If you opened your M1 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air and noticed the screen has randomly cracked, you’re not alone. As first spotted by 9to5Mac, it appears that screen cracks have been appearing for owners of these new laptops. And no, this is not a series of folks who are intentionally breaking their screens. Instead, many of the comments from Reddit and Apple’s Support Communities are stating that these appeared just after normal use.
Here are some of the comments that we have seen so far:
I purchased a m1 Mac air three months ago. Then last Friday I used it, closed the lid, and on Monday I opened the lid again, the screen was cracked. Didn’t touch the computer at all during the weekend. The surface of the screen is smooth but inside seemed cracked. – /u/ZenPhilosophy
I bought a MacBook Air M1 6 months ago and the screen cracked for no apparent reason. I left my computer on the top of my desk during the night and the next day I opened it the screen had 2 small cracks on the right which damaged the functioning of the screen. I contacted an authorized apple center which told me apple warranty would not cover it as it is a contact point crack; as if I have left something the size of a rice berry between the screen and the keyboard. – laura8lx
In most cases, it seems that Apple is offering to repair these cracked screens for free. But that’s not the case for everyone, as some have had to come out of pocket to get the screen replaced.
It’s also unclear what is causing the display of the Mac to crack to begin with. The M1 MacBook Pro and Air both offer the same design as the Intel versions. Plus, in many of these cases the user simply closes the lid and comes back later to a cracked display.
If this continued to be a wide-spread issue, perhaps the best course of action is to be as careful as possible with your MacBook. Maybe we could see some type of formal announcement with recourse from Apple. But that’s unlikely to happen unless the reports continue to grow.
Let us know if you’ve run into any of these issues with your M1 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
Same story as so many I have read below. Three days ago I opened my computer and there were vertical colored lines on the right side of my screen and a horizontal black one running across the bottom. I don’t have an Apple store nearby so was trying to figure out how to get this problem addressed. Meanwhile, the next day I noticed a hairline crack about 3 inches long coming up from the bottom right corner. Today the crack runs all the way up to the top of the screen. The screen glass is smooth to the touch so the crack must be under the surface. I am super gentle with my computer and it just sits on a desk every day so I did nothing to create this crack. Doesn’t sound like Apple was a lot of help to many people regarding this problem and this is going to be expensive to fix. Extremely aggravating.
this is exactly whats happened to me but i literally only broke my phone a few months ago and now i just want to make it last as long as possible before the lines ruin the whole screen (the “crack” is on the bottom right and has happened to me before) as i don’t want to pay for a continuous fault with my computer, i don’t know what to do
Just happened to me, seemed to be spontaneous , was looking at the Apple site ironically when lines appeared on bottom and left hand side of the screen.
Contacted Apple and will send to them for repair.
I have the same problem; my screen crashed when I cleaned it. And two or three weeks ago, I started hearing some sounds inside my M1, like there’s sand inside my laptop. It’s very strange that Apple hasn’t done anything about it.
This is my second Macbook Pro this has happened to. Last time, Apple made me wait three months for them to decide they couldn’t fix it and offered me a brand new laptop. That was almost three years ago, hopefully their turn around on fixing it or making a decision has gotten quicker (inset eye roll here).
Same issue here. Closed the lid, no debris or anything that could damage the screen. Next thing I opened the lid and a crack was there. Its a M1 pro MAX. Within one year warranty now hope this will be covered.
After 6 mo, the same thing happened to my daughters lap top! Total crap! One night fine, next morning the screen is cracked. Apple store wanted full price to repair it.
Closed my MacBook Air on Friday. It was working fine. Left it in my desk. Came back Monday morning and found the screen cracked. The screen won’t stay on.
This just happened to me and I felt like I was going crazy. I know I didn’t damage it myself because it didn’t leave my desk and nothing fell on it. Glad I found this article, I’m hoping Apple doesn’t charge me for the fix.
I was able to get my cracked screen repaired by Apple, out of warranty. I posted my experience on the Apple community forum thread about M1 screens cracking and it was rejected “because it contained off-topic or non-technical posts”. The exact post is below:
I just had Apple replace my screen despite being 1 year out of warranty. My story is that I’m in New Zealand. I bought a MacBook M1 in 2021. I only use it for business so I virtually never close the laptop because it’s left on a desk in my home office hooked up to some screens. One day about two months ago I closed the screen to take the laptop upstairs. Upon opening the laptop upstairs, I find that the screen is cracked in the lower left hand corner and I have lines running out the left-hand side and all along the bottom of the screen. A quick google search revealed this is a common problem so although the MacBook was out of warranty, I felt I would have a claim against Apple under New Zealand consumer law. Our law here says that a product must be “fit for the purpose it is sold for” and should last for a “reasonable amount of time” in line with what a reasonable consumer would expect, and this law supersedes any manufacturers warranty. I felt that I should be able to expect my MacBook M1 to last up to 5 years given the price point and lifespan of Macbooks I’ve previously owned. I also felt I should be able to open and close a laptop without the screen breaking for no reason at two years of ownership. So I talked to Apple online and told them my thoughts & intention and they told me I have to take it to an authorised repair outlet to be assessed. So I took the computer to the authorised repair outlet and told them that I wanted the computer screen assessed, not repaired, as per Apple‘s instructions, so that I could make a small claims court case against them for the cost of the screen repair. The authorized repairer came back to me saying Apple would cover and I now have a fully repaired screen covered by Apple despite being 1 year out of warranty. I’m 100% confident I would have won the small claims court case under NZ consumer law and I’m also sure that’s why the repair was done. Good luck to others with this issue and I hope my experience gives you some hope if your country has some reasonable consumer protection laws.
I regularly closed my laptop last night and when I woke up this morning the left side of my computer has been cracked. I have done nothing but go to sleep and wake up. When I googled this issue it seems like this is a thing. My computer is past its limited warranty at this time. This is unacceptable.
