A small number of users are reporting a potentially serious issue where the LCD screens on Apple's latest M1 MacBook Air and M1 MacBook Pro devices are easily cracked or damaged.
The issue was reported in an Apple Support Communities forum described, in which several users report cracked screens on recently purchased M1 MacBook Air or 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro units. The author of the post claims that the problem occurred overnight "for no apparent reason." The post states:
I left my computer on my desk overnight and when I opened it the next day, the screen had 2 small cracks on the right side that affected the function of the screen.
Specialists at an authorized Apple repair shop said the damage, described as a "contact point crack," is not covered by the company's standard warranty and therefore will not be covered.
M1 MacBook Display: Apple covered the costs in some cases
Others who experienced the same issue and brought their device to an Apple Store were also informed that the damage was a "contact point crack," indicating that foreign objects had become trapped between the display and the upper case. At least one user was told that a "pressure crack" caused by improper handling caused a break in the display glass. For most, the explanations were unsatisfactory, as they claim there were no stray crumbs or debris present before closing the MacBook. Others said they had used the device normally and had not applied excessive force to the display. While Apple covered the repair costs in some cases, many users were forced to pay more than $500 for a screen repair or replacement.
Is Apple hiding a potentially widespread problem?
Nearly 50 people responded to the original post and reported that they had experienced the problem. One Reddit thread, referenced on the Apple forum, seems to confirm the problem, with the first reports coming in December 2020. It remains unclear how many MacBooks are actually affected by the cracked screen anomaly. The cause is also unknown. Some speculate that the gap between the screen and the upper case is too narrow, allowing even the smallest particles to press against the LCD. Now, several members of Apple's support forum believe the company is hiding the problem. But there is no clear evidence that Apple is aware of a widespread problem or has implemented a policy to deny repairs. (Photo by Unsplash / Anh Nhat)
