New Macbook Air wobbles

[Alicia1]

Mine (MacBook Air M1, 2020) wobbled when I pressed on the lower right corner. I laid the laptop in such a way that the upper left diagonal half was on the table and the bottom right diagonal half was hanging just off the table. Then I just pressed down on both corners with a gentle force and now it lays perfectly flat. Looks like these do bend quite easily.

I picked up a new m1 the other night and low and behold it wobbled on the front left, so yesterday I decided to buy another one to test out while at the shops, this one wobbled on the right and was worse! So I immediately put it back in the box and took it back into the store to request a refund.

The staff member had a look and was surprised it wobbled so he took it out the back to the technicians. When he came back he said it doesn't wobble anymore. I asked what did they do and he said the technicians did what what Oleg posted! So I got the refund, went out to my car and grabbed the one I bought the other night into the store. They took it out the back and now it doesn't wobble.

The technicians said it is actually the top plate that has a slight twist, not the bottom plate.

I had the intel 2020 model and also a lower spec m1 model when it first came out (which I sold a couple of months ago and regretted) that didn't have any wobble. This is the first time I have experienced this and it's very annoying.


*** Well it has become wobbly again, I have no intention on keeping it if it needs to be bent back into shape every couple of days. I have placed an order online for a custom config so lets see how that one goes. This is so annoying, grrrrrrr

 

[JuanitoIvanisios]

*** Well it has become wobbly again, I have no intention on keeping it if it needs to be bent back into shape every couple of days. I have placed an order online for a custom config so lets see how that one goes. This is so annoying, grrrrrrr

I have tried bending it prior going to the Apple store as well. Like you said, it fixed it for a short period only. I have to admit that I haven't tried applying a lot of force, to prevent any damage, though. After the bottom plate change, the wobbling has not returned, and it has been several weeks since the service was done. I doubt, that this will be a fix for every unit though, as it can very well be a combination of top case and bottom case not being built perfect. The work order mentioned the check of the unit, and if needed, replacing bottom case / top case or both.

 

[Alicia1]

Took my wobbly one back today and will wait for my custom order, I really hope it will be ok 🤞

Can't believe 2 in a row wobbled, the 2nd one was worse. I wonder just how many are sold that do wobble and either people don't notice or don't care.

A lady was buying an air while I was at the apple store, felt like saying to her maybe you should check it doesn't wobble.

On another note, in the past when I have had to return a macbook for an issue, the store would always just check the serial and issue the refund. Today however they had to take it out the back and make sure it wasn't water damaged, they said it is a new policy. I have bought soooooooo much from my store over the years and they know me well so I am surprised this happened.

 

[ghanwani]

On another note, in the past when I have had to return a macbook for an issue, the store would always just check the serial and issue the refund. Today however they had to take it out the back and make sure it wasn't water damaged, they said it is a new policy.

I just returned a couple of laptops recently and they didn't check for water damage before issuing the refund.

 

[NC_Bulldog]

I bought a refurbished M1 Air from the on-line Apple Store which also wobbles when sitting on flat surfaces. Today was the last day of the 14 day return period, so I sent it back today. When one pays $1,200 for a laptop, one should expect it to be free of defects.

I was very happy with the Air except for the wobble. I'll order another one and hope it doesn't have the same problem. If it wobbles, I'll try the gentle flex repair suggested before returning it.

 

[Spacegray]

I just bought a Magic Mouse 2 in spacegray - it wobbles too.
So wobbling seems to be Apple's corporate philosophy.

