Apple is officially offering a free repair program for older MacBook Pro models that have been experiencing graphics and video issues as well as unexpected system boots.
Last February 19, Apple launched the MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues to address concerns of MacBook Pro users in relation to video playback, graphics quality and system restarts. Only MacBook Pro models that were purchased between February 2011 and December 2013 will be accepted for this out-of-warranty repair program.
"Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted videos, no videos, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair MacBook Pro systems, free of charge," Apple support stated.
Last October 2014, the tech giant faced a class action lawsuit that highlighted the video issues relating to the MacBook Pro computers released in 2011. To make matters better, Apple will be providing a free repair program for users who are experiencing the said issues if their MacBook Pro laptops were bought in 2011.
The program was already launched in the U.S. and Canada last February 20, Friday. As for users in other countries, they can avail of the free repair program beginning February 27. MacBooks with both Retina and non-Retina displays are included in the program.
Specifically, the models that are accepted in the repair include the 15-inch MacBook Pro models from early and late 2011, 17-inch MacBook Pro models from early and late 2011, 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro from mid-2012 and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro from early 2013.
Other requirements for a MacBook Pro to be included in the program is that it should have unexpected restarts, "distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen" and/or "no video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on."
For MacBook Pro owners who are still in doubt of the eligibility of their laptops, they can take the product to an Apple store or an authorized Apple service provider. They can also have the MacBook directly mailed to Apple.
The repair program will continue on until Feb. 16, 2016 or three years from the date when the product was purchased.