Screen has cracked a 2nd time now after normal use. I have already paid $500 to replace the screen. this crack came out of nowhere. Very disappointed. I have never had a problem with Mac screens until the MacBook Air M1. It’s a disaster.
The screen of my Pro also cracked. And while I hear the rationale about debris and tape/sticker possibly contributing to this, mine my open. I was using it, got up to do something, came back to continue working again and it was cracked.
this is exactly whats happened to me but i literally only broke my phone a few months ago and now i just want to make it last as long as possible before the lines ruin the whole screen (the “crack” is on the bottom right and has happened to me before)
I discovered cracks in my screen yesterday.Three weeks old .i was told that i must have dropped it or closed the screen on something.Was told it would be over $800 for a new screen and possibly more if there is other damage.
I opted to buy a new computer as i thought the other must must have been damaged at the factory.
very disappointed with Apple.How long will it take them to address this issue.
This just happened to me last week and I dealt with Apple today. To say I am disappointed and frustrated with their customer service is an understatement. I closed my laptop at 830pm like normal on Wednesday leaving work as I normally do. Opened it in the conference room on Thursday morning for a meeting and the screen had a couple lines on the right side. No scratches, no dent, no physical damage at all the the screen or the outside of the computer. Took it to a tech store that works with Apple and they agreed there was nothing visible, however, they feared Apple wouldn’t cover it so they said they would have to mail it in or I would need to take it to Apple. 3 visits later I finally got in with a tech. They said it wasn’t under warranty and that it was something I did. I responded with “What, I used it?” I told them there was absolutely nothing I could have done. And that there is no visible damage and I have only had it for 4 months. I have other mac products including an older MacBook Pro and have never submitted a warranty claim ever. I have never had this issue. They are charging me $760 to replace it which is insane. They know the customer cant do anything so they just refuse to cover it. Maybe Apple should consider trusting its customers and working with them unless they have a history of trying to submit warranty claims with them. What benefit do customers have in having to take it in and not having a computer for a week or longer to get it fixed and risking having to pay for it. What exactly does a customer gain from that?! Nothing. And we already pay a lot of money for the product in general. This is Apple being cheap in products and with their customers. Why make a laptop that cant handle normal wear and tear of use for a few months?! Very frustrated and reconsidering all my Apple products.
My 2021 MacBook Pro just experienced a tiny crack. I have been with apple since the 90’s. This last computer was kept at home safely and to keep it protected, I only moved it sparingly. I basically own an expensive desktop that is not portable anymore. Apple just told me they could repair it for 800.00 or I could buy a new one. Not sure where to turn to. My computer has not been exposed to elements and was used in a temp controlled area.
This has happened three time, once to my youngest daughter’s computer and twice to my eldest daughter’s computer.
I took it to Apple and they said they had no knowledge of any issues with the screens but then proceeded to tell me that they were not surprised to see the issue and that my daughters must have closed the screen on something such as the cord.
They would not take down my account of what happened into the notes that they were sending to the repair team. I was surprised at this as surely it is relevant the circumstances around what has occurred. It was only after I insisted that the assistant agreed it write it down what had happened. That is, the girls were using the computer, they closed the screen and went away. When they returned there was a band of discolouration in the screen. Then the screen cracked slowly over the next few days before we had a chance to take it to the store for repair. Additionally, when my daughter first took it in she was told it was going to cost $1500 to fix and then when I went in and was questioning them more they then quoted my $1250.
If the screens crack this easily they are not fit for use, as what my girls experienced and what everyone else is reporting is standard everyday use of a computer. I have had another Mac book pro for 7 years, it has been dropped banged etc and it is still in great working order and the screen has never cracked. There is obviously a fault with these generations of the M1 Mac book pros. I am currently waiting for a reply as to whether they will fix it for free or charge me $1250. Given this is the second time I am worried about paying money in case it happens again and I am also worried about buying a new one in case it has the same fault. Not sure what to do.
Had the same issue just a few days ago on my M2 macbook pro. Opened it in the morning to find the screen cracked and apple said they will “evaluate” if it can be covered by the warranty or not as it is a crack point. Total nonsense
I had the same issue MacBook Air 6 months old went to use it and the screen appeared to be internally cracked for no reason at all always been kept on a desk, And looked after
I feel your pain. I opened my 2020 13” MBP this morning to notice two nasty looking cracks on the display at the hinge sites. I have taken immaculate care of my computer. I never transport it. anywhere, It stays in the same place in my house 99% of the time.
M2 Macbook Air purchased July 2022. Still under warranty. Lines and flickering on bottom and right side. Apple Genius accused my daughter of cracking or dropping the laptop. Not a knick or dent whatsoever. Wanted over $400 to repair. When I contested, the apple genius ran away and asked the that I call 1-800 apple from the store. I did and they wasted 2 hours my time trying to get the laptop to boot in safe mode and then updating OS. Still not fixed. After seeing many of the same experiences here, have sent an email to apply asking that they fix the display for no more than the apple care price under $100. Owner of 6 Apple computers, 5 iPhones, 3 iPads and an Apple Watch across the family. I hope they treat us like a good customer expects to be treated. And don’t stick us with their design flaw.
Yes, I open my Mac air this morning and screen is cracked on left hand side and has coloured strips vertical and horizontal. I have had it 2 years and have always taken good care of it. Went to Apple repair today and they suggested I check home insurance.
I said heaps of people are having this issue and was ignored.
Is it really worth repair when it might crack again?
Any news on whether this is an issue on macair2.
I also had that kind of issue with my MacBook Air 2020, never drop it nor put in with other stuff in my laptop bag, and I also wear it with extra case protector (smooth case at the inside and hard case at the outside)). I experiencing sudden internal crack while the external surface’s side as smooth as a new laptop. Really break my heart as LCD’s price in developing country like Indonesia way more expensive than other countries. 🙁
I had other laptop from acer and hp which almost 12 years age and never experiencing these kind of things even after I dropped the laptop and never use any protective case. :”(
I don’t know how my screen stated to be defective. I went to the Apple Store in Boca and they implied I broke the screen.
