kingdom
For how long have you been using your new MBP? Has the mark increased in size so far...?
Mine seems to be in the exact same spot, also between the WiFi and Battery icon
I've had the unit since December... and it has not increased in size... I don't think it will. It looks behind the glass somehow.

I was gutted at first but would rather not bother falling down an Apple repair rabbit hole. I have been down that route far too many times before with different devices in the past.

I suspect a lot of machines will have it, it's just whether the light and the user hit the "sweet spot" and see it. And whether it bothers them enough to do anything about it.

Apple have documented it on my device and I have decided to leave it for now. If it worsens I have AC+ to fall back on.
 
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mac_head

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 29, 2020
200
275
I've had the unit since December... and it has not increased in size... I don't think it will. It looks behind the glass somehow.

I was gutted at first but would rather not bother falling down an Apple repair rabbit hole. I have been down that route far too many times before with different devices in the past.

I suspect a lot of machines will have it, it's just whether the light and the user hit the "sweet spot" and see it. And whether it bothers them enough to do anything about it.

Apple have documented it on my device and I have decided to leave it for now. If it worsens I have AC+ to fall back on.

Thanks! I’ll do the same. Compared to some other users here on the forum my spot is really tiny and barely noticeable. I’ll move on and enjoy my new machine!
 

mac_head

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 29, 2020
200
275

Okay, I couldn't resist to try out the trick with the business card and it worked for me. The mark is gone. Just make sure you use a card out of paper and not any plastic material that could scratch the screen! THANKS!!
 

randomgeeza

macrumors 6502a
Aug 12, 2014
624
460
United Kingdom
Tried again with paper, and thin(ish) card. Still there. But d'know what, as I said earlier. I'm living with it. Ain't no big deal anymore. Screen still works, it all still works and I have AC+ if it does go south.
 
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mac_head

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 29, 2020
200
275
Tried again with paper, and thin(ish) card. Still there. But d'know what, as I said earlier. I'm living with it. Ain't no big deal anymore. Screen still works, it all still works and I have AC+ if it does go south.
Right decision!
 

blatantblue

macrumors member
Aug 10, 2010
30
27
Tried again with paper, and thin(ish) card. Still there. But d'know what, as I said earlier. I'm living with it. Ain't no big deal anymore. Screen still works, it all still works and I have AC+ if it does go south.
I had a couple marks like that up against the gasket.. Honestly, take an isopropyl alcohol wipe and run it across the edge.. then grab a microfiber cloth.. It'll clean it right up.. I'm almost 100% sure of it. It's residue from them installing the gasket.

IM PRETTY SURE. :)
 

Chevysales

macrumors 6502
Sep 30, 2019
355
335
My new 16” MBP M1 Max arrived yesterday and after unboxing I noticed that the screen seems not perfectly laminated to the edge of the display in one tiny spot. I compared it to my old MacBook Air which didn’t have such an issue…

The spot is only noticeable when the light hits it in a certain direction so it’s not affecting my use at all. However, I’m worried that over time dust could slip inside and further “peel off” the display.

What do you guys think? Should I send it back or simply don’t care? I’m getting Apple Care anyway so if there’s a problem within the next years I’d be covered…
So looked at mine after reading this thread.

Saw very slight spot edge of right side 3” up from bottom.

Took damp microfiber cloth. Not smooth eyeglass type but ones like terry wash cloth.

I always use (Amazon Basic) on all Apple products as it works better than the $20 Apple one I bought.

It removed spot quite easily after a little light rubbing. Checked entire edge and found no other spots. But it’s definitely not glass edge as someone here alluded too.

I’m inclined to believe it’s nothing more than excessive adhesive. Either way I wouldn’t return for that as I have AC+ and if it got worse I’d then return.

I already dealt with the wavy plastic trim and see how COVID/Chip shortage destroyed any QC they used to have on computers so don’t wish to gamble again.

On the higher end ones like my 16” Max 64gb/2tb it’s pretty much a lottery along with a 2 month plus wait. I’ll pass. Darn shame I am even talking about this on a $4400 laptop.

On another note no matter what they say about M2 anyone who thinks the supply and or QC will be different is kidding themselves. They can’t provide the M1’s what makes anyone think they can magically produce M2’s without exact same issues on both QC and SUPPLY?
 
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Chevysales

macrumors 6502
Sep 30, 2019
355
335
My feelings exactly and we've got the same machine spec wise... 16" 32/10 64 2TB. And it is a gamble, better the devil you know...
Exactly!!!!

And todays news about tighter restraints for 3rd qtr tells me we get what we get. I don’t see it getting better.
 

jav6454

macrumors Core
Nov 14, 2007
22,303
6,264
1 Geostationary Tower Plaza
I sorta skimmed thru the thread, but have you taken it to a nearby Apple Store for a quick check? It seems like a manufacturing defect that can be addressed.

My new 16” MBP M1 Max arrived yesterday and after unboxing I noticed that the screen seems not perfectly laminated to the edge of the display in one tiny spot. I compared it to my old MacBook Air which didn’t have such an issue…

The spot is only noticeable when the light hits it in a certain direction so it’s not affecting my use at all. However, I’m worried that over time dust could slip inside and further “peel off” the display.

What do you guys think? Should I send it back or simply don’t care? I’m getting Apple Care anyway so if there’s a problem within the next years I’d be covered…
 
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