MacBook top case has cloudy patches and discoloration

Question

Level 1

4 points

MacBook top case has cloudy patches and discoloration

I’m facing an issue with my MacBook’s aluminum top case and would appreciate some advice from the community.

My MacBook has developed cloudy patches and uneven discoloration on the top lid. These marks do not go away even after cleaning with only water and a soft microfiber cloth, as recommended by Apple.

It looks more like a coating or anodization defect rather than normal cosmetic wear.

Before I proceed with escalation through Apple Support, I wanted to ask:

Has anyone experienced similar cloudy/anodization patches on their MacBook?

Were you able to get a top-case replacement under warranty?

What steps helped in getting the issue reviewed properly?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Nov 21, 2025 12:26 PM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,768 points

Nov 22, 2025 8:48 AM in response to Kunalkamrani

Good day,

The usual cause of case discoloration is the application and later removal of stickers. However if you bought directly from Apple that should not be the problem. The blotchiness yours shows could also suggest chemical action.

Start by checking your warranty expiration date in System Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty. The date and month of expiration should be within a few days of your purchase anniversary. If it is months off, you need to have a serious conversation with your seller.

Asking what others experienced here is not going to move this along as much as fast as asking Apple directly. Apple cannot answer until they have inspected it, and we end users cannot fully diagnose this from a picture. Apple often handles such matters on a case-by-case basis, so what someone else here has experienced is likely moot. Remediation actions can also vary among countries.

And, no, this is not a common complaint here outside of those from people who have applied stickers.

FYI: the shell of the top case cannot be separately replaced. The entire upper unit is a sealed assembly; individual component in it can be separately replaced. If the stains re not removeable, the only fix is a new display assembly and that is quite expensive.

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Answer 2

Kunalkamrani Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 22, 2025 10:52 AM in response to Allan Jones

Good day, and thank you for the detailed response.

I can confirm that no stickers were ever applied, and no chemicals were used on the device. The marks appeared despite only using water and a soft microfiber cloth, as recommended by Apple. The device is also less than 6 months old and was purchased directly from Apple, so there are no concerns about the warranty period.

I agree that Apple will need to inspect it in person, but I wanted to ask here to understand whether others have seen similar anodization or coating issues. Since the blotchy/cloudy patches cannot be cleaned off, I’m hoping Apple can evaluate whether this is a potential materials or workmanship defect.

I will be taking it to an authorized service provider for a proper assessment.

Thank you again for your input.

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