MacBook flexgate refers to the design flaw of the MacBook screens manufactured in 2016-2017. The backlight cables are prone to be broken due to extended stretch.
When these flexible cables bend with the display and become worn down, this will lead to some backlights in the display failing. The uneven backlights in the screen can eventually lead to a completely dark screen when the display is tilted further.
This problem arose in 2018 and has persisted up until now. Since the nature of this problem only occurred when the Macbook Pro had aged, it was undiscovered at first and was only brought to attention when 2016 Macbook Pro models began to show signs of wearing down.
Affected models :
Apple has taken note of the flexgate issue with the display and launched the MacBook Pro Display Backlight Service Program to service the affected MacBook free of charge. You can find out whether or not your MacBook is eligible for the backlight repair program on Apple’s website.
This extended warranty program is based on the purchase date of the device. In 2022, most Mac owners have found their devices not covered by the program. Apple charges a premium price for a new screen replacement when your mac is no longer covered by the extended program.
Before sending out your MacBook Pro for repair, please follow these steps to verify that your Mac is affected by the flexgate issue, especial if you want to post your Mac to another city for repair.
If your screen has a “stage light” effect as shown in the photo, your Mac most likely has the flexgate issue. The dark spots on the bottom of the screen indicate the LED lights are NOT working due to one or more copper traces on the backlight flex cable being broken. Sometimes faulty LED light strips inside the screen could cause “stage light”, but it is not common. Apple uses high-quality LED light strips, and most of them will last for 10+ years.
When you open the screen at a small angle, you can see a good image. The screen becomes black once you open the screen wider. Your Mac has the flexgate issue.
If the image is distorted, flickering, or filled with (6 pink) vertical or horizontal lines or your webcam is not working, your Mac has another problem on top of the flexgate issue. THIS CANNOT BE REPAIRED WITH THIS SERVICE ! If this is the case after sending the Macbook to us, before or after the repair, there is no option for a refund. Please first contact us if you are not sure.