 

[Gabriel_99]

Hello Everyone! I've bought brand new Macbook Air M1 a week ago, and during this period started noticing that bottom right corner of my MBA on some surfaces like tables or floor doesn't stick to them. It's lifted up by 1-2mm(depends on surface, open or closed lid is). And it leads to wobbling effect, when I'm pressing on the right palm rest there is a tiny movement. However, it happens not everywhere, for example, it can wobble on left side of my table, but putting it on the right side "magically" solves problem, or it can be stable on smth. but after rotating by 90 degrees gap between Macbook feet appears and I can feel movement. Firstly I thought it can be because of not completely flat surface that laptop is standing, but I've checked them with my MBP 16" and it's absolutely alright. Maybe it is because of thin design and really lightweight part under keyboard or it can be a little bit bent, but not visible at all. So maybe anyone else also have faced with this problem on M1 MBA or on previous generations, has someone fixed it? Unfortunately, I won't be able to return it in near future because the closest Apple Store is quite far away from me. And I really don't want to return this amazing laptop, because in other aspects everything is absolutely great.

Hello Everyone! I've bought brand new Macbook Air M1 a week ago, and during this period started noticing that bottom right corner of my MBA on some surfaces like tables or floor doesn't stick to them. It's lifted up by 1-2mm(depends on surface, open or closed lid is). And it leads to wobbling effect, when I'm pressing on the right palm rest there is a tiny movement. However, it happens not everywhere, for example, it can wobble on left side of my table, but putting it on the right side "magically" solves problem, or it can be stable on smth. but after rotating by 90 degrees gap between Macbook feet appears and I can feel movement. Firstly I thought it can be because of not completely flat surface that laptop is standing, but I've checked them with my MBP 16" and it's absolutely alright. Maybe it is because of thin design and really lightweight part under keyboard or it can be a little bit bent, but not visible at all. So maybe anyone else also have faced with this problem on M1 MBA or on previous generations, has someone fixed it? Unfortunately, I won't be able to return it in near future because the closest Apple Store is quite far away from me. And I really don't want to return this amazing laptop, because in other aspects everything is absolutely great.

Hi, i am facing a problem with my macbook air m1 chip which is less than 2 months old. i have been to the apple store a grand total of 3 times for this problem. the first time, the mac technician changed the entire bottom case including the keyboard but it still did not resolve the problem that i only came to notice when i brought it home. the 2nd time, the technician brought it in for screening and within 2hrs they gave me a call but when i came to collect it, the first table that i tried it on it was uneven so we sent it back in. the 3rd time, the technician admitted that most of the tables in the apple store at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore were uneven so they tested it on the glass table where the apple watches were on display. i could feel a slight unevenness but the technician said that it was due to the fact that the feet are round. they loosened a few screws at the bottom to “resolve” the issue. if you look closely at the photo attached at below, you can very clearly see that the bottom right foot of the mac is lifted off the table. i am very disappointed with the fact that i have had to call apple at least 5 times regarding this issue and have been to the apple store 3 times just to receive the macbook back with the same issue.

 

[Quackington]

Hi, i am facing a problem with my macbook air m1 chip which is less than 2 months old. i have been to the apple store a grand total of 3 times for this problem. the first time, the mac technician changed the entire bottom case including the keyboard but it still did not resolve the problem that i only came to notice when i brought it home. the 2nd time, the technician brought it in for screening and within 2hrs they gave me a call but when i came to collect it, the first table that i tried it on it was uneven so we sent it back in. the 3rd time, the technician admitted that most of the tables in the apple store at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore were uneven so they tested it on the glass table where the apple watches were on display. i could feel a slight unevenness but the technician said that it was due to the fact that the feet are round. they loosened a few screws at the bottom to “resolve” the issue. if you look closely at the photo attached at below, you can very clearly see that the bottom right foot of the mac is lifted off the table. i am very disappointed with the fact that i have had to call apple at least 5 times regarding this issue and have been to the apple store 3 times just to receive the macbook back with the same issue.

I reckon you should return it and get your money back if you can, or insist on one that doesn’t have this problem.

I regret not sorting a problem my old 12” PowerBook G4 from 2003 had, the bottom panel stuck out at the back. But I was much younger back then and didn’t think much of it, despite having spent a chunk of money on it!

 

[goldenleaf]

Mine wobbles too, and after removing the screws I see this. Is the bottom case not fitting in perfecting and resulting in the wobble?