My computer doesn’t not even have a starch and I bought the plastic cases to take extra care.
Very disappointed ☹️
Me and my wife have several products including desktop, lop tops, iPhones & iPod and will not be the same after getting a legit claim down.
Yes, I’m on my third screen. I was careful with the first two but have been even more extremely careful with this one. I opened it up yesterday and there is a tiny point with a thin line running both directions so it’s the beginning of the end for this screen as well. I have absolutely no idea of anything that could have caused it.
I am so upset. I barely use my MacBook M1 Pro and I always have my MacBook Pro inside of the bag case. Today I opened my laptop and I saw this rude black cracked on the screen. Took me years to be able to invest 4 thousands cad dollars on this laptop. I hope I can contact someone that will be able to help get my screen fixed with no charge.
MacBook MI air bought 28.11.22.
I used
it occasionally . It was left flat on my desk. I opened it one morning in early January 2023 to find screen completely distorted. Apple call this ‘customer induced damage’ and are refusing to honour the guarantee. It will cost £498 to repair.
I have also been told now, but not at the time of purchase, that this machine is extremely fragile, has to be opened with 2 hands. Presumably it will therefore go on cracking at random because of this fragility. Apparently even closing a crumb in the machine can do it. (My laptop was nowhere near any crumbs!)
I have the same problem. Last year, less than half a year after the date of purchase, a pinpoint crack appeared as if it pierced the screen, and there was no explanation for it. An Apple employee told me it was most likely my fault and they refused to help. Since then, recently I had noticed two other small dots but they are behind the screen. I haven’t closed the laptop or cleaned it since I noticed the first crack to avoid pressure or scratching the screen. Now I wonder when it will completely break. I paid over $2,500 and I regret the purchase as I don’t want to spend another $800 fixing the screen. When I use it, I am always stressed about not touching the screen at all, so it doesn’t get more damage.
I has the same kind of issue.
My display of m1 macbook air was found broken when I opened it one morning. I could not afford to get it fixed. Now, I am using it by connecting to monitor.
My Macbook Pro screen cracked and I know I have been careful with it. I am now in the process of having to get a new screen as this crack resulted in a black screen. It is less than one year old. 3200 dollars. This known problem should not be happening. I never had an issue with previous Airs, Pros or iPads. I bought this thing thinking I might travel with it. There is no way on earth I can travel with this given it is so sensitive to cracking.
My new MacBook is less than 60 days old and the bezel is cracked in the lower right hand corner. Heartbroken.
My previous MacBook is in perfect condition after 5 years of continuous use.
Feel I threw away my money.
I just bought 2 M2 MacBook airs. 12/22/22 +AirPods. They had no heat in the store and there is no visible area of contact that created a crack. Although, I was told $540? To fix bc we didn’t have apple care. At first the screen was black yesterday it had partially shown screen and a total different area that I was told was cracked. Hmmm! I wanted to let all know and I’m reaching out to every consumer protection agency that I can. Thank you and I hope there’s a resolution soon. It also is going to take 15 days to fix my computer. This is almost longer than I had it bc I reported it cracked Jan 15.
I have faced the issue myself too. No matter how much I explained the authorised dealer in India wouldn’t believe or agree that it was not caused by any damage. The laptop was perfectly fine until I found the damaged screen to my utter shock. I couldn’t believe what I saw. It just went from my cabinet safely in a silicon sleeve and to the computer table. Warranty is not covering it. Very disappointed with Apple response to fix this.
Happened on my son’s machine – 6 weeks old. Apple (UK) insisted it was accidental damage, not their fault, and wouldn’t budge unless we paid the £600 repair. Everyone denied they’d ever heard of this being a recurrent problem. Am going down the consumer act claim route (once I’ve got the machine back).
Happened to me yesterday. 11 month old MBP M1. Used it for an hour, went away for 20 minutes, came back and vertical lines down right side of screen. Apple service claim accidental damage and refuse to repair under warranty.
Cracked screen for no apparent reason 2 times within 2 weeks! Opening and closing the screen gently should not cause this. We spent over $400 the first time driving 1 and 1/2 hours to and from Apple repair store, they did ship it back to us and within 2 weeks it happened in the opposite bottom corner.
I purchased a new MacBook Air on 3/24. It has been on my desk; I have used an external keyboard and mouse since I got it. Yesterday I closed it and moved it to another room. When I opened it, it was cracked. The keyboard is clean. I set it down on my bed and then opened it up.
I contacted Apple, and they will not return it. I am flabbergasted.
Mine happened on the bottom left corner about in 1 inch in
My son is on screen number two same issue. Does anyone know if you can get a new Apple without that screen. We can’t afford to keep buying new screens. Any info would be awesome.
I bought a Macbook Pro nearly one month ago. I didn’t use it a lot, say four-five times. And one morning I opened the device: stripes on the display. At the Apple Store Amsterdam, they recognise a small point in the display (only to see by the camera of an iPhone) and indeed I have to pay € 919 to repair the Macbook. Wow, I just bought it for € 2740 ! With no garantuee it wil not happen again off cause. What a shame, I don’t know what to do yet, but I’m ripped off.
Mine is also a late model M1 Mac Pro and I had my screen replaced under Apple Care (costing me $99) due to a crack in the bottom of the bezel. I had no idea what caused the crack, but I suspected something small must’ve been there without my knowledge to cause it, and I blamed myself. However, when I opened my laptop to use it this morning, the new screen as a crack, either in the same spot, or very close to it, and II have been extremely careful of it. It has only been about a month since my first repair! I have also owned multiple Macs (both Air and Pro) and never had a problem with the screen. It’s interesting to note that most everyone has mentioned the damage has occurred on the bottom of their screen.
