According to a report published today by tech media outlet Wccftech, Reddit user “noss616” recently posted a complaint stating that he purchased a launch-day, fully-loaded 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro roughly two weeks ago. However, after just 15 days of use, the laptop developed a minor annoyance.

The user reports that every time he opens or closes the lid, the notebook emits a noticeable creaking/squeaking sound, audible from both the palm rest area and the hinge. He took the device to an Apple Store for a replacement, but was refused.

Adding to the frustration, the user has an active AppleCare+ subscription. He visited two different Apple retail stores seeking a swap, but staff at both locations claimed they couldn’t hear the sound he described—something the user attributes to excessive ambient noise in the stores.

Wccftech notes that the video evidence posted by the user indeed shows the creaking is extremely subtle; headphones and increased volume are required to hear it clearly. That said, the outlet emphasises that a premium laptop costing over 2,000 AUD (modezone.com  note: approximately 9,165 CNY at current exchange rates) should not exhibit such defects, and customers are fully entitled to a replacement—especially when covered by AppleCare+.

During the service interaction, Apple Store staff took the MacBook to the back for inspection and ultimately declared there was “no issue.” According to the user, one employee used what he described as gaslighting tactics, claiming the noise was “metal rubbing against metal” and perfectly normal.

The employee reportedly justified the refusal to replace the unit by saying:

“We don’t want to set a precedent by replacing it for you. If we swap it and the new one makes the same sound, it just becomes an endless loop.”

The above content is compiled by ModeZone, a fashion and entertainment magazine.