 

[MandiMac]

View attachment 1836853
Mine wobbles too, and after removing the screws I see this. Is the bottom case not fitting in perfecting and resulting in the wobble?

Yep, seems like it. The repair team told me that they exchanged the bottom case and now it's perfect.

 

[robook]

Hello Everyone! I've bought brand new Macbook Air M1 a week ago, and during this period started noticing that bottom right corner of my MBA on some surfaces like tables or floor doesn't stick to them. It's lifted up by 1-2mm(depends on surface, open or closed lid is). And it leads to wobbling effect, when I'm pressing on the right palm rest there is a tiny movement. However, it happens not everywhere, for example, it can wobble on left side of my table, but putting it on the right side "magically" solves problem, or it can be stable on smth. but after rotating by 90 degrees gap between Macbook feet appears and I can feel movement. Firstly I thought it can be because of not completely flat surface that laptop is standing, but I've checked them with my MBP 16" and it's absolutely alright. Maybe it is because of thin design and really lightweight part under keyboard or it can be a little bit bent, but not visible at all. So maybe anyone else also have faced with this problem on M1 MBA or on previous generations, has someone fixed it? Unfortunately, I won't be able to return it in near future because the closest Apple Store is quite far away from me. And I really don't want to return this amazing laptop, because in other aspects everything is absolutely great.

Same but I haven't returned it

 

[Fred Zed]

Hi, i am facing a problem with my macbook air m1 chip which is less than 2 months old. i have been to the apple store a grand total of 3 times for this problem. the first time, the mac technician changed the entire bottom case including the keyboard but it still did not resolve the problem that i only came to notice when i brought it home. the 2nd time, the technician brought it in for screening and within 2hrs they gave me a call but when i came to collect it, the first table that i tried it on it was uneven so we sent it back in. the 3rd time, the technician admitted that most of the tables in the apple store at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore were uneven so they tested it on the glass table where the apple watches were on display. i could feel a slight unevenness but the technician said that it was due to the fact that the feet are round. they loosened a few screws at the bottom to “resolve” the issue. if you look closely at the photo attached at below, you can very clearly see that the bottom right foot of the mac is lifted off the table. i am very disappointed with the fact that i have had to call apple at least 5 times regarding this issue and have been to the apple store 3 times just to receive the macbook back with the same issue.

I can clearly see that corner raised in the air by at least 5mm.

 

[noobmacbookuser]

Hello Everyone! I've bought brand new Macbook Air M1 a week ago, and during this period started noticing that bottom right corner of my MBA on some surfaces like tables or floor doesn't stick to them. It's lifted up by 1-2mm(depends on surface, open or closed lid is). And it leads to wobbling effect, when I'm pressing on the right palm rest there is a tiny movement. However, it happens not everywhere, for example, it can wobble on left side of my table, but putting it on the right side "magically" solves problem, or it can be stable on smth. but after rotating by 90 degrees gap between Macbook feet appears and I can feel movement. Firstly I thought it can be because of not completely flat surface that laptop is standing, but I've checked them with my MBP 16" and it's absolutely alright. Maybe it is because of thin design and really lightweight part under keyboard or it can be a little bit bent, but not visible at all. So maybe anyone else also have faced with this problem on M1 MBA or on previous generations, has someone fixed it? Unfortunately, I won't be able to return it in near future because the closest Apple Store is quite far away from me. And I really don't want to return this amazing laptop, because in other aspects everything is absolutely great.

can you please provide ME THE EXACT SERVICE CENTRE LOCATION FROM WHERE YOU GOT THE REPLACEMENT? BECAUSE SERVICE CENTRE HERE IS DENYING MY CLAIM AND I HAVE SAME PROBLEM.

its urgent please respond fast.
thank you

 

[noobmacbookuser]