I have a late model 2020 M1 Apple MacBook Air and the black strip is cracking or delaminating at the hinge area as well. I have had many Macbook’s and I am always careful with them and I have never seen that Logo strip show cracks before.
I purchased my MacBook Pro (13 inch 2017) in 2019, and last week upon waking up and opening my laptop which was placed safely on a desk the night before, I noticed a crack on the bottom left of my screen upon opening it the next morning. The employee at the Apple store emphasised that this could not have in any way be accidental or have been what I identified as pertaining to the flexgate issue, and has occured as a result of excessive pressure, thus requiring me to pay $800 to replace the display. There is no visible physical damage to the laptop, further with no explanation as to how such damage could have been my fault, and this is surely an issue I should not be required to pay for.
I opened my MacBook Pro to begin working this morning only to find a black screen and a crack on the bottom left side. It wasn’t cracked when i closed it on Friday and it didn’t move until I opened it this morning. I’m currently in line at Best Buy and thought to google in case others have experienced it as I can’t think of any way this could have happened. Thanks for this article.
Same thing happened to mine, internal crack on left side. Its being diagnosed now. Used it Friday, closed it opened for a meeting monday and screen had loads of lines and looked cracked on left.
My M1 MacBook’s screen has cracked twice. It was not mistreated and has never left my home. I’ve never had this issue with any of the many other laptops that I’ve owned.
I’ve got a MacBook Pro had for 3 months just opened it and there is crack and bottom left no idea how it’s got there ! What are my rights? No visible crack can only see when turned on although laptop is not coming on and not touch laptop for a few days
I have a 2020 model MacBook Air the the screen just cracked from normal use. There was nothing in-between the screen and the keyboard. I have never heard of this happening until I googled it and I wasn’t surprised to see I’m not the only one. It’s a very small crack but on a laptop this expensive this shouldn’t be happening. Also, how does a screen crack on it’s own?
Your article describes my situation exactly. I went to the Apple store and tech said I needed to replace the display for $428 I did absolutely nothing to crack the screen but it was called accidental damage, likely from pressure commented the tech. I am very frustrated. The tech also pressed on the corner and made the lines worse!
Brand new (two weeks old) MacBook Pro. Closed it after work, opened it at work the next morning and the screen is showing black bars and lines and is unusable. Probe the monitor integrity and a crack is apparent. . Apple store in Switzerland was convinced that I broke the screen although I asked them how it’s possible, no scratch or scuff that would indicate misuse or abuse. wanted me to pay 800CHF to repair and wait 4-5 weeks. Was returning home and had no time to wait, pack it up and decide to take it back to the store I purchased and argue my case for free repair. Open it up when I get home. The crack is no longer visible, I mean flash a light on it, look at all angles and it is crisp and not visible. Crazy. The monitor still doesn’t work, but how it’s no longer visible and the screen looks absolutely perfect is beyond me. Would share before and after pictures if I could. Am sure if I press the screen in the area the crack will appear again but I won’t be doing that until I get inside the store and have a ‘genius’ with me to observe. Needless to say, I am 100% convinced this is a product defect.
i had just shut my macbook after my call for short break and a soon as i opened it there was a small purple line in the side of the screen and i dont know how it occcured i just hope i get a free replacment for this
I have had my Macbook pro for 2 months. Opened up one morning and metal area left lower part under screen cracked and chipped off approximately 2 inches in length.
Mine is same problem.
I had purchased a macbook on 22 Aug. and after 14 days it’s display crack magically. i was surprised when i opened a macbook and show it has crack. First i thought it would be cover under warranty. bt when i goes to store and they denied to cover in warranty. I’m very disappointed. The case is still in running process, and waiting what will apple decide.
My screen also cracked. I did not notice the crack but the screen went funny and then blank after a few hours. I contacted Apple Repair (luckily I had my old Dell computer handy) for live chat. On the website it said that I was not covered but I eventually got through to an adviser and several days and several advisers later I got a repair id and it was collected. When it came back (which I have to say was very quick) the fault was a single crack in the display and it was covered by my one year warranty. I have no idea how it happened as I am very careful with it.
My M1 Macbook Air also had a cracked screen for no reason. I closed the lid with the laptop in perfect condition to go to bed then woke up the next day, opened the lid to internal display cracks making the screen half unusable. They all originated from the bottom left quadrant of the screen. There was no debris or items on my keyboard – the laptop is kept in mint condition.
I took it to the Apple Store in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They tried to say that I must have done something to it and forced me to pay $450.00 to replace the screen since they would not cover it under the warranty.
M1 Macbook Air screen cracks for no apparent reason after 5 months of normal use. Apple first deems it not covered under 1-year warranty and ends up offering a no-cost repair for screen replacement.
When speaking to the Apple rep about my situation, I referred to multiple articles and reports of users with similar issues.
I purchased my M1 MacBook air in April and I have been extremely careful with it and have always ensured no dust or debris gets on it along with cleaning the display with a micro fiber cloth regularly. And today when I opened up my MacBook I noticed a very small fracture under the display on left bezel. No damage to the mac, never been dropped always leave the house with it inside a computer case yet somehow it still managed to get a tiny fracture under the display. Am yet to take it into the apple store as I have a reservation next Monday but hopefully they can resolve this issue.
This is a follow up to my previous post about the Mac Books and screen cracking issue. As an experiment, I recently opened and closed the lid/screen on my Mac Book Air M1 repeatedly. I held it from the middle, the sides and the middle again while I was doing it. My arm got tired. No cracking. I just don’t think this “problem” is all it’s “cracked” up to be.
