Some 2016 and later MacBook Pro models announced to be displaying issues with uneven backlighting acquired past a frail and easy-to-break flex cable, which has been dubbed "flexgate."

Impacted machines can feature uneven lighting at the bottom of the screen, which looks a fleck like a "stage light" event, and the brandish can eventually fail entirely.

macbook pro flexgate

Image via MacRumors reader SourceSunToM

What'southward the cause?

According to repair site iFixit, which kickoff highlighted the trouble, 2016 and later MacBook Pro machines are using sparse, delicate display flex cables that are prone to malfunctioning with repeated closing and opening of the MacBook Pro'due south display.

The flex cables are loosely wrapped around the display controller board and when the MacBook'southward display is opened, the cables are pulled tighter, leading to tears and problems over fourth dimension.

2016 macbook pro flexgate

Image via iFixit

iFixit says the backlight cable is usually the ane to break first, leading to backlighting issues and eventual brandish failure.

Which models are affected?

The issue appears to impact whatsoever 13 or 15-inch MacBook Pro model manufactured in 2016 and 2017 though it appears to exist affecting Touch Bar models more than frequently. 2018 models may also be impacted, but Apple did make flex cablevision changes to these machines that may solve the issue.

Apple introduced a redesigned MacBook Pro in 2016, and this was the first to utilise the new flex cablevision. Older MacBook Pro models are not impacted because they utilise a more than durable wire that was routed through the hinge instead of around it, mitigating the stress of repeated display openings.

The new MacBook Air models could also eventually be impacted. While they use a different brandish cable blueprint, iFixit says the cables too wrap over the brandish board and could potentially exhibit the same failure. It'due south not clear yet if that will happen, all the same.

How long does it take for the trouble to show up?

When you first buy a MacBook Pro, the flex cable functions perfectly. With repeated closing and opening of the MacBook Pro's lid, however, the durability can pass up, leading to the display issues.

Since it takes time for the cable to break down, machines experiencing this issue generally do not brandish it for several months to years afterwards buy. Because it takes time to evidence up, affected MacBook Pro models may no longer exist under the ane-year warranty.

Does Apple have a repair plan?

Apple in May 2019 launched a Backlight Repair Program designed for thirteen-inch MacBook Pro models manufactured in 2016.

According to Apple, a "very small percentage" 13-inch MacBook Pro displays from 2016 can exhibit vertical bright areas along the bottom of the screen or a backlight that malfunctions entirely.

Apple will repair afflicted devices, which includes machines sold between October 2016 and February 2018, for free. Eligible models are listed below:

  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (thirteen-­inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

No other MacBook Pro models are included in the repair program at this time, even if those machines are displaying similar bug.

What do I practise if my MacBook Pro has this issue?

If your MacBook Pro has this display issue, the outset footstep is visiting an Apple retail shop, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contacting Apple support.

Unfortunately, when this trouble surfaces, many MacBook Pro models are older than a year and no longer covered by the standard one-year warranty. Those who accept an extended AppleCare+ warranty will be able to get their repairs covered by Apple, and Apple is offering gratuitous repairs for 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro models displaying this issue.

Customers who do non have ‌AppleCare‌+ or a 2016 xiii-inch MacBook Pro may be required to pay out of pocket for repairs. While it'southward a uncomplicated cablevision that needs replacing, because of the way the MacBook Pro is designed, the flex cablevision is integrated into the display and requires the entire display associates to be replaced. This tin price upwards of $600 for customers who are out of the warranty period.

In that location have been reports of customers no longer under the i-year warranty that have been offered costless or reduced toll repairs from Apple, simply others have had to pay total price. Without a consistent policy in identify, repair outcomes will vary.

How many people are afflicted?

Just how many MacBook Pro models are experiencing this effect remains unknown, just a growing number of complaints accept been surfacing over the grade of the terminal few months. There accept been complaints on the MacRumors forums and the Apple Support Communities.

Is at that place a set up?

Apple tree has not publicly commented on the Flexgate bug in some 2018 MacBook Pro models, but information technology appears the company may take quietly implemented a fix in its 2018 machines.

As discovered by iFixit, the cabling responsible for the upshot in older machines appears to be nigh 2mm longer in 2018 MacBook Pro models. The longer length alleviates the stress put on the cablevision when the hinge is open and closed and it could forbid the cable from weakening due to swivel employ.

iFixit isn't certain that the longer cable fixes the result so it'due south possible some 2018 machines will still exist afflicted, but they may very well be less prone to this issue.

Discuss this issue

If you take a MacBook Pro experiencing this flexcable outcome, check out the ongoing word on the MacRumors forums where are users are sharing their experiences with Apple tree support, replacement machines, repair costs, and more.

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