Some Retina MacBook Pros hit by image persistence flaw
Some owners of the new Retina Display MacBook Pro are reporting that images persist on the screen for several minutes, prompting Apple to replace the defective units.
The Retina Display MacBook Pro may have bumped into its first technical issue.
Some owners of the new laptop are posting messages at the Apple Support Communities complaining of an image persistence problem in which an image remains on the screen for several minutes after it should have faded away. As noted by AppleInsider, the lasting image is obvious only on light backgrounds and persists for around five minutes before it disappears.
A few owners say that Apple Store workers ordered replacement units for them after they demonstrated the issue. Some have speculated that this could be just a bad batch of laptops since the problem has yet to be reported on a widespread basis.
However, AppleInsider did caution that image persistence, or image retention, has affected IPS (in-plane switching) displays on other devices and is seen as a major drawback of the technology.
Returning or replacing a defective product shouldn't pose a problem for affected users as Apple offers a 14-day "no questions asked" return policy.
The company also provides a 90-day warranty for technical phone support and a full year limited warranty on defective parts.
CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we get more information.
