Following widespread complaints about graphics issues with some of its MacBook Pro systems manufactured in 2011, and a length of time with no official response to this issue, Apple has finally created a repair extension program for affected users. Not only does the program offer to repair affected systems, but will also issue refunds for those who have endured expenses for having their systems repaired.

The problem occurs with 15-inch and 17-inch 2011 MacBook Pro systems with dedicated graphics cards, where after a while of use, defective systems will begin showing graphical artifacts that include the following symptoms:

• Distorted or scrambled video
• Pixellated patterns with green or pink hues overlaying normal video output
• Blank video output
• System crashing and rebooting
• Failure to boot, and hanging on a gray screen

The systems affected were specifically the 15-inch and 17-inch non-retina MacBook Pro made in both Early and Late 2011, and the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro made in both Mid 2012 and Early 2013. These systems were sold between February 2011, and December 2013.

Apple’s extended repair program will cover your Mac for a duration similar to Apple’s AppleCare Plus extended warranty program, where it will be eligible for repairs up to three years from its date of purchase, until February 27, 2016. Therefore, even if you have not seen graphical issues with your Mac, if they occur in this time frame, then you should be covered.

Apple’s support page for the repair program can be found here.

If you have one of these models and are uncertain whether or not this new extension program covers it, Apple includes a link to its coverage checker tool, where you can enter your system’s serial number to see if it is eligible. To find your serial number, go to the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. If your serial number is not shown immediately, then click the OS X Version number where it should toggle between the version, the build number, and your system’s serial number. Alternatively, you can open the System Information tool (aka System Profiler) in the Utilities folder, and then select the Hardware section, in which you should see your serial number listed in the Hardware Overview.

If you have already paid for repairs to your MacBook, then in addition to covering future damage, this program offers to reimburse for the costs of past repairs. Apple does not outline the specifics of how to receive a reimbursement, and so far only instructs users to contact Apple through its support lines for repairs.

This development is very likely from persistence of many parties, continued complaints by frustrated users, the efforts of sympathetic bloggers and news agencies, as well as pending litigation from law firm Whitfield Bryson & Mason, LLP, which has been in the process of assembling a class-action lawsuit over Apple’s handling of this matter.

While this is exciting news for affected users, WhitField Bryson & Mason, LLP, has suggested that some users feel Apple’s program does not go far enough, and is currently looking into how Apple is handling repairs and reimbursements, in an evaluation process to see if pursuit of a class action lawsuit is still warranted.