Back when new desktop operating systems used to cost $129, the Mac Up-to-Date Program was a lengthy, tedious process involving faxes, stamps, tracking numbers and lots of waiting. With the launch of Mac App Store delivery with Lion, Apple eliminated much of the hand-wringing (and value) about the program, boiling it down to an online form and iTunes redemption code.
So when the submission form went live earlier this week, I cheerfully typed in my Retina MacBook Pro's serial number and within seconds received a string of letters and numbers (via a password-protected PDF) that would allow me to download Mountain Lion. I set my iPhone alarm for 8:30, launched the App Store and clicked "Redeem." It didn't work. I tried again, only to receive the same message: "The code you entered is not recognized as a valid code."
After another 15,637 attempts, I fell asleep. When I woke up two hours later, I tried again. No dice.
As it turns out, Apple flubbed. MacRumors.com reports that the company sent out a batch of invalid codes and will be replacing them in short order. As I wrote this, I received mine and am now happily downloading my free copy of Mountain Lion. Good luck to all frustrated Up-to-Daters and keep checking your email!
martinmikep
July 26, 2012 at 6:45am
I filled out the claim form, and the check mark appeared saying I would get an e-mail with a code to redeem
It's been 22 hours and no e-mail from Apple. Some people got an e-mail with a bad code, I didn't (and still haven't) heard from Apple.I'm afraid if I fill out the form again it will make matters worse.
I'll wait another 26 hours and then just go ahead and purchase Mountain Lion.
Sad day for what should have been a great day.
phoward8020
July 26, 2012 at 9:25am
Would it help to know you're not alone?
I, too, submitted my claim 26 hours ago now and, like you, I've still got nothing. I know it's totally a FWP, but it's *killing* me to be reading all these reviews and articles about ML and not being able to actually USE it on my brand new shiny pretty rMBP!
I just sent an email to uptodatesupport@apple.com to ask about the situation. I have no illusions that it will actually speed up the process, but I don't suppose it can hurt.
P.S.: Filling out the form again won't help or hurt—you just won't be able to proceed past the part where you enter your serial number if it's already been submitted. (Ask me how I know...)
gfereira
July 25, 2012 at 10:11am
I called apple, and after 1 hour on the phone complaining about the issue, the supervisor response was that I need to wait 72 hours for them to re-issue me with new codes for my 2 macbooks... that is BS...
