Apple Offers Extended Coverage For 2011-2013 MacBook Pros With Video Issues

Apple is offering a new repair program that extends coverage for certain MacBook Pro models made between 2011 and 2013 that are exhibiting problems related to video. The program offers either free repairs on affected models, or reimbursement for repairs already paid for by users. To check if your MacBook Pro is among those covered by the extension, head to Apple’s support tool and enter the serial number that you can find on your machine’s “About This Mac” dialog box under the ‘’ menu in OS X.

Models that may be affected include the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro, as well as the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, provided they were manufactured during the 2011 to 2013 time span. Symptoms your machine may be exhibiting if it’s affected include video distortion, lack of video or image despite a powered-on computer, or unexpected system restarts.

Only in the case of a Mac actually showing these symptoms should you contact Apple to take advantage of the repair program, since otherwise you most likely don’t have a problem.

Apple has generally been very good about extending warranties when it finds more system problems affecting models out of warranty. The company provided an official statement to TechCrunch regarding the repair program extension:

We’ve found that a small percentage of MacBook Pro models sold between February 2011 and December 2013 may exhibit video issues and we will repair those systems free of charge. We are contacting customers who paid for a repair through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to arrange a reimbursement. Customers can learn more about the repair program, including affected models, service options and repair reimbursement information at http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/.