It only took two lawsuits, an online petition and years of user complaints, but Apple is going to fix a MacBook Pro video glitch.
The news will likely make owners of 2011 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro devices and those using the 15-inch Retina-equipped MacBook Pro, made from midyear of 2012 to early 2013, very happy if they love to watch, create and run videos on their MacBook Pros.
Why? Well, because ever since they got the said MacBook Pros, the video function on their laptops may have been less than stellar, with grainy unstable video that likely provided black screens at points.
In a support notice, Apple stated the glitch affected just a small number of MacBook Pro models sold between February 2011 and December 2013 and outlined what device owners need to do now to avail of the repair.
"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," stated an Apple support post.
The video feature has come under great scrutiny for years, prompting a popular Change.org petition movement and even initiating two class action federal legal battles.
The repair program is actually available to all MacBook Pro owners. Device owners need to enter the laptop's serial number to find out if their laptop is in need of repair by enrolling it in the program.
If yes, the repair program will be available through Feb. 27, 2016 or three years since the device purchase date. The free repair program is being offered at Apple retail stores and authorized service partners and even by sending the laptop directly to Apple itself.
However, if you've already paid to have the annoying video glitch fixed, Apple will refund the cost.
This isn't the lone video glitch Apple has been hearing complaints about. In August 2013, Apple began a repair program for iMacs.
Raj Dsouza, who began his Change.org petition for the MacBook Pro video fix in late 2013, is hoping Apple's action puts an end to any video issues.
"Though this step is just repair and not a replacement, it's the first step of acknowledging that there is a problem," Dsouza said. "We are very close to [an] end of 2011 MacBook Pro issues."