I’ve had 2 M1 MacBook Air laptops. I sold the first one in order to get a second one with more storage. Both of them were just fine. I had ZERO incidence of cracks in the screen. I cannot see any reason for this to happen since the Intel versions are the exact same body with different processor and there, to my knowledge, were very few reports of the same cracked screen problems. The only thing I can think of is perhaps a supply of screens that were compromised in build quality ended up on various Air and Pro M1 laptops. Most of them are fine and a very small percentage ended up being assembled with the defective screens installed. I actually made the mistake of forgetting I had my Air on a chair under a cushion and I sat on it for a second or two when I suddenly realized it was on the chair! I quickly got up and retrieved my laptop with, thankfully, NO damage. I simply suspect some defective glass was used in a small percentage of the screens and various, albeit, minimal amount of laptops were unfortunate enough to have been built with them. Time will tell. I, for one, did not experience the cracking at all.
Same story as so many I have read below. Three days ago I opened my computer and there were vertical colored lines on the right side of my screen and a horizontal black one running across the bottom. I don’t have an Apple store nearby so was trying to figure out how to get this problem addressed. Meanwhile, the next day I noticed a hairline crack about 3 inches long coming up from the bottom right corner. Today the crack runs all the way up to the top of the screen. The screen glass is smooth to the touch so the crack must be under the surface. I am super gentle with my computer and it just sits on a desk every day so I did nothing to create this crack. Doesn’t sound like Apple was a lot of help to many people regarding this problem and this is going to be expensive to fix. Extremely aggravating.
this is exactly whats happened to me but i literally only broke my phone a few months ago and now i just want to make it last as long as possible before the lines ruin the whole screen (the “crack” is on the bottom right and has happened to me before) as i don’t want to pay for a continuous fault with my computer, i don’t know what to do
Just happened to me, seemed to be spontaneous , was looking at the Apple site ironically when lines appeared on bottom and left hand side of the screen.
Contacted Apple and will send to them for repair.
I have the same problem; my screen crashed when I cleaned it. And two or three weeks ago, I started hearing some sounds inside my M1, like there’s sand inside my laptop. It’s very strange that Apple hasn’t done anything about it.
This is my second Macbook Pro this has happened to. Last time, Apple made me wait three months for them to decide they couldn’t fix it and offered me a brand new laptop. That was almost three years ago, hopefully their turn around on fixing it or making a decision has gotten quicker (inset eye roll here).
Same issue here. Closed the lid, no debris or anything that could damage the screen. Next thing I opened the lid and a crack was there. Its a M1 pro MAX. Within one year warranty now hope this will be covered.
Now my turn without any reason… Going to the Genius Bar !
After 6 mo, the same thing happened to my daughters lap top! Total crap! One night fine, next morning the screen is cracked. Apple store wanted full price to repair it.
Closed my MacBook Air on Friday. It was working fine. Left it in my desk. Came back Monday morning and found the screen cracked. The screen won’t stay on.
This just happened to me and I felt like I was going crazy. I know I didn’t damage it myself because it didn’t leave my desk and nothing fell on it. Glad I found this article, I’m hoping Apple doesn’t charge me for the fix.
I was able to get my cracked screen repaired by Apple, out of warranty. I posted my experience on the Apple community forum thread about M1 screens cracking and it was rejected “because it contained off-topic or non-technical posts”. The exact post is below:
I just had Apple replace my screen despite being 1 year out of warranty. My story is that I’m in New Zealand. I bought a MacBook M1 in 2021. I only use it for business so I virtually never close the laptop because it’s left on a desk in my home office hooked up to some screens. One day about two months ago I closed the screen to take the laptop upstairs. Upon opening the laptop upstairs, I find that the screen is cracked in the lower left hand corner and I have lines running out the left-hand side and all along the bottom of the screen. A quick google search revealed this is a common problem so although the MacBook was out of warranty, I felt I would have a claim against Apple under New Zealand consumer law. Our law here says that a product must be “fit for the purpose it is sold for” and should last for a “reasonable amount of time” in line with what a reasonable consumer would expect, and this law supersedes any manufacturers warranty. I felt that I should be able to expect my MacBook M1 to last up to 5 years given the price point and lifespan of Macbooks I’ve previously owned. I also felt I should be able to open and close a laptop without the screen breaking for no reason at two years of ownership. So I talked to Apple online and told them my thoughts & intention and they told me I have to take it to an authorised repair outlet to be assessed. So I took the computer to the authorised repair outlet and told them that I wanted the computer screen assessed, not repaired, as per Apple‘s instructions, so that I could make a small claims court case against them for the cost of the screen repair. The authorized repairer came back to me saying Apple would cover and I now have a fully repaired screen covered by Apple despite being 1 year out of warranty. I’m 100% confident I would have won the small claims court case under NZ consumer law and I’m also sure that’s why the repair was done. Good luck to others with this issue and I hope my experience gives you some hope if your country has some reasonable consumer protection laws.
I regularly closed my laptop last night and when I woke up this morning the left side of my computer has been cracked. I have done nothing but go to sleep and wake up. When I googled this issue it seems like this is a thing. My computer is past its limited warranty at this time. This is unacceptable.
We’ve had cracks twice in two months with gentle handling. $400+ each time to fix it.
Screen has cracked a 2nd time now after normal use. I have already paid $500 to replace the screen. this crack came out of nowhere. Very disappointed. I have never had a problem with Mac screens until the MacBook Air M1. It’s a disaster.
The screen of my Pro also cracked. And while I hear the rationale about debris and tape/sticker possibly contributing to this, mine my open. I was using it, got up to do something, came back to continue working again and it was cracked.
this is exactly whats happened to me but i literally only broke my phone a few months ago and now i just want to make it last as long as possible before the lines ruin the whole screen (the “crack” is on the bottom right and has happened to me before)
I discovered cracks in my screen yesterday.Three weeks old .i was told that i must have dropped it or closed the screen on something.Was told it would be over $800 for a new screen and possibly more if there is other damage.
I opted to buy a new computer as i thought the other must must have been damaged at the factory.
very disappointed with Apple.How long will it take them to address this issue.