Hello Everyone! I've bought brand new Macbook Air M1 a week ago, and during this period started noticing that bottom right corner of my MBA on some surfaces like tables or floor doesn't stick to them. It's lifted up by 1-2mm(depends on surface, open or closed lid is). And it leads to wobbling effect, when I'm pressing on the right palm rest there is a tiny movement. However, it happens not everywhere, for example, it can wobble on left side of my table, but putting it on the right side "magically" solves problem, or it can be stable on smth. but after rotating by 90 degrees gap between Macbook feet appears and I can feel movement. Firstly I thought it can be because of not completely flat surface that laptop is standing, but I've checked them with my MBP 16" and it's absolutely alright. Maybe it is because of thin design and really lightweight part under keyboard or it can be a little bit bent, but not visible at all. So maybe anyone else also have faced with this problem on M1 MBA or on previous generations, has someone fixed it? Unfortunately, I won't be able to return it in near future because the closest Apple Store is quite far away from me. And I really don't want to return this amazing laptop, because in other aspects everything is absolutely great.

if you can provide me with your case id ; i can show apple that similar case was resolved by apple. Because they hare not willing to fix it.

 

[noobmacbookuser]

What happened with your device?
Did you visit them and did they fix or or replace it?

can you give me your case id? apple in my country is not helping me, if I show them your case id they might help me out.
thanks

 

[noobmacbookuser]

We had the issue with the first M1 Air we got in December and they sent us a replacement. (The replacement was perfect) It's more than a cosmetic problem. It's annoying. (And yes, we thought we were going crazy thinking it was our table.)

View attachment 1747526

BRO CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME YOUR CASE ID. SERVICE CENTRE IN INDIA is not helping me out. Maybe if i show them your case id they might help and consider it.

 

[Kafka]

Mine does it a little sometimes. Extremely annoying. When it happens I grab the computer from both sides and gently twist it the opposite way and then it's fine.

 

[casjohnr]

My brand new one is doing this on the bottom left corner, looks to have been manufactured November 2021 too so a pretty new batch :/

If I bought it from a third party retailer (brand new) can the Apple Store look at it if I book genius bar or does it need to be dealt with by the original retailer? My problem is I got a really good price on it and the retailer are now out of stock so I suspect they would only be able to offer a refund and everything else is perfect with the device so annoying!

 

[ghanwani]

My brand new one is doing this on the bottom left corner, looks to have been manufactured November 2021 too so a pretty new batch :/

If I bought it from a third party retailer (brand new) can the Apple Store look at it if I book genius bar or does it need to be dealt with by the original retailer? My problem is I got a really good price on it and the retailer are now out of stock so I suspect they would only be able to offer a refund and everything else is perfect with the device so annoying!

Apple will fix it per warranty, but if you want to get it exchanged you'll probably need to go through the retailer.

 

[marzfreerider]

Just got mine today and it wobbles opened or closed left to right diagonally. Mainly the right lower that causes this. If I put a business card under the right lower pad it's fine. Contacted Apple and they offered a replacement. Going to take it to a certified Apple repair place tomorrow to see if they can fix it. Don't want to be out a computer for probably 3 weeks at least. Waited 2 weeks for this one to show up. Literally opened the box and put on my desk for this to happen, tested 3 different surfaces and all had this result. Hoping it will be an easy fix tomorrow, if not its going back.

 

[casjohnr]

Sounds like a pretty common issue from further reading I've done on here and a few other sites, weird how some are bottom right and some are bottom left (like mine)

I tested it, the bottom left I can slide under a A4 piece of paper but it gets blocked if I try the same bottom right - this is a glass surface too so it isn't my desk

 

[outlawarth]

What surface is the best way to test this on? Just to ensure it’s not the surface that causes the wobble?

 

[Heelpir8]

What surface is the best way to test this on?

A flat one.

 

[marzfreerider]

Took it in to be looked at and they couldn't correct the issue. Already on its way back to Apple.

 

[Spacegray]

What surface is the best way to test this on? Just to ensure it’s not the surface that causes the wobble?

Glas desk