Macbook Pro Lights at Bottom of Screen

Some 2016 and later MacBook Pro models announced to be displaying issues with uneven backlighting caused by a fragile and easy-to-pause flex cable, which has been dubbed "flexgate."

Impacted machines tin can feature uneven lighting at the lesser of the screen, which looks a bit like a "stage light" effect, and the display can eventually fail entirely.

macbook pro flexgate

Image via MacRumors reader SourceSunToM

What's the cause?

According to repair site iFixit, which beginning highlighted the problem, 2016 and later on MacBook Pro machines are using thin, fragile display flex cables that are prone to malfunctioning with repeated endmost and opening of the MacBook Pro'southward display.

The flex cables are loosely wrapped effectually the brandish controller board and when the MacBook's display is opened, the cables are pulled tighter, leading to tears and bug over time.

2016 macbook pro flexgate

Image via iFixit

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

Which models are affected?

The issue appears to bear on any 13 or 15-inch MacBook Pro model manufactured in 2016 and 2017 though it appears to be affecting Touch on Bar models more ofttimes. 2018 models may too be impacted, but Apple tree did make flex cablevision changes to these machines that may solve the effect.

Apple introduced a redesigned MacBook Pro in 2016, and this was the kickoff to employ the new flex cable. Older MacBook Pro models are not impacted because they use a more durable wire that was routed through the hinge instead of around information technology, mitigating the stress of repeated display openings.

The new MacBook Air models could also eventually exist impacted. While they apply a different display cable blueprint, iFixit says the cables besides wrap over the display board and could potentially exhibit the same failure. It'southward not clear yet if that will happen, however.

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

When you lot starting time purchase a MacBook Pro, the flex cable functions perfectly. With repeated closing and opening of the MacBook Pro'southward lid, however, the durability can decline, leading to the display problems.

Since it takes time for the cable to break down, machines experiencing this issue more often than not do non brandish it for several months to years after purchase. Considering it takes time to show upwardly, affected MacBook Pro models may no longer exist under the one-year warranty.

Does Apple take a repair plan?

Apple in May 2019 launched a Backlight Repair Plan designed for 13-inch MacBook Pro models manufactured in 2016.

Co-ordinate to Apple, a "very modest pct" thirteen-inch MacBook Pro displays from 2016 can exhibit vertical vivid areas along the lesser of the screen or a backlight that malfunctions entirely.

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

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (xiii-inch, 2016, 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

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

What practice I practice if my MacBook Pro has this issue?

If your MacBook Pro has this display issue, the first step 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 i-year warranty. Those who accept an extended AppleCare+ warranty will be able to get their repairs covered by Apple, and Apple tree is offer free repairs for 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro models displaying this effect.

Customers who do not have ‌AppleCare‌+ or a 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro may exist required to pay out of pocket for repairs. While information technology's a simple cable that needs replacing, because of the way the MacBook Pro is designed, the flex cable is integrated into the display and requires the unabridged display associates to be replaced. This can cost upwards of $600 for customers who are out of the warranty period.

At that place have been reports of customers no longer under the ane-year warranty that take been offered free or reduced price repairs from Apple, simply others have had to pay full price. Without a consistent policy in identify, repair outcomes will vary.

How many people are affected?

Just how many MacBook Pro models are experiencing this issue remains unknown, merely a growing number of complaints have been surfacing over the course of the last few months. There take been complaints on the MacRumors forums and the Apple tree Support Communities.

Is there a set?

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

As discovered by iFixit, the cabling responsible for the consequence in older machines appears to be most 2mm longer in 2018 MacBook Pro models. The longer length alleviates the stress put on the cable when the swivel is open and airtight and it could prevent the cable from weakening due to hinge use.

iFixit isn't certain that the longer cable fixes the issue so it's possible some 2018 machines will still be affected, only they may very well exist less prone to this consequence.

Discuss this issue

If yous have a MacBook Pro experiencing this flexcable consequence, check out the ongoing discussion on the MacRumors forums where are users are sharing their experiences with Apple back up, replacement machines, repair costs, and more.