This just happened to me last week and I dealt with Apple today. To say I am disappointed and frustrated with their customer service is an understatement. I closed my laptop at 830pm like normal on Wednesday leaving work as I normally do. Opened it in the conference room on Thursday morning for a meeting and the screen had a couple lines on the right side. No scratches, no dent, no physical damage at all the the screen or the outside of the computer. Took it to a tech store that works with Apple and they agreed there was nothing visible, however, they feared Apple wouldn’t cover it so they said they would have to mail it in or I would need to take it to Apple. 3 visits later I finally got in with a tech. They said it wasn’t under warranty and that it was something I did. I responded with “What, I used it?” I told them there was absolutely nothing I could have done. And that there is no visible damage and I have only had it for 4 months. I have other mac products including an older MacBook Pro and have never submitted a warranty claim ever. I have never had this issue. They are charging me $760 to replace it which is insane. They know the customer cant do anything so they just refuse to cover it. Maybe Apple should consider trusting its customers and working with them unless they have a history of trying to submit warranty claims with them. What benefit do customers have in having to take it in and not having a computer for a week or longer to get it fixed and risking having to pay for it. What exactly does a customer gain from that?! Nothing. And we already pay a lot of money for the product in general. This is Apple being cheap in products and with their customers. Why make a laptop that cant handle normal wear and tear of use for a few months?! Very frustrated and reconsidering all my Apple products.
My 2021 MacBook Pro just experienced a tiny crack. I have been with apple since the 90’s. This last computer was kept at home safely and to keep it protected, I only moved it sparingly. I basically own an expensive desktop that is not portable anymore. Apple just told me they could repair it for 800.00 or I could buy a new one. Not sure where to turn to. My computer has not been exposed to elements and was used in a temp controlled area.
Yes this has happened three times now. We have so far paid for two screens ~$900 ea
It has now randomly happened again. Absolutely furious
This has happened three time, once to my youngest daughter’s computer and twice to my eldest daughter’s computer.
I took it to Apple and they said they had no knowledge of any issues with the screens but then proceeded to tell me that they were not surprised to see the issue and that my daughters must have closed the screen on something such as the cord.
They would not take down my account of what happened into the notes that they were sending to the repair team. I was surprised at this as surely it is relevant the circumstances around what has occurred. It was only after I insisted that the assistant agreed it write it down what had happened. That is, the girls were using the computer, they closed the screen and went away. When they returned there was a band of discolouration in the screen. Then the screen cracked slowly over the next few days before we had a chance to take it to the store for repair. Additionally, when my daughter first took it in she was told it was going to cost $1500 to fix and then when I went in and was questioning them more they then quoted my $1250.
If the screens crack this easily they are not fit for use, as what my girls experienced and what everyone else is reporting is standard everyday use of a computer. I have had another Mac book pro for 7 years, it has been dropped banged etc and it is still in great working order and the screen has never cracked. There is obviously a fault with these generations of the M1 Mac book pros. I am currently waiting for a reply as to whether they will fix it for free or charge me $1250. Given this is the second time I am worried about paying money in case it happens again and I am also worried about buying a new one in case it has the same fault. Not sure what to do.
Had the same issue just a few days ago on my M2 macbook pro. Opened it in the morning to find the screen cracked and apple said they will “evaluate” if it can be covered by the warranty or not as it is a crack point. Total nonsense
I have this exact issue
I had the same issue MacBook Air 6 months old went to use it and the screen appeared to be internally cracked for no reason at all always been kept on a desk, And looked after
I feel your pain. I opened my 2020 13” MBP this morning to notice two nasty looking cracks on the display at the hinge sites. I have taken immaculate care of my computer. I never transport it. anywhere, It stays in the same place in my house 99% of the time.
M2 Macbook Air purchased July 2022. Still under warranty. Lines and flickering on bottom and right side. Apple Genius accused my daughter of cracking or dropping the laptop. Not a knick or dent whatsoever. Wanted over $400 to repair. When I contested, the apple genius ran away and asked the that I call 1-800 apple from the store. I did and they wasted 2 hours my time trying to get the laptop to boot in safe mode and then updating OS. Still not fixed. After seeing many of the same experiences here, have sent an email to apply asking that they fix the display for no more than the apple care price under $100. Owner of 6 Apple computers, 5 iPhones, 3 iPads and an Apple Watch across the family. I hope they treat us like a good customer expects to be treated. And don’t stick us with their design flaw.
Yes, I open my Mac air this morning and screen is cracked on left hand side and has coloured strips vertical and horizontal. I have had it 2 years and have always taken good care of it. Went to Apple repair today and they suggested I check home insurance.
I said heaps of people are having this issue and was ignored.
Is it really worth repair when it might crack again?
Any news on whether this is an issue on macair2.
I also had that kind of issue with my MacBook Air 2020, never drop it nor put in with other stuff in my laptop bag, and I also wear it with extra case protector (smooth case at the inside and hard case at the outside)). I experiencing sudden internal crack while the external surface’s side as smooth as a new laptop. Really break my heart as LCD’s price in developing country like Indonesia way more expensive than other countries. 🙁
I had other laptop from acer and hp which almost 12 years age and never experiencing these kind of things even after I dropped the laptop and never use any protective case. :”(
I don’t know how my screen stated to be defective. I went to the Apple Store in Boca and they implied I broke the screen.
My computer doesn’t not even have a starch and I bought the plastic cases to take extra care.
Very disappointed ☹️
Me and my wife have several products including desktop, lop tops, iPhones & iPod and will not be the same after getting a legit claim down.
Noticed screen crack and then statted flicjering snd ghosting two days later.
Yes, I’m on my third screen. I was careful with the first two but have been even more extremely careful with this one. I opened it up yesterday and there is a tiny point with a thin line running both directions so it’s the beginning of the end for this screen as well. I have absolutely no idea of anything that could have caused it.
I am so upset. I barely use my MacBook M1 Pro and I always have my MacBook Pro inside of the bag case. Today I opened my laptop and I saw this rude black cracked on the screen. Took me years to be able to invest 4 thousands cad dollars on this laptop. I hope I can contact someone that will be able to help get my screen fixed with no charge.
MacBook MI air bought 28.11.22.
I used
it occasionally . It was left flat on my desk. I opened it one morning in early January 2023 to find screen completely distorted. Apple call this ‘customer induced damage’ and are refusing to honour the guarantee. It will cost £498 to repair.
I have also been told now, but not at the time of purchase, that this machine is extremely fragile, has to be opened with 2 hands. Presumably it will therefore go on cracking at random because of this fragility. Apparently even closing a crumb in the machine can do it. (My laptop was nowhere near any crumbs!)
I have the same problem. Last year, less than half a year after the date of purchase, a pinpoint crack appeared as if it pierced the screen, and there was no explanation for it. An Apple employee told me it was most likely my fault and they refused to help. Since then, recently I had noticed two other small dots but they are behind the screen. I haven’t closed the laptop or cleaned it since I noticed the first crack to avoid pressure or scratching the screen. Now I wonder when it will completely break. I paid over $2,500 and I regret the purchase as I don’t want to spend another $800 fixing the screen. When I use it, I am always stressed about not touching the screen at all, so it doesn’t get more damage.
I has the same kind of issue.
My display of m1 macbook air was found broken when I opened it one morning. I could not afford to get it fixed. Now, I am using it by connecting to monitor.
My Macbook Pro screen cracked and I know I have been careful with it. I am now in the process of having to get a new screen as this crack resulted in a black screen. It is less than one year old. 3200 dollars. This known problem should not be happening. I never had an issue with previous Airs, Pros or iPads. I bought this thing thinking I might travel with it. There is no way on earth I can travel with this given it is so sensitive to cracking.
My new MacBook is less than 60 days old and the bezel is cracked in the lower right hand corner. Heartbroken.
My previous MacBook is in perfect condition after 5 years of continuous use.
Feel I threw away my money.
I just bought 2 M2 MacBook airs. 12/22/22 +AirPods. They had no heat in the store and there is no visible area of contact that created a crack. Although, I was told $540? To fix bc we didn’t have apple care. At first the screen was black yesterday it had partially shown screen and a total different area that I was told was cracked. Hmmm! I wanted to let all know and I’m reaching out to every consumer protection agency that I can. Thank you and I hope there’s a resolution soon. It also is going to take 15 days to fix my computer. This is almost longer than I had it bc I reported it cracked Jan 15.
I have faced the issue myself too. No matter how much I explained the authorised dealer in India wouldn’t believe or agree that it was not caused by any damage. The laptop was perfectly fine until I found the damaged screen to my utter shock. I couldn’t believe what I saw. It just went from my cabinet safely in a silicon sleeve and to the computer table. Warranty is not covering it. Very disappointed with Apple response to fix this.
Happened on my son’s machine – 6 weeks old. Apple (UK) insisted it was accidental damage, not their fault, and wouldn’t budge unless we paid the £600 repair. Everyone denied they’d ever heard of this being a recurrent problem. Am going down the consumer act claim route (once I’ve got the machine back).
Happened to me yesterday. 11 month old MBP M1. Used it for an hour, went away for 20 minutes, came back and vertical lines down right side of screen. Apple service claim accidental damage and refuse to repair under warranty.
Cracked screen for no apparent reason 2 times within 2 weeks! Opening and closing the screen gently should not cause this. We spent over $400 the first time driving 1 and 1/2 hours to and from Apple repair store, they did ship it back to us and within 2 weeks it happened in the opposite bottom corner.
I purchased a new MacBook Air on 3/24. It has been on my desk; I have used an external keyboard and mouse since I got it. Yesterday I closed it and moved it to another room. When I opened it, it was cracked. The keyboard is clean. I set it down on my bed and then opened it up.
I contacted Apple, and they will not return it. I am flabbergasted.
Mine happened on the bottom left corner about in 1 inch in
Just happened a couple of days ago. It was fine going to bed & woke up to a busted screen
This just happened to my wife.
My son is on screen number two same issue. Does anyone know if you can get a new Apple without that screen. We can’t afford to keep buying new screens. Any info would be awesome.
I bought a Macbook Pro nearly one month ago. I didn’t use it a lot, say four-five times. And one morning I opened the device: stripes on the display. At the Apple Store Amsterdam, they recognise a small point in the display (only to see by the camera of an iPhone) and indeed I have to pay € 919 to repair the Macbook. Wow, I just bought it for € 2740 ! With no garantuee it wil not happen again off cause. What a shame, I don’t know what to do yet, but I’m ripped off.
Mine is also a late model M1 Mac Pro and I had my screen replaced under Apple Care (costing me $99) due to a crack in the bottom of the bezel. I had no idea what caused the crack, but I suspected something small must’ve been there without my knowledge to cause it, and I blamed myself. However, when I opened my laptop to use it this morning, the new screen as a crack, either in the same spot, or very close to it, and II have been extremely careful of it. It has only been about a month since my first repair! I have also owned multiple Macs (both Air and Pro) and never had a problem with the screen. It’s interesting to note that most everyone has mentioned the damage has occurred on the bottom of their screen.
I have a late model 2020 M1 Apple MacBook Air and the black strip is cracking or delaminating at the hinge area as well. I have had many Macbook’s and I am always careful with them and I have never seen that Logo strip show cracks before.
I purchased my MacBook Pro (13 inch 2017) in 2019, and last week upon waking up and opening my laptop which was placed safely on a desk the night before, I noticed a crack on the bottom left of my screen upon opening it the next morning. The employee at the Apple store emphasised that this could not have in any way be accidental or have been what I identified as pertaining to the flexgate issue, and has occured as a result of excessive pressure, thus requiring me to pay $800 to replace the display. There is no visible physical damage to the laptop, further with no explanation as to how such damage could have been my fault, and this is surely an issue I should not be required to pay for.
I opened my MacBook Pro to begin working this morning only to find a black screen and a crack on the bottom left side. It wasn’t cracked when i closed it on Friday and it didn’t move until I opened it this morning. I’m currently in line at Best Buy and thought to google in case others have experienced it as I can’t think of any way this could have happened. Thanks for this article.
Same thing happened to mine, internal crack on left side. Its being diagnosed now. Used it Friday, closed it opened for a meeting monday and screen had loads of lines and looked cracked on left.
My M1 MacBook’s screen has cracked twice. It was not mistreated and has never left my home. I’ve never had this issue with any of the many other laptops that I’ve owned.
I’ve got a MacBook Pro had for 3 months just opened it and there is crack and bottom left no idea how it’s got there ! What are my rights? No visible crack can only see when turned on although laptop is not coming on and not touch laptop for a few days
I have a 2020 model MacBook Air the the screen just cracked from normal use. There was nothing in-between the screen and the keyboard. I have never heard of this happening until I googled it and I wasn’t surprised to see I’m not the only one. It’s a very small crack but on a laptop this expensive this shouldn’t be happening. Also, how does a screen crack on it’s own?
Your article describes my situation exactly. I went to the Apple store and tech said I needed to replace the display for $428 I did absolutely nothing to crack the screen but it was called accidental damage, likely from pressure commented the tech. I am very frustrated. The tech also pressed on the corner and made the lines worse!
Brand new (two weeks old) MacBook Pro. Closed it after work, opened it at work the next morning and the screen is showing black bars and lines and is unusable. Probe the monitor integrity and a crack is apparent. . Apple store in Switzerland was convinced that I broke the screen although I asked them how it’s possible, no scratch or scuff that would indicate misuse or abuse. wanted me to pay 800CHF to repair and wait 4-5 weeks. Was returning home and had no time to wait, pack it up and decide to take it back to the store I purchased and argue my case for free repair. Open it up when I get home. The crack is no longer visible, I mean flash a light on it, look at all angles and it is crisp and not visible. Crazy. The monitor still doesn’t work, but how it’s no longer visible and the screen looks absolutely perfect is beyond me. Would share before and after pictures if I could. Am sure if I press the screen in the area the crack will appear again but I won’t be doing that until I get inside the store and have a ‘genius’ with me to observe. Needless to say, I am 100% convinced this is a product defect.
i had just shut my macbook after my call for short break and a soon as i opened it there was a small purple line in the side of the screen and i dont know how it occcured i just hope i get a free replacment for this
I have had my Macbook pro for 2 months. Opened up one morning and metal area left lower part under screen cracked and chipped off approximately 2 inches in length.
Mine is same problem.
I had purchased a macbook on 22 Aug. and after 14 days it’s display crack magically. i was surprised when i opened a macbook and show it has crack. First i thought it would be cover under warranty. bt when i goes to store and they denied to cover in warranty. I’m very disappointed. The case is still in running process, and waiting what will apple decide.
My screen also cracked. I did not notice the crack but the screen went funny and then blank after a few hours. I contacted Apple Repair (luckily I had my old Dell computer handy) for live chat. On the website it said that I was not covered but I eventually got through to an adviser and several days and several advisers later I got a repair id and it was collected. When it came back (which I have to say was very quick) the fault was a single crack in the display and it was covered by my one year warranty. I have no idea how it happened as I am very careful with it.
My MacBook Air’s screen cracked too. I bought it in January. Is Apple replacing the screen for free?
My M1 Macbook Air also had a cracked screen for no reason. I closed the lid with the laptop in perfect condition to go to bed then woke up the next day, opened the lid to internal display cracks making the screen half unusable. They all originated from the bottom left quadrant of the screen. There was no debris or items on my keyboard – the laptop is kept in mint condition.
I took it to the Apple Store in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They tried to say that I must have done something to it and forced me to pay $450.00 to replace the screen since they would not cover it under the warranty.
i also experience the same when my macbook air m1 suddenly crack without no reason. but i cant claim any warranty
M1 Macbook Air screen cracks for no apparent reason after 5 months of normal use. Apple first deems it not covered under 1-year warranty and ends up offering a no-cost repair for screen replacement.
When speaking to the Apple rep about my situation, I referred to multiple articles and reports of users with similar issues.
I purchased my M1 MacBook air in April and I have been extremely careful with it and have always ensured no dust or debris gets on it along with cleaning the display with a micro fiber cloth regularly. And today when I opened up my MacBook I noticed a very small fracture under the display on left bezel. No damage to the mac, never been dropped always leave the house with it inside a computer case yet somehow it still managed to get a tiny fracture under the display. Am yet to take it into the apple store as I have a reservation next Monday but hopefully they can resolve this issue.
I also faced this issue. After one week
This is a follow up to my previous post about the Mac Books and screen cracking issue. As an experiment, I recently opened and closed the lid/screen on my Mac Book Air M1 repeatedly. I held it from the middle, the sides and the middle again while I was doing it. My arm got tired. No cracking. I just don’t think this “problem” is all it’s “cracked” up to be.
I’ve had 2 M1 MacBook Air laptops. I sold the first one in order to get a second one with more storage. Both of them were just fine. I had ZERO incidence of cracks in the screen. I cannot see any reason for this to happen since the Intel versions are the exact same body with different processor and there, to my knowledge, were very few reports of the same cracked screen problems. The only thing I can think of is perhaps a supply of screens that were compromised in build quality ended up on various Air and Pro M1 laptops. Most of them are fine and a very small percentage ended up being assembled with the defective screens installed. I actually made the mistake of forgetting I had my Air on a chair under a cushion and I sat on it for a second or two when I suddenly realized it was on the chair! I quickly got up and retrieved my laptop with, thankfully, NO damage. I simply suspect some defective glass was used in a small percentage of the screens and various, albeit, minimal amount of laptops were unfortunate enough to have been built with them. Time will tell. I, for one, did not experience the cracking at all.